Troubleshooting
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae problems — and how to fix them
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Snow/ice splaying
The slim column is prone to splaying under snow load; tie loosely with twine and clear heavy snow to keep the spire intact.
Winter browning
Drying winter winds can bleach foliage; water well before freeze-up and shelter exposed plantings.
Bagworms
Silk bags defoliate branches; hand-pick in winter or treat early-summer larvae.
Drought-induced interior browning
Dry soil browns inner foliage; consistent watering and mulch keep the spire dense.
Prevent degroot's spire arborvitae problems before they start
Most degroot's spire arborvitae issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common arborvitae problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Degroot's Spire Arborvitae watering schedule
- Degroot's Spire Arborvitae light requirements
- Best soil mix for degroot's spire arborvitae
- Degroot's Spire Arborvitae temperature & humidity
- Full degroot's spire arborvitae care guide
Looking for degroot's spire arborvitae in general rather than its problems? Read the full degroot's spire arborvitae care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae problems — FAQ
Why is my degroot's spire arborvitae snow/ice splaying?
The slim column is prone to splaying under snow load; tie loosely with twine and clear heavy snow to keep the spire intact.
Why is my degroot's spire arborvitae winter browning?
Drying winter winds can bleach foliage; water well before freeze-up and shelter exposed plantings.
Why is my degroot's spire arborvitae bagworms?
Silk bags defoliate branches; hand-pick in winter or treat early-summer larvae.
Why is my degroot's spire arborvitae drought-induced interior browning?
Dry soil browns inner foliage; consistent watering and mulch keep the spire dense.