Landscaping With Arborvitae

If you’re looking for a simple way to add structure and year-round color to your yard, consider landscaping with arborvitae. This versatile evergreen is a classic choice for good reason—it’s hardy, low-maintenance, and brings a touch of elegant formality to any garden design.

Arborvitae, often called the “tree of life,” offers a range of sizes, shapes, and colors. You can use them to create living walls, define property lines, or frame an entrance. Their dense, scale-like foliage provides excellent privacy and a beautiful green backdrop for other plants. Let’s look at how to use them effectively.

This group of plants includes many cultivars, from towering giants to compact globes. Knowing which type to choose is the first step to success. The right arborvitae in the right spot will thrive for decades with minimal fuss from you.

Choosing the Perfect Arborvitae Variety

Not all arborvitae are the same. Selecting a variety that fits your space and goal is crucial. Always check the mature height and width on the plant tag—this prevents major headaches later.

For Tall Screens: ‘Green Giant’ is incredibly fast-growing and resistant to deer and disease. ‘Emerald Green’ (‘Smaragd’) forms a narrow, bright green pyramid perfect for tight spaces.
For Smaller Gardens: ‘Danica’ is a perfect little globe that stays under 2 feet. ‘Fire Chief’ turns a gorgeous orange-gold in the cooler months, adding seasonal interest.
For Unique Texture: ‘Degroot’s Spire’ has twisted, feathery foliage for a softer look. ‘Hetz Wintergreen’ is a tough, cold-hardy option that keeps a rich green color all winter.

Planning Your Arborvitae Layout

Good planning makes installation easier and ensures your plants look balanced. Sketch a simple diagram of your yard, marking where you want to place each arborvitae. Think about their purpose in the design.

Privacy Screens: Space plants about 75% of their mature width apart. For ‘Green Giant’, this is often 5-6 feet apart. Staggering them in two rows creates a denser barrier.
Foundation Planting: Frame the corners of your home with taller varieties. Use smaller, rounded forms to flank a doorway or soften a long wall.
Accent Pieces: A single, sculptural arborvitae can be a focal point in a island bed. A matching pair in pots makes a elegant statement by a garage or patio entrance.

Consider Sun and Soil Needs

Almost all arborvitae demand full sun to partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to stay dense and healthy. Poor light leads to thin, sparse growth.

Well-drained soil is non-negotiable. They hate “wet feet.” If your soil is heavy clay, you must amend it. Raised beds are also a excellent solution for drainage problems.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Planting correctly gives your arborvitae the best possible start. The best times to plant are early fall or spring, when temperatures are mild.

Dig the Hole: Make it two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Prep the Root Ball: Gently loosen any circling roots. If the plant is pot-bound, you can make a few shallow cuts down the sides to encourage new root growth outward.
Position and Backfill: Place the plant in the hole. Backfill with the native soil mixed with some compost. Do not add fertilizer at this stage.
Water Deeply: Create a small soil berm around the planting hole to form a water basin. Soak the area thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, like shredded bark, around the base. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.

Easy Care and Maintenance

Once established, arborvitae are remarkably self-sufficient. A little routine care keeps them looking their best and prevents common issues.

Watering: Water deeply once a week during the first growing season. After that, they are quite drought-tolerant but will appreciate water during extended dry spells.
Feeding: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Avoid fertilizing in late summer, as this can promote new growth that won’t harden off before winter.
Pruning: The best time for pruning is in early spring before new growth starts. You can also do a light trim in mid-summer if needed. Always cut back to a branch with green foliage; cutting into the old brown wood often won’t produce new sprouts.

Preventing Common Problems

Bagworms and spider mites are the main pests. Inspect your plants regularly, especially in early summer. Bagworms look like small pine cones hanging from the branches; pick them off by hand.

Winter burn (browning on the side facing the wind and sun) can occur. You can protect young plants with burlap screens if they are in a very exposed location. Proper autumn watering is key to helping them hydrate before the ground freezes.

Design Ideas for Elegant Impact

Arborvitae are more than just green fences. They are the backbone of a structured, elegant garden. Here’s how to combine them with other elements.

Mixed Borders: Use a row of upright arborvitae as a dark green backdrop for flowering shrubs like hydrangeas and roses. The contrast makes the colors pop.
Formal Gardens: Create geometric patterns with tightly-clipped arborvitae. They can make excellent low hedges to define parterre gardens or pathways.
Modern Minimalism: Pair a single columnar arborvitae with ornamental grasses and a simple gravel mulch. The combination of forms and textures is very striking.
Seasonal Color: Plant spring bulbs like daffodils or tulips at the base of your arborvitae. The evergreen provides cover when the bulbs die back, and the bulbs provide early color.

FAQ About Landscaping with Arborvitae

How fast do arborvitae grow for landscaping?
It varies widely. ‘Green Giant’ can grow 3 feet per year, while dwarf varieties like ‘Danica’ may only grow an inch or two. Choose a variety whose growth rate matches your patience and long-term plan.

What is the best distance to plant arborvitae for privacy?
A good rule is to space them at a distance equal to 3/4 of their mature width. This allows them to grow together into a solid screen without being so crowded that their sides die out from lack of light.

Can you use arborvitae in shady areas?
They will struggle in full shade. They need good sunlight to maintain there dense, healthy form. For shady areas, consider other evergreens like certain yews or hemlocks instead.

Why are the bottoms of my arborvitae turning brown?
This can be from several causes: not enough sunlight reaching the lower branches, drought stress, or damage from dog urine. Ensure proper watering and trim back nearby plants to allow for more light penetration.

Are arborvitae roots invasive?
No, their root systems are relatively shallow and fibrous. They are not known to damage foundations or sewer lines like some trees with aggressive root systems can. They are generally safe to plant near structures.

Landscaping with arborvitae simplifies garden design by providing reliable structure. With the right variety in the right place, you’ll enjoy effortless elegance and privacy for many years to come. Remember to plan for their mature size, ensure excelent drainage, and give them a little care during their first year. Your garden will thank you with beautiful, enduring greenery.