How to grow Arborvitae?

Arborvitaes (Thuja occidentalis) is a great choice if you’re searching for quickly growing, low-maintenance evergreen trees that can be used as a hedge or privacy screen. The Arborvitae symbolises eternal grace in the rich fabric of nature. Often called the ‘Tree of Life’, this evergreen wonder represents tenacity and enhances surroundings with its lush foliage. Arborvitae, whose name translates from Latin to ‘Tree of Life,’ has a long history of being valued for its ageless beauty and healing qualities. 

 

Key facts: Arborvitae

Common name	Oriental Arborvitae, Chinese Arborvitae
Scientific name	Thuja orientalis
Family name	Cupressaceae (Cypress)
Life span	Perennial
Height at maturity	More than 10 feet
Content of origin	Asia
Flowers	Single
Colour of the flower	Brown
Type of flower	Like a pine cone
Soil type	Moist well drained, loamy soil

 

Basics of Arborvitae

Factors	Details
Mature height/ spread	The species and cultivar of an arborvitae determine its mature size.  Some shrubs grow to a height of less than three feet. Big trees can grow to be more than 70 ft tall and 25 ft wide.
Shapes	Spherical, conical, pyramidal, or drooping.
Foliage	The aromatic needles of most arborvitaes are flattened and lacy, with hues ranging from emerald green to gold.  Early summer brings clusters of ½-inch-long, rosebud-shaped cones that turn nutmeg-brown after turning green.
Growth rate	The growth rate varies according to cultivar and species.  While some grow 3 to 4 ft a year, like dwarfs and miniatures, develop much more slowly, some grow quickly.

 

How to plant Arborvitae?

When to plant?

Although you can plant an arborvitae year-round, fall is usually the best time to do so because of the lower temperatures that help avoid heat stress and the moisture from fall rains that aid in establishing a robust, healthy root system.

Where to plant?

• Choose a location for your arborvitae with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While certain types can withstand some shadow, insufficient light will cause their growth to become sporadic.
• Although they may thrive in various soil conditions, arborvitaes dislike wet feet. Plant only in well-drained soil; if there is a lot of sand or clay, apply additives to help with drainage. 
• Plant arborvitae where there is room for them to grow to maturity and where their roots can spread out.

Plant spacing

Make sure at least 3 to 4 ft are between each plant when planting a hedge or screen. It will appear more natural and offer arborvitae more space if you space them out in a zigzag manner instead of packing them into a close row.

How to plant?

• Plan to put the potted or burlap-wrapped arborvitae you buy at a nursery in your garden a few days after you get it home to prevent the roots from drying out.
• To allow for root expansion, dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the plant’s root ball but an inch more profound than the plant’s root ball.
• Plant your arborvitae in the hole to prevent the roots from suffocating, ensuring the top of the root ball is higher than the soil’s surface. After carefully filling the hole with the removed dirt, properly water it to settle it. Avoid using your feet to tamp or pack the earth.
• Use a soaker hose or let a hose drip at the base of the plant to ensure that the roots receive enough water after planting. Repeat these deep soaks at least twice a week if it doesn’t rain until the roots take hold.

Planting in containers

Smaller arborvitae varieties make eye-catching topiaries or container plants that add interest throughout the growing season. Particularly, dwarf varieties can flourish outdoors in pots for years and tolerate some root limitations.

• To allow the roots plenty of room to grow, use a pot a few inches larger than the size of the root ball. Clay, ceramics, concrete, fibreglass, treated wood, and robust plastic can all be used to make pots. Use a material that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates. Proper drainage is essential.
• Use a premium potting mix—ideally made especially for evergreens—to partially fill the pot. Garden soil is excessively dense and heavy and will prevent drainage, so avoid using it.
• After setting the root ball above the soil in the centre of the pot, top the root ball with additional soil. Following planting, give the soil a good soaking before giving the top a quick tap to eliminate any air pockets.

See also: Tips for gardening in small apartments

 

Arborvitae care

Fertilisation

Fertiliser is rarely needed for arborvitae if they are planted in healthy soil and receive adequate water and sunlight. But you should provide your plant with extra nutrition if it shows signs of weakness or if your soil isn’t the best.

Watering

Give newly planted shrubs approximately one inch of water weekly during the growing season. Make sure the soil is consistently damp but not soggy. As the roots take hold, cut back on how often you water them. To get water straight to the root zone, use a hose.

Winter care

Taller Arborvitae can have their branches bent and broken by heavy snow and ice accumulations. Before the heavy, wet snow can collect, lightly brush it off with a broom.

Diseases and pests

One of the main reasons arborvitaes are so well-liked is because pest and disease issues rarely affect them. However, if air circulation is impeded by packing plants too closely together, they may fall victim to fungal-caused needle and twig blight. Cut off all blight-affected branches and apply a fungicide treatment to manage the disease.

 

Toxicity

One lesser-known feature of arbourvitae is its toxicity, hidden beneath its emerald canopy. Even though this massive evergreen seems peaceful, some areas contain potentially dangerous materials. Specifically, the seeds contain substances that, if consumed, could cause discomfort and adverse effects. 

 

FAQs

Is arborvitae a shrub?

The evergreen arborvitae tree or shrub belongs to the family Cypress.

Which common name is Thuja?

Thuja occidentalis is a thick, conical, narrow-pyramidal plant with several names, including American arborvitae, Eastern arborvitae, Eastern white cedar, and Northern white cedar.

What qualities does arborvitae possess?

Arborvitae are trees or shrubs that typically have a pyramidal shape, thin, scaling outer bark, and fibrous inner bark. They can also have branches that grow horizontally or upwards, and their branchlet systems are flattened and resemble sprays.

Is arborvitae a healthy plant?

The immune system, blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, joint health and pain alleviation, cognitive and memory and eye health are all areas where arborvitae may be beneficial.

Do any adverse effects of arborvitae exist?

Hujone is a poisonous chemical found in oriental arborvitae. This substance may induce agitation, altered mental states, nausea, vertigo, and other symptoms.

What is the purpose of arborvitae wood?

Arborvitae wood has been used to make many different things. Because of their resistance to rot, termites can be used for shingles, fencing, poles and other projects where the wood is in contact with the ground or water.

Is arborvitae beneficial to hair?

Oriental arborvitae promotes hair development, reduces oedema and protects the body from dangerous chemical damage.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com