Complete guide on planting, propagating and caring for thuja shrubs

Thuja bushes

Popular ornamentals due to their dark green foliage and conical or pyramidal shape. These shrubs are easy to maintain and provide an elegant look in gardens, parks or even in pots on terraces. To enjoy their beauty, it is important to know the right time for planting, the proper propagation techniques and the right way to care for thuja. In this article, we will guide you step by step to ensure that you will be successful in growing thuja bushes .

I. Planting thuja bushes:

1. Choosing the right location: Tuia prefers exposure to the sun or partial shade, in well-drained and fertile soil. Avoid areas with excessive or stagnant humidity.

2. The right time to plant: The best time to plant thuja is in autumn or early spring, avoiding periods of extreme temperatures.

3. Soil preparation: Before planting, make sure the soil is loosened and enriched with compost or organic fertilizer.

4. Planting itself: Dig a hole a little deeper and wider than the thuja roots. Place the plant in the hole, cover the roots with soil and gently tamp it in. Then, water abundantly.

II. Thuja propagation:

1. Seeds: Thuja shrubs can be propagated by seed, but this is a slower and less reliable method.

2. Cuttings: The preferred method of thuja propagation is by cuttings. Cut a healthy thuja branch, about 10-15 cm long, removing the lower leaves. Stick the cutting into a mixture of peat and sand and keep the soil moist until the cuttings form roots.

3. Layering: Another effective method of propagation is by layering. Choose a flexible branch, bend it towards the ground and bury the bottom in a mixture of soil and compost. After the cutting forms roots, cut it from the mother plant and plant it in another place.

III. Thuja care:

1. Watering: Make sure thuja receives regular watering in the first year after planting to support root development. After the plant is well established, watering can be reduced, as thuja is drought resistant.

2. Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizers, specific to coniferous plants, in spring and autumn. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to root burn.

3. Pruning: Thuja can be pruned to maintain its conical or pyramidal shape. Carry out maintenance pruning in spring or early autumn, removing dead or damaged branches.

4. Disease and pest protection: Monitor the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations such as mites, thuja beetles or silkworms. Apply appropriate treatments as needed.

5. Winter protection: Thuja is generally cold hardy, but young plants may require additional protection during winter. Wrap a thick layer of straw or plastic wrap around the bases of young plants to protect them from frost.

Planting, propagating and caring for thuja can be done easily if you follow a few simple steps and pay attention to the specific needs of this plant. Make sure you choose the right location, dig a proper hole, plant at the right time and give it the attention it needs to grow beautifully.

By propagating by cuttings or layering, you can get new plants to expand your collection. Finally, regular care such as watering, fertilizing and pruning will ensure the health and pleasant appearance of the thuja tree. So start planting and caring for these wonderful shrubs and enjoy their beauty in your garden.

Thuja (Thuja) is a resistant plant, but it can suffer from certain diseases and can be affected by specific pests. Here is some information about thuja's preferred environmental conditions, as well as the diseases and pests it may encounter:

Preferred environmental conditions for thuja:

• Light and exposure: Tuia prefers exposure to the sun or partial shade. It is important to give your plants access to enough light to grow properly.

• Soil: Thuja grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The soil should preferably be neutral or slightly acidic. Avoid soils that are too wet or clayey, as these can cause water to stagnate around the roots.

• Moisture: Thuja is drought tolerant once well established, but in the first year after planting it may require regular watering to develop its roots.

Common thuja diseases:

1. Conifer blight (Cercospora spp.): This disease causes brown spots on thuja leaves, which can spread and cause them to wilt. It is important to remove affected leaves and apply suitable fungicide treatments.

2. Root rot (Phytophthora spp.): This is a type of fungus that can affect thuja roots, causing them to brown and rot. To prevent this problem, make sure the soil is well drained and avoid over watering.

Common thuja pests:

1. Thuja mites: These tiny mites can cause the leaves to discolor and wrap in a thin layer of silk. Apply a treatment with a specific mite insecticide to control the infestation.

2. Thuja beetles: Thuja beetle larvae feed on thuja leaves, causing damage and defoliation. They can be removed by hand or you can use an appropriate insecticide to control the population.

3. Silk fungus (Nectria cinnabarina): This fungus causes wounds and cankers on the thuja trunk and branches. It is important to cut and remove affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease.

Prevention and treatment of diseases and pests:

• Make sure that thuja is planted in the right conditions and that it benefits from good ventilation of the branches to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

• Monitor thuja plants regularly to quickly detect signs of disease or pest infestation.

• Remove and destroy any affected leaves or branches to prevent the spread of disease.

• Use appropriate fungicide and insecticide treatments according to package directions to control diseases and pests.

• Maintain good hygiene around thuja plants, removing fallen leaves and other plant debris that can promote disease development.

• Encourage good air circulation around the thuja by planting them at an appropriate distance between them.

• Consult a professional gardener or nurseryman for additional advice and specific recommendations on preventing and treating thuja diseases and pests.

Remember that prevention is always better than treating diseases and pests, so pay regular attention to thuja plants and provide them with optimal conditions to keep them healthy and resilient.

There are a wide variety of thuja species and varieties available, each with unique characteristics in terms of foliage size, shape and color. Choosing the right species or variety for your garden depends on several factors, such as the size of the garden, the purpose of the planting, and personal preference for appearance. Here are some important things to consider when choosing thuja for your garden:

1. Size and shape: Thuja can vary in height and width, from small and compact species and varieties suitable for small gardens or pots, to large and fast-growing species suitable for hedges or privacy screens. Think about the available space and the purpose for which you want to plant thuja and choose a species or variety that fits the desired dimensions.

2. Foliage color: Thuja can have different shades of green, ranging from dark green to light green or even gold. Choose a color that matches the color palette of your garden or creates the desired contrast in the landscape.

3. Tolerance to environmental conditions: Some thuja species are more resistant to cold or drought than others. Check the plant's hardiness zone to make sure the species you choose is suitable for your area's climate.

4. Intended use: Think about how you want to use thuja in your garden. You can opt for cone- or pyramid-shaped thuja to create a focal point or to delimit an area. If you want a hedge or privacy screen, choose a species that is dense and branches well at the bottom.

5. Maintenance: Some thuja species require more care than others. If you want an easier plant to maintain, look for species that don't require frequent pruning or that are more resistant to diseases and pests.

6. Combinations in the garden: Think about how the thuja will fit in with the other plants in the garden. You can choose thuja species that harmonize with the style and characteristics of the other plants in the garden.

7. Consult a specialist: If you are in doubt or if you are not sure which species or variety of thuja to choose, ask a professional gardener or nurseryman for advice. They can provide information and advice tailored to the specifics of your garden and your requirements.

In conclusion, choosing the right thuja species and variety for your garden is a personal decision based on desired size, shape, color, environmental tolerance, maintenance and garden associations. Analyze these aspects and consider the advice of a specialist to choose the thuja that best suits your needs and preferences.

Thuja planting can generally be done in autumn (September-October) or early spring (March-April). Here are some steps you can follow to plant thuja:

1. Soil preparation: Choose an area in the garden that benefits from exposure to the sun or partial shade. The soil should be well drained and have adequate nutrient content. You can add compost or organic fertilizer to the soil to improve its fertility.

2. Digging the hole: Dig a planting hole that is slightly deeper and wider than the thuja roots. Make sure the size of the hole is large enough to allow the roots to spread freely.

3. Soak the roots: Before planting thuja, you can soak the roots in water for about an hour. This will help hydrate the roots and facilitate the planting process.

4. The actual planting: Place the thuja in the hole, making sure the soil level at the base is the same as the surrounding soil level. Make sure the thuja is straight and then gradually fill the hole with soil, compacting gently around the roots. Do not bury thuja too deep - the top of the roots should be level with the surrounding soil.

5. Watering and mulching: After planting, water thuja well to help stabilize the roots. Then, apply a layer of mulch around the plant to maintain soil moisture and control weed growth.

Maintenance regime and recommendations for thuja:

• Watering: Water thuja regularly the first year after planting to help the roots establish. Once the plant is well rooted, it will need less watering and will be drought tolerant.

• Fertilizer: Apply special conifer fertilizers in the spring and fall to support thuja growth and health. Follow the instructions on the package to apply the correct amount of fertilizer.

• Pruning: Thuja can be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. Carry out maintenance pruning in spring or early autumn, removing dead, damaged or unwanted branches. Avoid excessive pruning, as thuja can have difficulty regenerating branches.

• Disease and pest protection: Monitor the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations such as mites, thuja beetles or silkworms. Apply appropriate treatments to control identified problems and take preventative measures such as maintaining good hygiene around the plant.

• Winter protection: Thuja is generally cold hardy, but young plants may require additional protection during winter. You can surround the base of the thuja with a layer of straw or plastic wrap to protect it from cold temperatures and strong winds.

• Regular monitoring and maintenance: Check your thuja regularly for any signs of problems, such as leaf discoloration or branch damage. Pay attention to other aspects of maintenance, such as weeding, removing fallen leaves, and maintaining a clean environment around the plant.

In conclusion, thuja planting involves ensuring adequate soil, a healthy plant and good planting technique. Maintenance consists of regular watering, fertilizing, pruning and protecting against diseases and pests. Make sure you follow the specific recommendations for the species and variety of thuja you have and give it the attention it needs to grow beautifully and healthily in your garden.