If youre looking for the perfect tree to plant in your yard, you should consider an arborvitae.
Arborvitae trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a great option for any landscape.
In this blog post, we will discuss 24 of the best types of arborvitae trees to choose from.
Well also provide information on care and maintenance so you could check that your tree thrives!
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occidentalis), and common arborvitae or northern white-cedar (T. occidentalis).
Arborvitae tree identification
Arborvitae tree identification can be tricky, because there are so many varieties.
But with a little knowledge and some careful observation, you might ID an arborvitae tree with ease.
Here are some tips:
-Look for the evergreen needle-like leaves.
All arborvitae trees have these.
-Observe the shape of the tree.
Arborvitae trees can be either cone-shaped or columnar.
-Note the size of the tree.
-Pay attention to the color of the leaves.
Arborvitae leaves can be green, yellow, or even blue-tinged.
With these tips in mind, go forth and ID those arborvitae trees!
Youll be a pro in no time.
Arborvitae Leaves.
Arborvitae leaves are actually the leaves of the Thuja occidentalis, or northern white cedar tree.
The leaves of the arborvitae tree are rich in compounds that have been shown to have medicinal properties.
For example, one study found that a compound in arborvitae leaves was effective at killing cancer cells.
Arborvitae Height.
Arborvitae are one of the most popular trees for landscaping in North America.
While there are many different species of arborvitae, they all share a similar growth habit.
Arborvitae typically grow slowly, adding only a few inches of height each year.
However, they can reach heights of 40 feet or more over the course of their lifetime.
When it comes to choosing an arborvitae for your landscape, height is an important factor to consider.
For a smaller tree, go with a slower-growing species like T. standishii or T. occidentalis Nana.
Types Of Arborvitae Trees, Shrubs, and Hedges
1.
This tough little plant is drought tolerant and deer resistant, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
It has a compact, pyramidal form with dense, green foliage.
Little Giant Arborvitae grows slowly to about 15 feet tall and wide.
Plant in full sun to part shade.
It is hardy in zones four through eight.
This is a great plant for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, easy-care tree.
Little Giant Arborvitae is an ideal choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and screens.
It can also be planted in containers.
Add this versatile tree to your landscape today!
It has dense, rich green foliage that provides year-round interest and privacy.
This tough plant is resistant to deer, drought, and disease.
It can be planted in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
North Pole Arborvitae is a low-maintenance plant that will thrive with minimal care.
Add this versatile plant to your landscape for year-round beauty and privacy.
This tough little plant is also quite drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
It is an introduced species in western North America.
The American Arborvitae is a popular ornamental tree for landscaping purposes due to its dense, pyramidal growth habit.
The leaves are scale-like, arranged in opposite pairs, green to yellowish green in color.
The American Arborvitae is a popular choice for hedges and privacy screens due to its dense growth habit.
It is also used as a Christmas tree in some parts of the United States.
The American Arborvitae is not tolerant of salt or drought.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
It has bright yellow foliage that turns to chartreuse in the summer.
American Arborvitae Yellow Ribbon is deer resistant and drought tolerant once it is established.
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil but is tolerant of a wide range of soils.
American Arborvitae Yellow Ribbon is an easy plant to care for and is low maintenance.
The dense, pyramid-shaped crown is covered with soft, green needles that turn bronze in winter.
This tree is also drought and salt tolerant, making it a great choice for coastal areas.
Plant Arborvitae Filips Magic Moment in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
This tree is low-maintenance and does not require pruning.
It is a compact, evergreen tree that reaches 15-20 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide at maturity.
It is a fast grower and can add two to three feet of growth per year.
The Baby Giant Arborvitae is perfect for small yards or as a foundation planting.
It is also deer resistant and drought tolerant once it is established.
Plant the Baby Giant Arborvitae in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
It is hardy in zones four through eight.
The Baby Giant Arborvitae is a great choice for those looking for a fast-growing, compact evergreen tree.
Berckmans Gold Arborvitae is a slow-growing plant, eventually reaching a height of 15 feet.
This plant is deer resistant and low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for the home landscape.
It has dense, dark green foliage that is soft to the touch.
This Thuja prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Deer resistant and low maintenance, Degroots Spire is a great choice for the home landscape.
This versatile plant can be used as a hedge, screen, or foundation planting.
Emerald Green Arborvitae is easy to care for and requires little maintenance.
This hardy shrub is tolerant of drought, salt, and wind.
Emerald Green Arborvitae is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen plant.
It has dark green foliage with a bronze cast in winter.
Congabe was selected for its resistance to deer browse.
This hardy tree is also low maintenance and deer resistant!
A fast grower, American Pillar can reach 15-20 feet tall and only four feet wide in ten years.
It is tolerant of wind, salt, and drought once established.
Plant American Pillar in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune as needed to shape.
Hetz Midget Thuja is also very tolerant of cold weather and does not require much water once established.
It has a pyramidal shape with dense, emerald green foliage that does not brown in winter.
This plant is also deer resistant and tolerant of Black Walnut trees (Juglans nigra).
Junior Giant Thuja is best used as a specimen plant or in mass plantings.
It can be planted in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
The specific epithet orientalis refers to its origin in East Asia.
It is also known as the Chinese arborvitae, Oriental thuja, or biota.
The bark is brown or black, and scaly.
The leaves are scale-like, arranged in opposite decussate pairs, and green to yellowish-green in color.
The cones are borne on short peduncles, and disintegrate when mature to release the seeds.
Oriental Arborvitae is native to northern China, Korea, and southeastern Siberia.
It has been introduced to Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand as an ornamental tree.
In some areas of the United States, it has become naturalized.
The timber is used for construction, pulp, and fuel.
It is also a popular ornamental tree.
It was developed and introduced by the Ball Horticultural Company in 1940.
It is a popular choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and topiary.
The leaves are scale-like, arranged in flattened sprays, and green to yellow-green in color.
The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters of 12-20 blooms.
The fruit is a brown, woody cone.
Techny Cold Hardy Thuja has no serious pest or disease problems and is relatively low maintenance.
A fast-growing tree, it can add three feet or more of height each year.
Thuja Green Giant is also popular as a specimen tree or focal point in the landscape.
Its strong form and dense foliage make it a beautiful addition to any yard.
It has golden yellow needles which gradually turn to lime green in summer.
It is also drought tolerant once established.
This plant is low maintenance and does not require pruning.
Tiny Tower Thuja (Thuja x MonRig P.P.A.F.)
This slow-growing plant only reaches about 18 inches tall and wide at maturity, making it easy to control.
The tiny, dark green leaves of this plant are arranged in flattened, scale-like whorls around the stem.
In late spring, small, white flowers appear in clusters at the tips of the stems.
These flowers are followed by tiny, brownish-black fruits.
The leaves of this plant are aromatic when crushed.
Tiny Tower Thuja is an easy-to-grow plant that is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.
It prefers full sun but will also grow in partial shade.
This plant is drought-tolerant once it is established.
It is also tolerant of salt and clay soils.
It has long, drooping branches that are covered in soft, green needles.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Weeping Eastern Arborvitae is tolerant of urban pollution and salt spray.
Zebrina is a relatively slow-growing arborvitae, eventually reaching a height of 15-20 feet (450-600 cm).
This arborvitae is native to the western coast of North America, from Alaska south to Oregon.
Zebrina is an adaptable plant that is not particularly susceptible to disease or pests.
This arborvitae makes a beautiful and unusual addition to the landscape.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance tree or shrub with year-round interest, Zebrina is an excellent choice!
FAQs
What is the smallest upright arborvitae?
The smallest upright arborvitae is the Dwarf Korean Arborvitae.
It grows to a height of only six feet and has a spread of three feet.
This arborvitae is perfect for small gardens or as a low hedge.
Is Thuja the same as arborvitae?
No, Thuja and arborvitae are not the same.
Though they may look similar, they are actually two different species of tree.
Though they are both evergreen trees, they have different growing habits and requirements.
What is the difference between Green Giant and emerald green arborvitae?
Its a common question, and its one that we can help answer.
Both Green Giant and emerald green arborvitae are evergreen trees that are popular choices for landscaping.
First, lets take a look at Green Giant.
This popular tree is a hybrid of two other evergreens, the Thuja standishii and the Thuja plicata.
Its also relatively low-maintenance, as it doesnt require much pruning or trimming.
Its closely related to the cedar and can grow up to 40 feet tall.
Emerald green arborvitae is a popular choice for landscaping because it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
One key difference between Green Giant and emerald green arborvitae is their growth rates.
Another key difference is their maintenance needs.
As we mentioned, Green Giant is relatively low-maintenance; it doesnt require much pruning or trimming.
Are arborvitaes Cedars?
No, arborvitaes are notcedars.
Arborvitaes are actually a key in of juniper, while cedars are part of the pine family.
Both trees are evergreens and have needle-like leaves, but thats about where the similarities end.
Arborvitaes have scale-like leaves and cedars have needles.
Arborvitaes grow in a pyramid shape and cedars can be either pyramid-shaped or columnar.
Cedars also tend to be taller than arborvitaes.
So, while they may look similar, arborvitaes and cedars are actually quite different!
Are Arborvitaes native?
The short answer is: no, arborvitaes are not native to North America.
These evergreen conifers are actually native to parts of Asia and Europe.
Are arborvitae trees poisonous to dogs?
Its a common question we get asked here at the nursery.
The simple answer is no, they are not poisonous to dogs.
Arborvitae trees are evergreens, which means they have needles instead of leaves.
Additionally, the tree produces a sap that can be irritating to your dogs skin and coat.
They are all different and have unique features that make them ideal for specific situations.
