Have you ever heard of an Arborvitae? It’s a cool-sounding name for a really useful tree (or large shrub) – especially as we have chickens or we want to make our garden awesome.
What is an Arborvitae (Thuja)?
Arborvitae (pronounced ar-bor-VYE-tee) is a type of evergreen conifer, which means it keeps its leaves (or needles, actually) all year round. They come in different shapes and sizes, from tall and skinny to more rounded and bushy. They’re known for their soft, scale-like needles and their pleasant, slightly lemony scent.
Why Chickens Love Arborvitae (and Why we Will Too):
Shelter from the Elements: Just like we need shelter from wind, rain, and sun, so do chickens! Arborvitae create excellent windbreaks and provide shade during hot summer days. This keeps our feathered friends comfortable and happy.
Protection from Predators: A dense Arborvitae hedge can act as a natural barrier, making it harder for predators like foxes to get to our chickens.
Dust Bathing: The dry soil under an Arborvitae is perfect for chickens to take dust baths. This is how they naturally clean their feathers and get rid of parasites.
A Snack (Sometimes): While not a primary food source, chickens might nibble on fallen needles. This is generally okay in small amounts.
Benefits for the Garden
Privacy Screen: If we want to create a bit of privacy in our garden, a row of Arborvitae is a fantastic option. They grow relatively quickly and form a dense screen.
Windbreak: As mentioned, they’re great at blocking wind, which can protect other plants in our garden from damage.
Low Maintenance: Once established, Arborvitae are pretty easy to care for.
Evergreen Beauty: They will add year-round greenery and structure to our garden, even in the winter.
Other Benefits
Wildlife Habitat: Arborvitae provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small creatures.
Air Purification: Like all plants, they help clean the air.
How to Look After Your Arborvitae
Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Watering: Water regularly, especially when they’re young and during dry periods. Once established, they’re more drought-tolerant.
Pruning: You can prune them to maintain their shape and size, but they generally don’t need much pruning. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring.
Fertilising: You don’t usually need to fertilise Arborvitae unless the soil is very poor.
Watch Out For: Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites or bagworms. If you see any problems, you can find organic solutions at your local garden centre.
Important Note for Chickens: While small amounts of nibbling on the needles are usually fine, large quantities could cause digestive upset. We need to make sure our chickens have access to plenty of other food and don’t rely on the Arborvitae as their main source of nutrition.
So, there you have it! Arborvitae are a fantastic addition to any garden, especially one with chickens. They provide shelter, protection, and beauty, all while being relatively easy to care for. If you’re looking for a versatile and beneficial plant, consider adding an Arborvitae to your landscape!
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