As an expert, I understand your concern about the brown foliage on your arborvitae. Let me provide you with a detailed answer to the question of whether you should cut off the brown from your arborvitae.
Firstly, it is important to note that arborvitaes, like most conifers, do not typically produce new growth on older bare stems. This means that if you were to cut into the brown foliage, it will likely not regenerate or produce new green growth. The brown areas on the plant will remain brown.
To maintain the overall health and appearance of your arborvitae, it is generally recommended to avoid removing more than one-third of the live foliage area per growing season. This allows the plant to continue photosynthesizing and producing energy through its remaining green foliage.
If the brown foliage on your arborvitae is limited to a few small areas, you may choose to selectively prune those specific branches or stems. However, it is important to be cautious and avoid removing too much green foliage in the process. Pruning should be done with care and precision to maintain the overall shape and health of the plant.
If the brown foliage is more widespread and covers a significant portion of the arborvitae, it may be best to leave it as it is. Removing too much of the brown foliage could potentially harm the plant and lead to further stress.
It is important to note that arborvitaes are generally low-maintenance plants and do not require extensive pruning or renovation. They naturally shed older foliage as they grow, and this is a normal part of their life cycle. As the arborvitae continues to grow, new green foliage will replace the older brown foliage over time.
In my personal experience, I have found that arborvitaes can be resilient and bounce back from minor brown foliage without intervention. However, it is crucial to ensure that the plant is receiving proper care in terms of watering, sunlight, and soil conditions. Providing the necessary nutrients and maintaining a healthy growing environment will help the arborvitae recover and thrive.
It is generally not recommended to cut off the brown foliage from your arborvitae, as it will not produce new growth on older bare stems. Removing too much green foliage can harm the plant, so it is important to prune selectively and avoid removing more than one-third of the live foliage area per growing season. Focus on providing proper care and creating a favorable growing environment to support the overall health and recovery of your arborvitae.