Looking for a fast-growing, easy-to-maintain tree for your yard? Junior giant thuja may be perfect for you! This post will provide everything you need to know about this popular ornamental tree, from planting and care instructions to potential problems and solutions.
Table of Contents
What is Junior Giant Thuja?
Junior giant thuja is a type of evergreen tree that is native to North America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, making it a popular choice for privacy screens and hedges. The tree’s dense, green foliage is another reason why it is so popular among gardeners.
In addition, junior giant thuja trees are low-maintenance. They don’t require much pruning or water once they’re established.
As a result, they are an ideal choice for busy homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of having a beautiful ornamental tree without spending a lot of time on upkeep.
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How to Care for Junior Giant Thuja
You can plant junior giant thuja trees in most types of soil if it is well-drained. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball but not deeper. Once your tree is planted, water it deeply and regularly for the first few months.
Once established, junior giant thuja trees are drought-tolerant and don’t require much water. Placing a layer of mulch around the base of your tree will help to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Sunlight
Before planting a thuja tree, it is important to consider how much sun exposure it will need. Thujas are classified as shade-tolerant trees, which means that they can tolerate some shade but will need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
Too much shade will cause the tree to lose its dense color and may even cause it to stop growing. Additionally, thujas that do not receive enough sunlight are more susceptible to disease and pests.
Soil
When planting these trees, it is important to choose the right type of soil. The ideal soil for junior giant thuja trees is a well-drained, sandy loam.
This type of soil has a combination of sand, silt, and clay particles, which helps to provide adequate drainage while still holding onto some moisture.
In addition, the pH level of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic. If you are unsure about the quality of your soil, you can have it tested by a professional before planting your tree.
Water
These massive trees are relatively easy to care for, but they do require regular watering during the first few years after planting. Once established, giant thuja trees are quite drought-tolerant and only need to be watered during extended periods of dry weather.
Young trees will benefit from weekly watering during the growing season. When watering giant thuja trees, be sure to soak the root zone thoroughly. This will encourage deep roots and help the tree to withstand periods of drought.
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Fertilize
As with all plants, it needs proper care to stay healthy and thrive. One important task is to fertilize the tree once a year, using a slow-release fertilizer.
This should be done in the spring before new growth begins. However, you don’t want to use too much fertilizer, as this can damage the roots and cause the foliage to turn yellow.
Mulch
There are many benefits to mulching trees, especially young trees. Mulch helps to protect tree roots from extreme temperature changes, provides nutrients and keeps the soil moist, and can help to prevent weeds from growing.
In addition, mulch helps to create a barrier against lawnmowers and other equipment that could damage tree bark. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that junior giant thuja trees be mulched.
However, you want to make sure that you use the right type of mulch and apply it correctly to avoid harming the tree. There are many types of mulch that can be used for junior giant thuja trees, but the best type of mulch is organic mulch.
This type of mulch helps to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, as well as adding important nutrients. In addition, organic mulch helps to keep the roots of the trees cool in summer and warm in winter.
Spacing
When planting junior giant thuja trees, it is important to space them properly to ensure their healthy growth. They should be planted at least six feet apart, but ideally eight to ten feet apart. This will give them enough room to spread their roots and develop a strong foundation.
Additionally, it will help to prevent competition between the trees for light and nutrients. When planting in rows, the trees should be staggered so that each one has ample space to reach its full potential.
Common Problems
These trees are susceptible to a few problems, the most common being root rot, pests, and diseases.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious problem that can affect any type of tree. It is caused by too much water or poor drainage; if left unchecked, it can kill your tree.
To prevent root rot, make sure to plant your tree in well-drained soil and water it deeply but infrequently. If you think that your tree has root rot, remove it from the ground immediately and replant it in a different location.
With proper care, you can prevent root rot from happening in the first place. However, if you do find yourself with a tree that has this problem, don’t despair. With prompt treatment, you can often save your tree and help it to thrive once again.
Pests and Diseases
Junior giant thuja trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are some exceptions. If you notice any pests or diseases on your tree, it is important to treat them immediately. Otherwise, the problem will likely become worse over time.
The most common pests and diseases that affect junior giant thuja trees include blight and scale. Fortunately, there are many effective pesticides and fungicides available that can kill most pests and diseases.
Simply select the appropriate product for your tree and follow the instructions on the label.
When to Prune
Junior giant thuja trees are typically pruned in late winter or early spring. This is because the tree is not actively growing at the time, which makes it easier to shape. However, if the tree has suffered damage, such as a broken branch, it can be pruned at any time of year.
When pruning, it is important to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It is also necessary to cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. In addition, you may need to thin out the tree if it is becoming too dense.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a strong, healthy tree with a pleasing form.
Propagation
Many gardeners are interested in propagating trees, and the junior giant thuja is a popular choice. These trees are relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, but there are a few things to keep in mind for best results.
First, it is important to choose healthy, disease-free cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the outermost branches of the tree, and they should be at least six inches long.
Once the cuttings have been collected, they should be placed in a container of moist sand or peat moss. The container should be kept in a bright, warm location, and the cuttings should be checked regularly to make sure that they are not drying out.
Life Span
The average lifespan of a junior giant thuja tree is between 20 and 30 years. However, these trees can live for much longer if they are properly cared for. With regular pruning and fertilization, these trees can easily reach 40 or 50 years old. In some cases, they may even live for centuries.
The secret to the longevity of these trees lies in their unique biology. Unlike most other plants, thuja trees do not produce fruit or flowers.
Instead, they reproduce via a process known as vegetative propagation. This allows them to form new clones of themselves that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
As a result, thuja trees do not experience the same wear and tear that other plants do over their lifetime.
Uses
The junior giant thuja tree is a versatile plant that has several uses. It is commonly used as a privacy hedge or windbreak, as its dense growth habit provides an effective barrier. Additionally, the tree can be used for erosion control, as its roots help to hold the soil in place.
Planting a row of thujas along a property boundary can help to protect against strong winds and reduce noise levels. In addition, thuja trees are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and public parks.
Their distinctively shaped leaves and pyramid-like form add interest and texture to any landscape.
Conclusion
Junior giant thuja is a great addition to any garden, and it will continue to grow and thrive for years with proper care. Remember to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought, and give it plenty of fertilizer in the spring and summer. With a little bit of TLC, your junior giant thuja will be the pride of your garden for many seasons to come!