I planted arborvitae in spring. 2 have died. Several are turning brown at the ends. Should I cut the ends off?

Answer 1

Before you do anything, figure out why they are dying. Sounds like a water issue to me. If you failed to give them a deep soaking once a week through the growing season, blame yourself. If you cared for them properly, you may want to do a soil test. In other words, before treating or replacing, determine what went wrong in the first place.

Answer 2

If the two died, they probably were not getting enough water.

For those that are left, check to see if what you are really looking at (as far as the "brown " ends go) is cone formation. Arborvitae set small, golden-colored cones in the late summer/early fall. Just leave them as is if they are little cones -- that is just part of being an arborvitae. Remember, an arborvitae is just another species of evergreen, like pines or spruces.

Answer 3

The brown ends are dead, so yes, go ahead and cut them off. Have you been watering them? Most trees and shrubs will need watering the first couple of years to get established. Good luck.