Whether you need a beautiful green accent, some privacy screening, or year-round interest, arborvitae answer the call. These lush evergreens are classics in the landscape for good reason. Their soft texture blends nicely with most spaces and the quick growth rate offers results in a hurry.
Some of Our Favorite Arbs
Hetz Wintergreen
Hetz Wintergreen is one of our favorite tall arborvitae. The lush green foliage makes it an attractive option for screening, tall hedges, and windbreaks. You could consider using a pair to frame an entryway, or a single to anchor the corner of a building or as an accent or specimen. The narrow conical shape makes it an elegant option in any landscape and it is excellent combined with a variety of textures and shapes for striking contrast.
Hetz Wintergreen is fairly cooperative about soil, but thrives in evenly moist, well-drained areas. A fast grower, it’s annual growth can exceed two feet a year with good establishment and care. Best in full sun, but does tolerate some shade. It’s also extremely cold hardy- down to zone 3.
Techny
Techny is an upright, broadly pyramidal arborvitae that matures to about 12-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. It is valued for its rich dark green color that looks beautiful all year long. Its nice dense foliage makes it great for year-round privacy hedges and windbreaks. Techny responds well to shearing and can be shaped into a more formal hedge shape if desired or left natural.
Like Hetz Wintergreen, Techny is adaptable to most growing conditions. It thrives in full sun and tolerates a little bit of shade. It is hardy to zone 3 and displays good resistance to winter burn.
Technito
Think of Technito as Techny’s younger brother. This compact arb will grow to about 8-10 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide, making it a wonderful choice for smaller spaces. It’s great for providing year-round structure in smaller yards that can’t accommodate larger evergreens. Technito has the same handsome dark green foliage but boasts even denser growth than its big brother Techny. Requires very little pruning to maintain the pleasant form. While adaptable to many sites, evenly moist soil with good drainage and a sunny position will yield best growth.
Planting Tips for Arbs
Planting arborvitae is easy, but here are a few extra tips that will safeguard your new trees:
- The first is to ensure adequate hydration throughout the summer and fall. Letting arbs go into winter dry, especially right after planting, results in winter burn. Choosing a planting site with evenly moist soil is a great idea. Offering established arborvitae some supplemental water during dry spells helps too.
- Protect your arborvitae from deer in areas with high deer population. Your brand new little arbs look like the sweetest candy to hungry deer in winter. Wrap them in burlap, mesh, or install deer fencing. Repellent products can be useful as well. Make sure to reapply them early and often, especially after rain or snow.
- Arbs respond well to pruning, and a light shearing can stimulate lush new growth. If you want to prune, it’s best to do so early in the season when new growth is beginning.
Feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our awesome arbs. We’re always here to help you find the perfect plant for your project!
