Arborvitae

Arborvitae are the go-to evergreen for privacy hedging, offering dense year-round screening with minimal maintenance. Plant in spring or early fall in moist, well-drained soil with full to partial sun. For hedges, space Emerald Green types 3 to 4 feet apart.

Water regularly during establishment — arborvitae are not drought-tolerant and need consistent moisture, especially in the first two years. Mulch to retain moisture. Wrap multi-stemmed cultivars with twine or burlap in winter to prevent snow splaying. Shear lightly in early summer to maintain shape but never cut into old brown wood.

Arborvitae (Thuja) is a genus of five species of coniferous evergreen trees belonging to the cypress family Cupressaceae. The genus is native to North America and eastern Asia, with its center of diversity split between these two regions. Thuja occidentalis (eastern or northern white cedar) is native to the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to the Appalachian highlands. Thuja plicata (western red cedar) dominates the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest from Alaska to northern California. The Asian species, Thuja standishii (Japanese thuja) and Thuja koraiensis (Korean thuja), grow in the mountain forests of Japan and Korea respectively. The genus has an ancient lineage, with fossil evidence indicating that Thuja-like trees existed as far back as the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 70 million years ago. European contact with arborvitae is documented as early as the 1530s when Jacques Cartier's expedition to Canada learned from the Iroquois to brew a tea from the foliage to treat scurvy. Cartier brought specimens back to France, making Thuja occidentalis likely the first North American tree species introduced to European cultivation around 1536. King Francis I of France is said to have named it 'arbre de vie' (tree of life) in recognition of its medicinal value. By the 18th century, arborvitae was widely planted in European gardens and estates. The Victorian era saw an explosion of cultivar selection, with dozens of ornamental forms developed for shape, size, and foliage color. Today, arborvitae remains one of the most widely planted landscape evergreens in temperate climates worldwide, with over 300 named cultivars available commercially.

Arborvitae prefer moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with pH 6.0 to 8.0. They tolerate a range of soil types but need consistent moisture. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid planting in dry, exposed sites or areas with poor drainage.

Arborvitae are not harvested for food. Branches are occasionally used for holiday wreaths and garlands. The flat sprays of foliage make attractive filler material. Harvest selectively from the interior or lower portions to maintain screening function. Cedar leaf oil is distilled from the foliage of Thuja species for aromatherapy use.

Cut arborvitae branches last 2 to 3 weeks when kept cool and misted. For wreath-making, condition cut stems in water overnight before assembling. Dried foliage quickly turns brown and is not suitable for preservation. Fresh branches can be refrigerated in plastic bags for up to a week before use in arrangements.