Arborvitaes make ideal privacy screens, and windbreaks and provide great architecture to give your garden that classic appeal with their cone-shaped forms.

They all come from the Thuja genus and are mainly of two types - Thuja Occidentalis and Thuja plicata.

The first is more cold-hardy but prone to deer attacks while the second is less cold-tolerant but deer-resistant.

You can choose from our selection of Arborvitae trees that come in many different species and sizes to complement any garden style or landscaping application.

You’ll love these trees to line your driveway or create that perfect secret garden nook/retreat where you could be drinking tea.

Benefits of Arborvitae Trees in Landscapes and Gardens

Arborvitae are popular options for privacy screening and as specimen trees.

Aesthetics: The most important reason to have an arborvitae tree in your yard is the look.

The natural conical shape and green leaves are visually decorative, and they lend themselves to making very good focal points in any garden.

Space Efficient: Ideal for city dwellers or folks with small space gardens. The Arborvitae trees can grow narrow, which makes them a great choice for planting along fences or driveways, and property lines where there is no space.

Great For Privacy Screening: Arborvitae trees are famous for creating natural privacy screens. In rows, they create solid green walls shrouding unsightly views and dampening noise.

This makes them an ideal candidate for privacy in outdoor living and screening from your neighbors.

Arborvitae trees act as windbreaks, blocking the high winds on your property with their thick, leafy growth and strong structure.

They also are essential in forested areas for holding stabilizing soil against erosion on slopes.

Available in different sizes and shapes: Arborvitae trees take on many postures, from the tall-cylinder kind (ideal for hedges) to compact forms with a globe shape that make great foundation plantings. They can be used in a variety of garden styles from formal to naturalistic.

USDA Zones for Popular Arborvitae Trees

These trees are cold-hardy in zone 2-7 but knowing the different varieties and their zones is essential.

Here are some popular Arborvitae tree options and their USDA zones:

• American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis): Zones 2-7
• Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’): Zones 5-8
• Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’): Zones 3-7
• Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’): Zones 3-7
• Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’): Zones 3-8

Planting and Care of Arborvitae

Arborvitae are easy and inexpensive to plant. Apply these tips and your trees will grow head high!

Firstly, select a site that has enough room for the tree to grow upwards as arborvitae trees can take up much vertical space.

This site should be away from powerlines and other structures.

Secondly, the soil should be moist, rich and well-draining. It should be neutral to acidic between the pH scale of 6.5 to 8.

Preparation: Before you drill your first hole, please note that Arborvitae trees are very delicate and they need well-draining soil to flourish.

Furthermore, their roots like spreading. To plant, dig a hole 2x as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Incorporate aged manure or compost in the soil to add nutrients.

Gently remove the tree from its store-bought container and place it into a hole using the other hand to backfill.

Mulching and Watering: After tree plantation, water the Arborvitae properly. Spread a thick layer of mulch, but make sure not to do it too close to the trunk.

Mulching is especially helpful during winter and a root insulator to prevent winter damage to the root.

A sign of winter damage is browning leaves which can affect the side of the tree facing the wind’s direction.

Pruning: Trim Arborvitae trees at the end of winter or early spring to sustain their shape and eliminate any dead or impaired branches. This encourages denser foliage growth with light pruning. Limbs that are damaged by frigid cold should also be removed.

Fertilization: Arborvitae at not heavy feeders but if the soil is so-so, then use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to fertilize your Arborvitae trees.

However, be careful not to encourage too much growth as this can lead to weak branches which are more susceptible to breakage.

Pest and Disease Management: The Arborvitae trees are usually pest & disease-resistant shrubs. That said, watch out for spider mites and bagworms. And you can control any infestations immediately using proper insecticides or beneficials as appropriate.

Landscaping Ideas

Our collection of Arborvitae trees offers endless possibilities for any creative garden design. Explore these ideas for inspiration:

Privacy Screens: Plant Arborvitae trees in a row or in a staggered form to screen off unwanted views from your property.

Not only does this hide anything unwanted, but it also helps reduce noise and wind so that you can enjoy more peace with an outdoor haven.

Formal Hedges and Borders: When you plant Arborvitae trees, they will improve your formal gardens by building hedges as well as borders.

With their dense foliage and consistent growth habit, these shrubs have been one of the most favored essentials in defining garden spaces for decades.

Foundation Plantings: Offset your home with compact forms of Arborvitae trees planted at the foundation level for softening and evergreen interest throughout the years.

That clean look combined with tidy growth and evergreen foliage makes them desirable for most homeowners.

Windbreaks: Arborvitae trees planted in the proper locations act as a wind buffer, protecting your garden and property from strong winds. This is especially useful in open areas or exposed sites.

Use as Specimen Trees: Incorporate Arborvitae trees to design unique focal points in your landscape. Their bold shape and everlasting foliage make them an easy standout in any garden.

Mixed Borders: Plant Arborvitae trees with other shrubs, perennials, and annuals to create interesting mixed borders. Vertical Arborvitae trees add height and textural variety to your landscaping.

Sustainability Practices for Maintaining Arborvitaes

Caring for Arborvitae trees with sustainability in mind ensures a healthy garden and environment.

Water Efficiency: Arborvitae trees are considered drought-tolerant once they’re established. But all plants need regular watering during dry spells. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to direct water to the roots, reducing waste.

Organic Mulching: Mulch with organic materials such as compost to conserve humidity and eliminate weeds. As mulch decomposes, replace it with fresh material that returns nutrients to the ground.

Soil Health: You can improve soil health by practicing reduced tillage and composting kitchen scraps. Support robust growth of Arborvitae trees by improving the fertility and structure of soil with these practices.

Integrated Pest Management: Use organic pest control measures to safeguard your Arborvitae trees.

Check often for insects, and when needed use a neem oil organic insecticide or can encourage natural predators. Hand-picking pests while they are still eggs reduces the need for chemicals.

Where to Buy Arborvitae Trees

PrivacyShrubs provides a variety of Arborvitae trees that work well for enhancing the beauty of your garden, also providing some privacy to any outdoor area.

We have Arborvitae trees for purposes ranging from small garden spaces to huge landscape projects.

We grow our own Arborvitae trees, so you can be sure of getting strong and healthy ones.

Search through our options for the ideal Arborvitae tree. Our staff are available to answer any questions and only staff will advise on the most suitable selections for your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly do Arborvitae plants grow?

If you have Arborvitae, different varieties show varied growth rates. An example would be the Green Giant Arborvitae which can grow 3 feet per year; in contrast, Emerald Green Arborvitae grows slowly at about a foot annually.

Are Arborvitae Trees Good for Privacy Fences?

Arborvitae trees are one of the best for a natural privacy screen. The dense foliage creates a solid mass that blocks the view and absorbs sound for isolated zones of your garden.

How much sun does an Arborvitae tree require?

Most Arborvitaes grow best in full to partial sun. These plants do best in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

What are some easy-to-grow Arborvitae trees for beginners?

Some easy-to-grow Arborvitae trees for beginners include Emerald Green Arborvitae and American Arborvitae.

These varieties are hardy, low-maintenance, and adaptable to various growing conditions.

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