Arborvitaes Trees: Benefits, Types, and Landscaping Ideas

Arborvitaes trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their numerous benefits. They can thrive in a variety of conditions, including wet and dry soils.

Some types of arborvitaes include the Eastern White Cedar, Western Red Cedar, and the Arborvitae, also known as Thuja occidentalis. These trees come in different shapes and sizes.

Arborvitaes trees are known for their ability to tolerate drought and their low maintenance requirements. They can survive with minimal watering and pruning.

In addition to their hardiness, arborvitaes trees also provide a natural barrier for wind and noise. They can be used to create a screen or hedge.

Arborvitaes trees can grow up to 15 feet tall, making them a versatile option for landscaping. They can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or left to grow naturally.

For another approach, see: Best Time to Trim Arborvitaes

To keep your arborvitae tree as healthy as possible, regular tree pruning, watering, and using arborvitae tree fertilizer are essential.

Arborvitae trees benefit from fertilizer feedings, especially mature and established ones that require organic-based macro and micronutrients for sustenance.

Newly planted arborvitae trees can benefit from ArborKelp, a seaweed biostimulant that aids in tree establishment and promotes root growth.

Arborvitae trees can suffer from occasional insect infestations, including aphids, scale insects, and bark beetles.

Arborvitae trees don't need much pruning, but it's a good idea to remove any broken or dead branches from time to time.

Pruning can be done in early spring, but minor trimming can be done at any time. Avoid pruning in late fall, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by harsh temperatures.

Topping, a type of pruning, can change the shape of your tree forever, so use it sparingly. If you want to create a hedge, topping might be okay, but otherwise, it's best to avoid it.

Arborvitae trees are hardy and require little maintenance, but they do prefer cooler climates and moist, alkaline soil. They can adapt to other soil types, but it's best to provide them with the conditions they like.

Pruning arborvitae trees will maintain their desired shape and height, and help rejuvenate older plants. It's also necessary to remove broken, diseased, or dead branches to prevent decay-producing fungi from infecting other areas of the tree.

For another approach, see: Pruning Fig Trees for Fruit

Arborvitae trees can be susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can weaken the tree and even lead to death if left untreated.

Bagworms are a common problem, as their caterpillars feed voraciously on arborvitae leaves and twigs, causing defoliation and characteristic 2″ long bags of tough silk.

Spider mites can also cause issues, turning arborvitae leaves gray or brown.

Aphids suck the sap from the arborvitae, retarding the tree's growth and causing leaves to yellow, brown, or wilt.

Tip blight, caused by the fungus Pestalotiopsis funerea, is another concern, especially for trees with existing insect or disease problems.

Other potential issues include canker, molds and mildews, and sun scorch.

Here are some common signs to look out for:

If you suspect a problem with your arborvitae tree, it's essential to call a certified arborist right away for an evaluation and treatment options.

There are two main types of arborvitae trees: American arborvitae and Western red cedar.

American arborvitae is a medium-sized tree that's extremely hardy and somewhat prone to deer browse. It's native to Eastern Canada and the Northeastern and Upper Midwest regions of the United States. It comes in various sizes and shapes, from dwarf globe-shaped shrubs to pyramidal, columnar, or weeping shrubs and trees.

Western red cedar, on the other hand, is the largest type of cedar, reaching up to 200 feet tall in the wild.

On a similar theme: Northern White Cedar Arborvitae

We carry a variety of arborvitae types that can add structure and beauty to your yard. Our selection includes North Pole, a versatile backdrop with dense, dark-green foliage and a narrow upright habit.

We also offer Tater Tot, a dwarf arborvitae with a compact globe shape and fan-like green foliage. This variety is perfect for small spaces and needs no pruning to retain its symmetrical shape.

Another popular choice is Anna's Magic Ball, a petite globe arborvitae with golden foliage that retains its bright-yellow coloring year round. This variety is ideal for small spaces, mass plantings, and rock gardens.

We also have Spring Grove Western Arborvitae, which was selected for its superior winter color and cold hardiness. This arborvitae tree can survive temperatures down to -25 degrees F and is useful as a wind break, hedging, or quick privacy screen.

Our arborvitae collection also includes Sting, a unique pencil-thin growth habit and sword-shaped silhouette that is especially attractive in formal landscapes. This variety produces dense, soft emerald-green foliage and smooth reddish-brown bark that becomes more textured as plants mature.

If you're looking for a smaller arborvitae, consider Fluffy Western Arborvitae, which grows in a pyramidal shape with a slender, tapered tip. The soft, fluffy foliage emerges yellow, creating a halo effect that persists into winter.

We also carry Cheer Drops, an attractive tear-drop shape and fresh green foliage that remains bright year round. Plants retain their shape naturally, needing little or no pruning.

Lastly, our Polar Gold arborvitae 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.

Here's a quick reference guide to our arborvitae types:

Forever Goldy Arborvitae is a stunning addition to any landscape, renowned for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage that retains its color throughout the year.

Its compact, conical shape adds a touch of elegance and structure to gardens, making it an excellent choice for focal points, hedges, or mixed borders.

Forever Goldy Arborvitae matures to 10-12' H and 3-3.5' W, providing a beautiful and controlled growth habit.

It's hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, making it a great option for gardeners in these areas.

Its resistance to pests and diseases ensures long-term beauty with minimal maintenance.

The Green Giant Arborvitae is a standout choice for creating privacy screens and windbreaks, growing rapidly to 40-50' H and 10-12' W.

Its dense, lush green foliage retains its vibrant color year-round, adding a touch of elegance to any setting. This evergreen tree is highly adaptable, thriving in various soil conditions.

Its robust nature and minimal maintenance requirements make it a favorite among homeowners and landscapers. Green Giant Arborvitae exhibits strong resistance to pests, diseases, and deer.

The foliage of the Green Giant Arborvitae features flat, scale-like leaves arranged in tight, fan-like sprays. Summer foliage is in shades of bright green.

The Morgan Chinese Arborvitae is a great example of a dwarf evergreen tree that thrives in tight spaces and pots. Its foliage changes colors with the seasons, from golden to lime green in spring and summer, to rusty orange in fall, and burgundy purple in winter.

Arborvitae plants can range from dwarf shrubs to tall, upright trees, depending on the species and growth habit. You can choose from various types to fit your needs and space constraints.

This adaptable tree or bush, depending on the species, makes it a versatile option for different landscapes and gardening styles.

Arborvitae trees are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in your landscaping design. You can plant a slender upright variety in a row as hedging, privacy screening, or to define a property line.

To add some visual interest, consider using a dwarf globe-shaped variety to edge pathways and borders. These compact trees are perfect for smaller spaces and can be easily pruned to maintain a desired shape.

For a more dramatic effect, plant a fast-growing, columnar variety in a row to quickly screen out an unsightly view. This is a great option if you need to conceal a neighbor's fence or a utility pole.

Here are some popular ways to use arborvitae in your landscaping design:

Arborvitae trees are also low-maintenance and hardy, thriving in part or full sun, and adapting to a wide range of soil types and climates.

Arborvitae trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their versatility and low-maintenance requirements. They thrive in a wide range of soil types and climates, making them a great option for many homeowners.

Arborvitae trees can be used as a hedge, privacy screen, or windbreak, thanks to their dense, formal foliage that extends close to the base. They're perfect for blocking out unwanted views or creating a natural barrier between properties.

One of the best things about arborvitae trees is their ability to provide year-round color and interest in the landscape. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from slender upright varieties to dwarf globe-shaped ones.

For a formal appearance, keep an arborvitae hedge neatly trimmed. This will help maintain its shape and create a clean, manicured look.

Here are some popular arborvitae tree varieties to consider:

When planting arborvitae trees, be sure to leave enough space between them for proper growth. For dense privacy hedges, plant Thuja Green Giants as close as 5 feet apart. For a more spaced-out look, plant Thuja Emerald Greens 3 feet apart on center.

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Arborvitae trees can reach impressive heights, but garden varieties tend to remain smaller. The largest arborvitae trees can reach 100 to 200 feet tall in the wild.

Arborvitae trees are incredibly versatile and can serve you, your family, and your landscape in numerous ways. They're perfect for providing a natural screen or hedge to block out unwanted views or noise.

Their evergreen foliage stays green year-round, making them a great choice for adding some much-needed color to your yard even in the dead of winter.

Arborvitae trees are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning to keep them looking their best.

They're also highly resistant to pests and diseases, which means you won't have to worry about using harsh chemicals to keep them healthy.

Arborvitae trees can grow up to 10-15 feet tall, making them a great choice for creating a natural border or screen around your property.

Their dense foliage also provides a safe haven for birds and small animals to nest and hide.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Keep Squirrels Out of Peach Trees

Planting an arborvitae tree is a straightforward process. Early spring is the best time to plant, and 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.

To plant, 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, and set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at or slightly higher than ground level. Backfill the hole with soil, tamp down lightly to remove air pockets, and water well. Plants will need regular water until established.

Arborvitae trees can tolerate a wide range of soils, but perform best in moist, well-draining soil. 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.

Suggestion: Large House Plants Trees

If you're looking to create a dense privacy hedge, Thuja Green Giants and other large Arborvitae can be planted as close as 5 feet apart.

These trees grow 10 to 15 feet wide, so make sure to give each tree more than 15 feet of total space to prevent overcrowding.

Thuja Emerald Green grows 4 to 5 feet wide as an individual specimen, but can be planted as close as 3 feet apart on center.

This means you can fit more trees in a smaller space, but be mindful of the overall width of the mature tree to avoid any issues.

A different take: Planted Gmat

When choosing companion plants for your arborvitae, consider the growing needs of the plants you want to pair with it. Arborvitae thrives in 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, and Shadowland 'Diamond Lake' hosta. These plants all share similar growing conditions and will complement the arborvitae nicely.

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You can also consider the following plants for a foundation planting or shrub border: Sprinter boxwood, Double Play Big Bang spirea, Funshine abelia, and Aquavita juniper. All of these plants have similar growing needs and will work well with arborvitae.

Here are some specific companion plants for arborvitae, organized by type of planting:

By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving landscape with your arborvitae at its center.

Planting Arborvitae trees in early spring is ideal, choosing a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils is essential.

Arborvitae trees 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.

To plant an Arborvitae tree, loosen the 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.

Arborvitae trees are tolerant of a wide range of soils, but perform best in moist, well-draining soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot.

To prevent root rot, add 8 inches of bark or sand at the bottom of the hole and position the plant's root ball several inches above the soil around it. Mound garden soil around the root ball.

Water your new plantings 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base of your plant.

To spur new growth, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring according to package instructions. A fertilizer with a higher nitrogen ratio such as 10-4-4 will encourage foliar growth.

Here's a summary of Arborvitae tree care needs: