Arborvitae are a popular choice for privacy screens because of their year-round foliage and rapid growth. They thrive in full sun with well-draining soil.

They resist wind and tolerate colder climates once established. Avoid pruning them to bare stems or you won’t get new growth. A light spring fertilization helps.

ARBORVITAE BASICS

Zones: Differentials ranging between Zones 2 and 8
Mature height/spread: The size of mature arborvitae is determined by the cultivar and species. Certain low-growing plants are less than three feet tall. Large trees can reach the height of 70ft, and wides of 25 feet.
Shapes: Conical, mounded, pyramidal pendulous, rounded or conical depending on the cultivar.
Foliage: The majority of arborvitaes have flattened lacy, aromatic needles, that range from the emerald-colored green to the gold. Cones shaped like rosebuds that measure approximately 1/2-inch in length are visible in early summer and change from green to the nutmeg-brown.
Rate of growth: Growth rates vary based upon the cultivar and species. Certain species grow extremely fast, with 3 to 4 feet in a year and others, like miniatures and dwarfs, develop significantly slower.

TYPES OF ARBORVITAE

Arborvitae (Thuja) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its lush foliage, low maintenance, and versatility in landscapes. Here are some common types of arborvitae:

Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’)
Known for its dark green foliage, Techny grows to about 10–15 feet tall and has a broad, pyramidal shape. It’s highly resistant to cold and is often used for hedges in colder climates.

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Also known as Eastern arborvitae, this variety is often used for hedges and screens. It grows up to 40–60 feet tall but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. The cultivar ‘Smaragd’ or Emerald Green is especially popular for its dense, bright green foliage.

Giant Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)
Known as Western arborvitae or Western Red Cedar, this is a larger variety that can grow up to 50–70 feet tall. It has reddish-brown bark and is often used in large landscapes for privacy screens or windbreaks.

Golden Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Aurea’)
This variety is prized for its golden-yellow foliage that adds color year-round. It grows to about 15–20 feet tall and is great for accent planting or hedges.

Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ and ‘Woodwardii’)
These are dwarf varieties that have a rounded, globe-like shape, reaching about 2–4 feet in height. They are perfect for small gardens, foundation plantings, or as low hedges.

HOW TO PLANT ARBORVITAE

lanting time:

It is possible to plant an arborvitae anytime of the year however fall is usually the most ideal time to plant because the cooler temperatures reduce stress from the heat and the moisture from rains in the fall help establish a healthy, sturdy root system.

What to plant

Your arborvitae should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sunshine per day. While some varieties will tolerate some shade, they will get sluggish if they do not get enough sunlight.
Arborvitaes thrive in all types of soil, but they aren’t fond of feet that are sloppy. They should be planted in soil that is well-drained or apply amendments to help improve drainage if the soil is contaminated with clay or sand.
Plant arborvitaes in areas where the roots can be spread and allow room for growth to reach their full size.

Plant spacing:

If you are planting an enclosure or hedge make sure to make sure to leave at least 3 or 4 feet space between the plants. Staggering arborvitaes with an zig-zag instead of packing them into a narrow row will appear more natural and provide them with plenty of space.

Planting:

When you buy an arborvitae in a burlap-wrapped or potted form from a garden center you should plant it in your backyard within a few days of taking it home to ensure the roots don’t get dry.
Make a hole for planting which is a quarter of an inch deep than the root ball of the plant but 2 to 3 times wider, so that roots can grow.
Place the arborvitae into the hole, making sure the height of your rootball is greater than soil’s surface so that the roots aren’t drowned. Then, gently fill the hole with soil excavated and water well to thoroughly settle the soil. Don’t pack the soil with your feet or tamp the area.
After planting, irrigate the roots thoroughly with an hose run over the base of the plant, or by using the soaker hose. Repeat the soaks for at least two times each week (if you don’t get the rain you need) to ensure that the roots are established.

Containers for planting:

Arborvitae with smaller cultivars are suitable for use as attractive containers or even topiaries that provide all-year-round interest. Particularly, dwarf varieties are resistant to some restrictions on root growth and thrive in pots outdoors for many years.

In order to retain moisture, apply mulch or compost on the surface of the container surrounding the root ball.

Select a pot that is suitable for the size (one smaller that the diameter of your root ball) to provide the roots with plenty of space to grow. The pot you choose to use can be made from clay, ceramic, fiberglass, concrete, treated wood, or a tough plastic. In colder climates, you should use the material which is resistant to freeze-thaw. A good drainage system is essential.

Fill the pot to a certain extent with a premium potting mix, and preferably one that is specifically designed for evergreens. Do not use garden soil as it is too compact and heavy and could block drainage.

Set the roots ball down on the top of soil, in the center of pot then add more soil until it’s at to the very top. After planting, soak the soil well and gently press the soil to get rid of all air pockets.

ARBORVITAE CARE

Fertilization:

When it is grown in well-drained soil, and with enough sunlight and water Arborvitaes rarely require fertilizer. However, if the new growth begins to become sparse or if the soil you have is not adequate, you might have to provide your plant with an extra boost in nutrition.

In containers for arborvitaes that are in containers, it is recommended to fertilize them regularly to replenish the nutrients that are absorbed from the soil. Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer to prevent root burn and be sure to water the plant well prior to and after every application.

Watering:

The newly planted trees should be given around one inch of water each week throughout their growing period. Make sure the soil is evenly damp but not completely saturated. Reduce how often you water when the roots get established. Make use of a hose to bring direct water to the roots.

Potted arborvitaes must be watered frequently even in cold winter days. Since evergreens aren’t completely dormant during winter, they’ll require water.

Arborvitaes may suffer stress because of either overwatering or underwatering. If your plant doesn’t get enough water, your foliage may begin to turn be brown or yellow, and the needles could fall. (In autumn the needles may brown, but some dropping is normal.) In addition, overwatering could cause discoloration of the needle and cause irreparable damage by fungal and root rot infection.

Winter care:

A lot of snow and ice can break and bend those branches that are taller trees. Use a broom gently sweep away the heavy, wet snow prior to it can get accumulated.

Certain varieties of arborvitae such as those that set out a number of leaders, might need to be staked in order to keep them in place. The damaged arborvitaes of storms are usually revived by pulling branch upwards by using ties, and trimming off broken branches.

Pests and diseases:

The reason that arborvitaes are so well-known is because they’re not often affected by diseases and insects. But, they can succumb to blight of the twig and needle caused by fungal attacks, particularly if air circulation is impeded by the crowded plants. To prevent blight, trim off the affected branches and treat them with the chemical fungicide.

Beware of bagworms that like to eat the leaves of evergreens, including arborvitaes. The spider Mites along with stem cankers may also cause problems.

FAQ’S

What are the uses of arborvitae?
Arborvitae is commonly used for:

Privacy Hedges and Windbreaks: Its dense foliage and tall growth make it ideal for creating privacy screens and shelter from wind.
Foundation Planting: Smaller varieties work well around homes for year-round greenery and structure.
Ornamental Uses: Dwarf and globe-shaped varieties add unique shapes and textures to gardens as focal points or border plants.
Wildlife Habitat: Arborvitae provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.

How big do arborvitae get?
Arborvitae size varies by type:

Small Varieties: Dwarf varieties like Globe Arborvitae reach around 2–4 feet tall.
Medium Varieties: Emerald Green Arborvitae usually grows up to 12–15 feet tall.
Large Varieties: Types like Green Giant and Giant Arborvitae can reach heights of 50–70 feet in optimal conditions.

Is arborvitae a good tree?
Yes, arborvitae is generally a good tree, especially for landscaping. It’s:

Low Maintenance: Arborvitae requires little pruning and adapts well to various soil types.
Versatile: With different sizes and shapes available, it fits well in both small and large landscapes.
Year-Round Greenery: It stays green all year, providing continuous color even in winter.
Durable: Arborvitae is resistant to pests, disease, and deer in many cases, making it a hardy choice for many regions.