Arborvitae Shrubs

Most sophisticated and practical landscapes will have Arborvitae Shrubs as they give luxurious foliage year round.

Arborvitaes come from the Thuja genus and the Cypress family. There are two main types of arborvitaes with the most common type being the Thuja Occidentalis which comes from the eastern U.S.

Thuja Occidentalis are more cold-hardy but they are not deer-resistant.

The second type - Thuja Plicata is the western arborvitae which is deer-resistant but less cold-tolerant. They also grow quicker and bigger than Thuja Occidentalis.

Both types can be used in nearly any garden design as a natural screen, border, or windbreak.

Our group of Arborvitae Shrubs, provide the perfect landscape staple or wintergreen backdrop.

Benefits of Arborvitae Shrubs in Landscapes and Gardens

Arborvitaes are coveted for their toughness and other reasons like the ones below:

Evergreen Foliage: The dark green foliage of Arborvitae shrub bushes will keep their color year-round, adding a beautiful poppier to replace taller plants. For that reason, they are a prudent selection for preserving yard charm in all seasons.

Privacy Screening: When it comes to Arborvitae Shrubs, privacy screening is among their most popular uses. Tall and densely foliaged, they are perfect for creating that privacy screen you need.

Hedges/windbreaks: Dwarf and giant arborvitae can be very useful for mazes, walled gardens, or hedges to act as a tall windscreen.

It comes in very handy if the dog house is located in an open or exposed place where the wind can do a lot of damage.

Wildlife Habitat: These shrubs help provide a favorable habitat for wildlife like birds and small mammals in your garden. The plant’s dense foliage acts as the perfect nesting site for these birds while contributing to the overall health of your garden.

Low Maintenance: Once planted, Arborvitae shrubs are pretty much carefree. Drought-tolerant and needing little in the way of maintenance, they are a perfect plant for time-restrained gardeners or those who are new to gardening.

Versatility: Arborvitae shrubs are suitable to be used in different forms and varieties, ranging from the small dwarf ones that can fit into any garden size to the moderate height columnar varieties for large landscapes.

They can be used as hedges, specimen plants, or even in containers.

USDA Zones for Popular Arborvitae Shrubs

Arborvitaes are suitable for zones 2-7. Here are some popular Arborvitae shrub options and their USDA zones:

• Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’): Zones 3-8
• Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’): Zones 5-8
• Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’): Zones 3-8
• Golden Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’): Zones 2-7
• North Pole Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Art Boe’): Zones 3-7

Planting and Care Guides

Planting Arborvitae shrubs is pretty easy. These groups of shrubs prefer moist soil without standing water.

The soil should be neutral to acidic within the pH range of 6.5-8. Arborvitaes do well in partial sun and although cold-hardy need some protection from winter. During winter mulching with cured compost will help insulate the roots from frigid cold.

For tall varieties, choose a location with ample vertical room for unhindered growth. They should be planted away from power lines and other obstructions.

Follow these tips to ensure your shrubs thrive:

Soil Preparation: Begin by preparing the ground where you will be planting. Like mentioned earlier, these shrubs like well-draining soil, and either full sun or part shade protection.

Plant them in holes twice as wide, but only as deep, as the root ball. Blend in compost or aged manure for soil enhancement.

Planting: Set the shrub into the hole so it is growing at about the same level in the soil as its container. Fill with the ground, watering as you go. Then give your newly installed seedlings a deep drenching of water to aid in settling the soil.

Watering and Mulching: When it comes to watering and mulching, arborvitae shrubs require regular water during the first year.

Mulch heavily around the base to keep moisture in, prevent weeds, and protect roots from extreme temperatures.

Trimming: There is little trimming needed, however, you may trim your shrubs to keep them compact. Especially late winter to early Spring before new growth. Trim away all dead or diseased parts so the plant stays fresh.

Fertilizing: Arborvitaes don’t require fertilization except they are planted in poor soils.

If that’s the case, you can fertilize in early springtime with a well-balanced slow-release fertilizer solution of 3-4 (NPK). Test soil and follow the manufacturer’s labeling rates for application.

Pruning: It’s not highly necessary to prune arborvitaes but they do take pruning well. You can even form them into topiary plants to create some artistic effect.

You can prune away dead or damaged limbs from winter burn as new growth emerges in the spring.

Winter burn leads to isolated browning on the windward side.

Only prune where leaves grow and not back to the base of the plant.

Landscaping Ideas

Our collection of Arborvitae shrubs offers endless possibilities for enhancing your garden’s structure and aesthetic appeal. Explore these ideas for inspiration:

Privacy Hedges: Plant Arborvitae shrubs in a row 3-4 ft apart for an effective living hedge, which is also suitable as a privacy and noise-reduction solution.

Fashion staggered rows of arborvitae into a dense hedge that is both aesthetically appealing and utilitarian, to establish property borders or border gardens.

Specimen Plants: To get focal points in the garden, taller varieties such as Green Giant Arborvitae offer stunning looks that stand out in the garden due to their impressive heights.

Foundation Plantings: Use dwarf species of arborvitae in a line next to your house for relaxing hard edges and inviting greenery.

Choose shrubs with low maintenance to keep some greenery all year long especially next to where your other foundation plants are planted.

Wind Breaks: Plant Arborvitae shrubs in rows to create windbreaks. Windbreaks can shelter your home and garden from the worst winds, reducing stress on plants inside while protecting rural areas nearby as well. It also comes in handy for open or elevated sites that are prone to wind-related destruction.

Container Gardens: Plant dwarf Arborvitae varieties in containers to add some greenery to your patio, balcony, or other small places. Plant as a mini-hedge or as standalone accent plants.

Mixed Borders: Mix Arborvitae shrubs with perennials, annuals, and other bushes for a change in height-layered appearance. This evergreen foliage provides an ideal background for colorful flowers and seasonal plants.

Sustainability Practices

In ongoing care of your Arborvitaes, use eco-friendly methods. These shrubs are generally resilient but pests like bagworms can attack them.

Sustainable Practices for Arborvitae Shrub Care:

Water Conservation: Arborvitae are drought-tolerant once established, but need plenty of water their first year. Supply water directly to the roots and avoid waste with drip irrigation or soaker hoses.

Organic Mulching: Add an organic layer of mulch, such as compost or straw to maintain a moist weed-free soil. Replace mulch as required to keep it in effect

Soil Health: Healthy soil is promoted by adding compost and organically-derived fertilizers. Over-tilling can also break down your soil structure and kill worms, etc. so be careful not to over-do it.

Utilize compost from your kitchen scraps and/or yard waste to develop soil amendments.

Integrated Pest Management: Now you need to always check your Arborvitae shrubs for diseases and pests. Doing this will help you control insect populations.

You can handpick pests such as bagworms to control them. In addition, also use biological controls or natural predators as curbing measures.

Then use organic pesticides, such as neem oil, sparingly and only in designated locations.

Pruning and upkeep: Make sure your shrubs are regularly inspected for dead or broken branches, and remove them right away.

This not only keeps your plants healthy but also reduces the risk of pest infestations and disease.

Where to Buy Arborvitae Shrubs

The great thing about Arborvitae privacy shrubs is that our selection runs the full gamut, from little ones to some of the most giant (and best) growths this side of a homeowner’s dreams.

We take pride not just concerning every single piece of plant we create but also in the well-being and vigor present within all our shrubs before dispatch.

For any matter of garden structure, privacy screen, and instant evergreen you need to add to your outdoor oasis — Arborvitae has the right type for this!

Browse our assortment to discover the perfect plants for you.

Send us a message today and let us help you begin converting your gardens with these evergreen Accent Arborvitae shrubs.

Conclusion

Arborvitae shrubs are a wonderful asset to any garden as they offer year-round greenery, versatile landscaping, and low maintenance.

Check out our catalog at PrivacyShrubs and find out how these fabulous plants can improve your outdoor living.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Quickly Do Arborvitae Shrubs Grow?

There are different species of Arborvitae shrubs, and the rate of growth depends on which one you choose to grow.

Comfortably one of the quickest growing varieties, Green Giant Arborvitae takes up to 3 feet per year; but still, there is also Emerald Green Arborvitae that grows approximately from 6-12 inches annually.

Growth rates may be improved with proper care and optimum conditions.

Can Arborvitae Trees Be Planted Close To One Another?

Absolutely yes. Arborvitae shrubs can be planted tightly to form a dense hedge. They should generally be 1 to 1.5 meters (2 or 3 feet) apart.

How Much Sun Do The Arborvitae Shrubs Need?

Arborvitae shrubs grow best in full sun to partial shade. Although some shade may be tolerated, they do best in full sun and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. This ensures healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Are Arborvitae Deer Resistant?

Most arborvitae shrubs are not deer-resistant. The foliage is browsed by deer, particularly in the winter. Use deer repellents or create fences to keep your plants safe.

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