cleaning out interior needles

11 years ago

I read the forum regularly and know about interior browning / needle shed. It's not that much of an issue with spruce, fir or pine but once a year, my arborvitaes are a pain. I'm talking about 19 Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', spaced roughly 5' on center, planted 6 years ago and individually are 15'h x 4'w. The job is done for this year but while cleaning them out I had a couple thoughts.

Is the accumulation of old needles at the base a bad thing? Thuja seem to root easily so maybe a heavily mulched root flare isn't as problematic as with other species? Most had 8-12" of fluffy needles at the base which might decompose down to only a few inches?

I know it's sacrilege but has anyone ever seen them slightly limbed up, maybe 12-18" so the spent needles could be raked out? I'm picturing a "popcicle" thuja screen and am not quite sold on the look but when I had my head inside them I noticed the bark is somewhat ornamental.

So, what do you think?

Before:
{{gwi:686616}}

After:
{{gwi:686618}}

It does generate a fair amount of free mulch, the back side looks the same:
{{gwi:686620}}

Comments (2)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
in my world.. that is called free mulch ...

ken

ps: have you ever walked thru a mature conifer forest??? ... the needles can make a layer of such.. 10 inches thick .... its like walking on a spring board.. under such logic.. its natures way.. IMHO ....

pps: since i believe such.. i would NOT limb them up ...
midwest_dave
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Ken.

It does seem like a natural process of self-mulching, why should I interfere. Maybe because of the cultivated nature of my plants (multi-stemmed, fastigate, ugh.. what was I thinking) it was benefitial to some extent, but probably not necissary? Improved air circulation, light penetration or lack of nesting habitat for mice/voles is a good thing?

I do prefer the needles spread out 2-3' wide, 3" deep along both sides of them but they probably don't care so much either way? My preference, my pain?

Heck after the chore was done and after a few adult beverages from my favorite chair all I could think was what a nice mulch job.

I don't remember you ever talking about cleaning out your 'Green Giant' or 'Degroot's Spire'. Nor does the topic seem to come up here much other than people asking out about their "dying" arbs.

p.s. The pruners are down and I'm walking away. It wasn't really ever a real consideration but seemed like a possibility when you consider the nice trunks and ease of spreading needles.
Related Professionals
Lakewood Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rancho Cordova Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Allentown Landscape Contractors · Deerfield Landscape Contractors · Fort Wayne Landscape Contractors · Hurricane Landscape Contractors · New Brighton Landscape Contractors · Palos Verdes Estates Landscape Contractors · Placerville Landscape Contractors · Rio Linda Landscape Contractors · Teaneck Landscape Contractors · West Orange Landscape Contractors · Westchester Landscape Contractors · Merrifield Landscape Contractors · North Hills Landscape Contractors