Thuja occidentalis

The evergreen American arborvitae stays dark green year round and holds its needles throughout the winter. The distinctive narrow conical shape and dense foliage makes for a sturdy and visually appealing hedge. There are a number of immediate benefits to choosing the American arborvitae for your next hedge: Makes an excellent privacy screen when planted in a tight row Works well with a regular pruning schedule Requires little overall maintenance The American arborvitae needs adequate water to stay healthy and may need more than a moderate watering schedule if planted in extreme heat. For wintery landscapes, the tree’s dark green can make a nice accent in an otherwise colorless yard and works as a great accompaniment to flowering plants during the rest of the year. Tolerant to different soil types and resilient in urban setting The common name of arborvitae, or “tree of life”, comes from the early settlers in North America who learned from Native Americans that the tree’s foliage, sap, bark and twigs had medicinal properties. The American arborvitae is native to eastern regions of Canada and the United States, but has been a popular tree for ornamental uses in many regions around the world. The tree was introduced to European growers in the early 16th century.

These conifers can grow to 60' tall, about 15' wide. They are dense, broadly pyramidal trees with branching to the ground. Slow growing, the bark is grayish to reddish brown. Grow in deep, well drained soils with full sun. Can take heat and drought once established.