Troubleshooting
Dwarf Golden Oriental Arborvitae problems — and how to fix them
Dwarf Golden Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis 'Aurea Nana') 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.
Foliage browning
Can be caused by winter desiccation, waterlogging, or drought. Ensure good drainage and provide shelter from cold, drying winds.
Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Bags of silk and foliage appear on stems. Remove by hand in late winter before eggs hatch; treat severe infestations with Bacillus thuringiensis.
Root rot (Phytophthora)
Occurs in poorly drained, wet soils. Improve drainage at planting; no effective cure once established.
Spider mites
In hot dry summers, cause foliage stippling and bronzing. Increase watering and apply miticide spray if necessary.
Prevent dwarf golden oriental arborvitae problems before they start
Most dwarf golden oriental arborvitae issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Dwarf Golden Oriental Arborvitae problems — FAQ
Why is my dwarf golden oriental arborvitae foliage browning?
Can be caused by winter desiccation, waterlogging, or drought. Ensure good drainage and provide shelter from cold, drying winds.
Why is my dwarf golden oriental arborvitae bagworm (thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)?
Bags of silk and foliage appear on stems. Remove by hand in late winter before eggs hatch; treat severe infestations with Bacillus thuringiensis.
Why is my dwarf golden oriental arborvitae root rot (phytophthora)?
Occurs in poorly drained, wet soils. Improve drainage at planting; no effective cure once established.
Why is my dwarf golden oriental arborvitae spider mites?
In hot dry summers, cause foliage stippling and bronzing. Increase watering and apply miticide spray if necessary.