Arborvitae turning brown after planting

Q: I recently had these arborvitae planted and have been noticing some yellowing/browning on them. Is this normal from shock of planting? I’ve only watered once a week because the temps have been cooler and we have had a decent amount of rain lately. I live in Effingham County Georgia.

A: The yellowing concerns me. Even though you’re watering once a week, the sandy soil in your area doesn’t hold water very long.

I think the root balls are drying out.

I would water twice a week and make sure the hose is pointing directly at the base of each plant. We want water to go directly into the root ball and not around the sides. In my experience, arborvitae can go from green to brown in just a few days if they are not carefully watered when establishing.