Arborvitae - The Ultimate Growing Guide from Proven Winners®
Add year-round color and structure to your yard with this popular landscape plant
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Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) is an evergreen conifer related to cypress, juniper and redwood. This common landscape plant comes in a wide range of sizes, from dwarf shrubs to tall trees. Characterized by green or gold scale-like needles, a dense growth habit, and gray or reddish-brown bark, arborvitae is widely used in the landscape for its versatility and ornamental appeal.
Native to North America and parts of Asia, arborvitae got its name from the French phrase l’arbre de vie, which means “tree of life.” This durable, long-lived perennial is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, and is virtually carefree once established. Here’s more on how to grow and use arborvitae trees and shrubs in your yard.
TYPES OF ARBORVITAE
There are two types of arborvitae common to North America:
American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), also known as eastern white cedar or northern white cedar, is a medium-sized tree native to Eastern Canada, as well as the Northeastern and Upper Midwest regions of the United States. This popular landscape plant comes in different sizes and shapes, from dwarf globe-shaped shrubs to pyramidal, columnar, or weeping shrubs and trees. Most often used as hedging or privacy screening, American arborvitae is extremely hardy and somewhat prone to deer browse.
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), also known as giant arborvitae, is the largest type of cedar, reaching up to 200 feet tall in the wild, with a growth rate of 2 to 3 feet per year. Garden varieties remain smaller. Native to the Pacific Northwest, this species prefers cooler summers, and is less hardy than American arborvitae. Plants perform poorly in hot, humid climates, but may grow in mountainous regions of North Carolina. This large evergreen tree features horizontal, slightly drooping branches, spray-like dark green foliage, and aromatic reddish-brown bark.
PLANTING & ARBORVITAE CARE
How to plant: Early spring is the best time to plant arborvitae. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Plants will perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, and will benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Spacing varies according to the variety, which ranges from 2 to 10 feet for most garden cultivars. Allow enough room for plants to reach their mature size. When planting arborvitae, follow these steps:
- Loosen soil in the planting area to enhance drainage.
- Dig a hole 2 to 3 times as wide and as deep as the root ball.
- Remove the plant from its nursery container and gently tease out roots if potbound.
- Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at or slightly higher than ground level to allow for settling.
- Backfill the hole with soil, tamp down lightly to remove air pockets, and water well. Plants will need regular water until established.
Soil: Arborvitae is tolerant of a wide range of soils. Plants perform best in moist, well-draining soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Mulch around the base of plants with 2 inches of shredded bark or other organic matter to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and cool the root zone. For containers, use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Watering: Arborvitae will tolerate dry spells once established. Provide supplemental water during prolonged heat or dry spells. Don’t allow soil to dry out completely, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizing: Plants can survive with little or no supplemental fertilizer. To spur new growth, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied in early spring according to package instructions. Arborvitae fertilizer can be a complete all-purpose blend, or specially formulated for trees and shrubs. Use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen ratio such as 10-4-4, which will encourage foliar growth. Wait until plants are established before using any fertilizer.
Pruning: Arborvitae looks best when allowed to retain its natural shape and size. Plants used as hedging can be sheared to retain their appearance, and encourage lush, new growth. In late winter to early spring, remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches and lightly shape plants as needed. Older growth at the center of plants may die out. Avoid cutting branches past live growth, as this can leave exposed dead gaps that will not regenerate.
TRY THESE PROVEN WINNERS® VARIETIES
These arborvitae varieties will add beautiful color, texture and structure to your yard:
 North Pole® (Thuja occidentalis) has dense, dark-green foliage and a narrow upright habit, making a versatile backdrop in beds and borders. Use as hedging or privacy screening for narrow spaces, or mass in a bed for a captivating display. Plants are virtually carefree and resistant to winter burn. Zones: 3-8 |
 Tater Tot® (Thuja occidentalis) is a dwarf arborvitae with a compact globe shape and fan-like green foliage. Plants need no pruning to retain their symmetrical shape. Use this versatile shade-tolerant variety in a woodland garden, as edging along a pathway, or in formal landscapes. Zones: 3-8 |
 Anna’s Magic Ball® (Thuja occidentalis) is similar to Tater Tot® in size and growth habit, but with golden foliage. This petite globe arborvitae is useful for small spaces, mass plantings, and rock gardens. Plants hold their bright-yellow coloring year round, making this a superb choice for winter gardens. Zones: 3-8 |
 Spring Grove® Western Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) was selected for its superior winter color and cold hardiness, surviving temperatures down to -25 degrees F. The taller stature, upright pyramidal habit, and fast growth rate make this arborvitae tree useful as a wind break, hedging, or quick privacy screen. Plants hold their dark-green, glossy coloring year round, and are resistant to deer browse. Zones: 5-8 |
 Sting® (Thuja occidentalis) features a unique pencil-thin growth habit and sword-shaped silhouette that is especially attractive in formal landscapes. This distinctive cultivar produces dense, soft emerald-green foliage and smooth reddish-brown bark that becomes more textured as plants mature. Plant in a row to screen a narrow space, or use as an exclamation point in a bed or mixed border. Zones: 3-8 |
 Fluffy® Western Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) grows in a pyramidal shape with a slender, tapered tip, providing eye-catching structure to the landscape. The soft, fluffy foliage emerges yellow, creating a halo effect that persists into winter. Plants retain their distinctive shape without pruning, with a smaller size that is suitable for urban lots. Use this versatile variety in a mixed border, container, mass planting, or as a showy specimen. Zones: 5-8 |
 Cheer Drops® (Thuja occidentalis) has an attractive tear-drop shape and fresh green foliage that remains bright year round. Plants retain their shape naturally, needing little or no pruning. Use as hedging or screening, or plant in irregular groupings to create a stunning display in the landscape. Zones: 3-7 |
 Polar Gold® (Thuja occidentalis) has exceptional cold tolerance, dense evergreen foliage, and yellow growth tips that retain their coloring throughout the year. The slender pyramidal shape is versatile for smaller spaces and urban yards. Plant as a living fence, hedging, or privacy screening. Zones: 3-7 |
ARBORVITAE FAQ’s
How fast do arborvitae grow?
Arborvitae can have a slow, medium or fast growth rate, depending on the variety. Dwarf arborvitae shrubs may only produce a few inches of new growth per year, while the largest arborvitae trees can grow 2 to 3 feet per year.
How big do arborvitae trees get?
The largest arborvitae trees can reach 100 to 200 feet tall in the wild. Most garden varieties will remain smaller, from 10 to 30 feet tall at maturity.
Can arborvitae be trimmed?
Arborvitae plants can be allowed to retain their natural shape and size, though they are amenable to trimming. Hedges are typically sheared to keep a formal or semi-formal appearance. The best time to prune arborvitae is in late winter to early spring before new growth appears.
What problems do arborvitae trees have?
Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases. The most common insect problems for arborvitae are spider mites and bagworms. Other problems may include root rot from overwatering, needle blight, or other fungal diseases.
How do you care for arborvitae trees?
Provide the right growing environment and regular maintenance to keep arborvitae plants healthy and thriving.
Is an arborvitae a tree or a bush?
Arborvitae is a tree or bush, depending on the species and growth habit. Plants range from dwarf shrubs to tall, upright trees.
ARBORVITAE LANDSCAPING IDEAS
Arborvitae is one of the most versatile landscape plants, with year-round color and varieties that come in an array of shapes and sizes. Here are some ideas on how to use arborvitae in your yard:
- Plant a slender upright variety in a row as hedging, privacy screening, to define a property line, or soften a fence.
- Use a dwarf globe-shaped variety to edge pathways and borders.
- Plant a fast-growing, columnar variety in a row to quickly screen out an unsightly view.
- Use an upright medium-sized variety to divide garden rooms.
- Keep an arborvitae hedge neatly trimmed for a formal appearance.
- Add a dwarf arborvitae bush to a rock garden as a specimen for all-season color.
- Use a small- to medium-sized arborvitae in a foundation planting in combination with other shrubs for year-round color and structure.
- Plant a dwarf arborvitae shrub in a decorative container as a year-round focal point for an entryway or patio.
- Use arborvitae for background interest in a mixed border in combination with other trees, shrubs and perennials that offer ornamental attributes in different seasons.
- Mass a small- to medium-sized variety along a slope to stabilize the soil and provide low-maintenance color throughout the year.
- Plant an arborvitae as a focal point to draw the eye through the landscape.
ARBORVITAE COMPANION PLANTS
Combine arborvitae trees and shrubs alongside other plants with similar growing needs of full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
For a mixed border, plant arborvitae alongside:
- Show Time™ crabapple
- Oso Easy Peasy® rose
- ‘All Gold’ Japanese hakone grass
- Shadowland® ‘Diamond Lake’ hosta
For a foundation planting or shrub border, combine arborvitae with:
For a native landscape, plant arborvitae with:
- Midnight Express® redbud
- Gatsby Moon® oakleaf hydrangea
- Gem Box® inkberry holly
- Decadence® ‘Sparkling Sapphires’ baptisia
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