[patricia53]

I planted a hedge of thuya brabant 3 months ago and now the leaves and branches are turning yellow. Is it an illness or am I doing something wrong to them. Too much or too little water? Not planted properly? I am new to gardening and really need help to save my hedge!

[Liparis]

Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' does better with more lime content than other conifer hedges. It's hard to tell whether this is your problem or whether it's over or under watering as each of these things could cause similar symptons. Try and get down through the soil close to one of the trees. Using a small hand trowel, excavate soil, gently, until you about below root level. Is the soil soggy? if so then over watering is your problem. Is it very dry? then it's underwatering. If the soil is evenly moist then your problem may be the soil. Test the soil to make sure it has enough lime content, and food minerals.
If you need to water the hedge, forget using a hose pipe, you won't do it, most of your water is going to run off and be wasted. Get a drip watering system and leave it running, save water and patience. If the soil is wet right down, then don't go watering, we're having a wet enough time this year.
Once your soil is evenly moist to below root level get a good layer of farmyard manure or garden compost/grass clippings above the roots to stop any evaporation of moisture. Don't go right up to the stem but keep it a couple of inches clear and cover about 2' wide either side. The thicker the better. Farmyard manure can be reasonably fresh as you aren't digging it it. It's slowly getting the nutrients washed in by weather.
Bill.

[patricia53]

Thank you for all your advice.
I will take a look tomorrow and follow your instructions.