How to spot arborvitae
- Flat, scale-like evergreen foliage in fan-shaped sprays
- Tall, narrow, column shape — usually planted in a row as a screen
- Small, ribbed cones
- Often the privacy hedge along a property line
Arborvitae is the default privacy screen here, which means when one browns out it leaves an obvious gap. The usual culprits are bagworms eating them bare, winter burn, road salt, or simply being crowded and shaded at the bottom — and evergreens don't always regrow foliage where it's been lost.
When a screen of arborvitae starts going brown, we can take a look, tell you what's salvageable, and clear and replace the ones that are gone.
Common problems we see on arborvitae
This is general guidance from three decades of tree work across the Philadelphia area — not a formal diagnosis. When it matters, we'll come look at the actual tree and give you a straight answer, free.
Brennan Tree Service has cared for trees across the Philadelphia area since 1994.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my arborvitae turning brown?
Common causes are bagworms, winter burn, road salt, or crowding at the base. Some browning recovers and some doesn't — evergreens are slow to refill bare spots. We can tell you what's worth keeping.