Questionage 2yrs.-4-5ft arborvite turned rust in color and when the branches were shaken moths and some small spiders were scurring on the inner part of the plant.they are watered frequently and miracle grow is used on them bi-weekly-help I`ve lost six of them and I noticed my neighbors around the block are having the same problem.
AnswerKevin,
It sounds like several problems here.
First, the rust color is usually an indication of spider mite damage. However,it is unusual to see the damage at this time of the year.
Secondly, the moths that you are seeing are the adult arborvitae leafminers.
It is important that you stop fertilizing them every two weeks- this is weakening the plants and causing more problems.
Start spraying the Arbs with miticide and an insecticide that is labeled for control of leafminer such as acephate or permethrin.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen