Burning arborvitae question

[Suzy Mouse]

I have arborvitaes that surround my patio. They look beautiful when we view them when we sit out there. However, if you walk around to the other side they look like they're burned. Does anyone know what could cause this? They do get watered so I don't think it's due to a lack of that.

Thanks for your help.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Can it be that you've pruned all the green off? Or was it a gradual happening?

At least your view is beatiful! Mine are planted outside our fence, and quite frankly, I'm not sure what they look like on their other side, that faces a berm, our side looks great, like yours.

Bobbi

 

[mdvaden]

Can you explain what "burned" looks like? To me, that means charcoal, ashes, black and gray.

Do you mean yellow, rust or orange?

Which side faces the sun or sunset?

Spidermites ?? (Hold white paper under foliage, tap, and look for dust that crawls - often with tiny webs. It's a warm season problem)

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Are they up against a road or driveway that gets salted? Has anyone sprayed any weedkiller around their feet?

 

[shrubber]

Odds are its wind burn. Arbs tend to 'burn' ( read freeze) pretty easy in the winter. Try a burlap screen this winter and or an antidesicant sprayed on the leaves. Also make sure they have a good drink of water just before the ground freezes for the winter.