Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture
Posted April 1997
Arborvitae are evergreen trees and shrubs with needle-like juvenile leaves and scale-like mature foliage. At maturity, arborvitae are usually dense, pyramidal, 40-50 foot trees but cultivars include dwarf, rounded and globe-shaped shrubs. Foliage colors may be yellow, bluish, and various shades of green. Branches are erect and spreading with the branchlets flattened in one plane, giving it a tiered or layered appearance.
Eastern arborvitae, also called American arborvitae or white cedar, (Thuja occidentalis) is native throughout the northern half of eastern North America. The plant has long been established in American gardens. It propagates readily from cuttings and is easy to produce in a short period of time. Plants are relatively inexpensive and tolerant of most soils, which makes them a favorite of building contractors.
For best growth, arborvitae needs fertile, well drained but moist soil, in full sun to light shade. In dense shade, plants become open and leggy and less attractive. They can be transplanted balled and burlapped or container-grown at any season of the year. Arborvitae will grow well in both acidic and alkaline soils.
Pruning arborvitae is seldom required due to the dense growth habit. If necessary, prune in the early spring, although plants can be pruned at any time when the trees are actively growing. Winter browning can be expected with most species and cultivars. The foliage towards the interior of the plant turns brown and drops every year in autumn. This is a natural occurrence and should not be cause for concern. For this reason arborvitae is not as highly recommended for landscaping as yew or junipers.
On occasion, insects can be a problem, particularly bagworm, arborvitae leafminer, and scale. Consult with the local Extension office for the latest control recommendations.
Arborvitae have long been used in European and American landscapes as foundation, hedge, screen, or accent plants. More recently interest has been given to greater use in windbreak plantings for energy conservation. Yellow-foliaged forms should be used with discretion so they will not detract from the overall landscape color scheme. Use the recommended cultivars for the best summer and winter color.
Cultivars:
(Prepared by Virginia Nathan, Extension Technician, Consumer Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327.)
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