Arborvitae Trees, Thuja, are native to eastern Asia and North America. Arborvitae Trees are evergreens from the cypress family. Easy to grow and maintain, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, like the American arborvitae tree that is wide and cone shaped, while the pyramidalis, are skinnier. The globe arborvitae is a rounded shrub that will only grow to a few feet off the ground. Arborvitae trees have scale like leaves that are soft to the touch, rather than prickly. Arborvitae trees prefer colder climates to warmer ones.
With the Thuja Tree an annual pruning keeps them in the desirable shape; pruning is best done once in the fall or early winter. Arborvitae trees can also be pruned into the shape of hedges, and make wonderful year round privacy screens, and wind blocks. It is important to provide an Arborvitae Tree with some winter protection against damage from ice and snow. While Arborvitae Trees prefer slightly acidic soil, they will grow in a variety of soils, from clay to sandy loam. Preferring moist, well drained soil, they will tolerate extremes. Thuja trees will grow well in full sun of partial shade and are extremely popular as a fencing or hedgerow plant.
Found in zones three to eight, arborvitae trees will not thrive in southern regions, and should be given afternoon shade in areas that have hotter summer months.
The Arborvitae Shrub, Thuja, has become extremely popular as an evergreen in the landscape. There are many arborvitae shrub types now available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and even several color variations. Arborvitae shrubs have a more restrained growth habit than taller evergreen trees and make wonderful landscape plants. Arborvitae evergreen plants can provide four-season beauty wherever planted, and they can create an inviting look to an entry way or driveway. These plants are easy to care for and will remain attractive for long periods of time with minimal effort.
Thujas are very hardy, undemanding plants that require very little or no pruning to maintain their natural shape. Arborvitaes can adapt to a wide variety of soil conditions, and most are very cold hardy. The diminutive and very tough Hetz Midget Arborvitae makes a popular accent plant for mixed borders or containers. The Emerald Arborvitae, with its outstanding, shimmering emerald green foliage, is one of the best arborvitae for a hedge. It has a classic narrow, pyramidal form that makes it attractive in all seasons. We at Silver Lake Garden Center are sure that there is just the right Arborvitae for your landscape needs!
