Looking for an excellent evergreen for screening? Need some vertical accents? How about habitat for birds? Why not plant some arbs! With their lush green texture, good growth rate, and indispensable value in creating year-round privacy, arborvitae can’t be beat. They come in several shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find an option for gardens big or small. Here are some arborvitae that we think you’ll love:
Narrow Arborvitae
Hetz Wintergreen
This tall, narrow selection grows to about 25 feet tall and 6 feet wide and has a natural, feathery texture. A fast growing selection that makes a good accent on its own and also works well as a privacy screen when planted in number.
Full Speed A Hedge
Another tall, narrow arb that works well for screening and accents. The foliage is a bit denser than Hetz Wintergreen and the shape is a bit narrower. A quick grower that reaches 15-20 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide.
Pyramidal Arborvitae
Techny
A handsome and dense green pyramid with a wide base, Techny makes a good screen or accent where you have a bit more space. This tree maintains a strong upright pyramidal shape and makes great habitat for birds. Grows at a good rate to about 12-15 feet tall 8-10 feet wide.
Technito
Similar to Techny but in a more compact package, Technito grows to about 8-10 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. The dense habit doesn’t require a lot of shearing to keep it fitting in its designated space and the dark green foliage looks attractive all year long.
Compact Arborvitae
Holmstrup
Lush green and densely branched, Holmstrup is a great choice where space is limited. Nice for a low hedge and lovely for foundation and border plantings. Slower growing than the others on this list, it reaches about 5-7 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Anna’s Magic Ball
Small enough to be at home in the perennial garden, this super compact choice gives you a cute little pop of color all year long. Matures to 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide and dazzles with cheerful yellow color. This little charmer maintains its tidy spherical shape with very little pruning.
Caring for Arborvitae
Arborvitae are not difficult to care for, but there are some steps you can take to ensure success:
- Keep them hydrated, especially heading into winter, to avoid winterburn. Be sure to water right up until the ground freezes. Let our handy watering chart be your guide!
- Get them planted before cold weather sets in. Arborvitae look their best in spring if they’ve had time to establish before the freeze. If you must plant them late, a snow fence or other protection is a good idea.
- Protect your new plants from critters. Unfortunately deer love arborvitae as much as we do, so a fence and/or repellent product is a good idea if you have a lot of deer pressure in your area.
- Arborvitae respond well to shearing, but it’s not required. Any major pruning should be done early in the season with a clean pair of shears. Dead or damaged branches may be removed throughout the season.
Stop in and have a look at our big selection of arborvitae. We’re happy to help you choose the best one for your space!
