Arborvitae growth will appear in the early spring, and continue until well into autumn. The rate at which it grows will depend on the species that is in question. Globe arborvitae will grow at a pretty slow rate, while techny arborvitae can grow at a rate of four feet per year once the plant has matured. The arborvitae growth will appear mostly on branches and stems that had been cut back the previous year.
Pruning an arborvitae plant in the winter will help to encourage more arborvitae growth in the coming growing season. Pinching back leaves or growth tips will also encourage the new growth. New arborvitae growth will appear a bright yellow green, contrasting with the rest of the plant, and be very soft. As it ages, the arborvitae growth will become harder and the color will darken to match the tree. The new arborvitae growth can be trimmed down to encourage the plant to split and grow two branches from that location.
Pruning arborvitae growth should be done at a forty-five degree angle, and only about a quarter inch above a lateral bud that is pointing outward. This will not only even up the tree or shrub, it will also help to encourage it to grow in a more steady and complete form the following growing season.
More information about arborvitae growth can be found in books at a local library. Internet pages will also be able to provide tips on how to control and encourage arborvitae growth. A local nursery or garden center will also be a good location to find out more and current information about growing arborvitae trees.
