Sting® Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOO' PP 34,292

Proven Winners®

Narrowest Arborvitae at Just 2 Feet Wide, Perfect for Tight Spaces and Slim Privacy Screens
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 15-20 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$26¹⁴

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant this arborvitae in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it tolerates partial shade, full sun ensures the foliage remains dense and maintains that signature pencil-thin form.
Soil: These trees thrive in rich, loamy soil that drains well. If you are planting in heavy clay, amend the site with organic compost to improve drainage, as sitting in standing water can lead to root issues.

Watering Requirements

Arborvitae require consistent moisture to establish their root systems, so plan to water deeply twice a week during the first growing season. Once established, they have moderate drought tolerance, but inconsistent watering can cause the inner foliage to turn brown and drop prematurely.

Pruning Tips

Because Sting® naturally grows in a tight, narrow column, it requires very little pruning to maintain its shape. If you wish to tidy the plant or control its height, trim lightly in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid cutting into the bare, brown inner branches, as arborvitae will not generate new growth from old wood.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring just as new green tips begin to appear. Avoid applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers after mid-summer, as this can push soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Looking for the ultimate narrow evergreen for tight spaces? Meet the Sting® Arborvitae PP#34,292 (Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOO'), a Proven Winners® gem! This evergreen wonder shoots up to 15 to 20 feet tall while staying only about 2 feet wide, making it the skinniest of privacy trees. Its upright columnar form is clothed in dense, bright green foliage that holds color beautifully all year!

This isn't your average Arborvitae! Sting® has a strikingly architectural habit that brings vertical drama to landscapes. Its lush evergreen foliage creates a living exclamation point in gardens, borders, or as a row of slim sentinels. Unlike bulky shrubs, this tidy grower fits where space is limited, delivering big impact in a narrow footprint.

Native to North America and a member of the Cypress family (Cupressaceae), Arborvitae has long symbolized strength and endurance. Sting® Columnar Arborvitae builds on that legacy with a modern twist, streamlined growth, and Proven Winners® breeding excellence!

Key Features

Ultra-narrow columnar Arborvitae
Evergreen with dense, bright green foliage
Grows 15 to 20 feet tall, only 2 feet wide
Excellent vertical accent or privacy screen
Low-maintenance Proven Winners® selection

Landscaping Uses

Sting® Columnar Arborvitae is the go-to choice for slender spaces and stylish designs. Growing 15 to 20 feet tall and 2 feet wide, it thrives in modern landscapes where space is tight.

Tall, skinny privacy hedge
Living fence for narrow side yards
Vertical accent in mixed borders
Focal point in formal or urban gardens
Slim screening for patios or balconies

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, Sting® Thuja is a tough-as-nails evergreen shrub that keeps its shape without pruning. It's sun-loving, adaptable, and easy care. Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall, see our Arborvitae transplanting guide
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils
Moisture Needs: Regular water when establishing, use the Finger Test. Mature plants tolerate moderate drought.
Mulch: Apply a 3 to 4 inch layer of Arborist Mulch to conserve moisture
Fertilization Needs: Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring, or use compost
Pruning Info: Naturally narrow form needs little to no pruning; can be lightly trimmed for shape
Special Perks: Cold-hardy, low-maintenance, deer-resistant, urban-tolerant

Standing Tall With Sting®!

For dramatic height in tight spaces, nothing compares to Proven Winners® Sting® Arborvitae. Its slim silhouette, dense evergreen foliage, and year-round good looks make it a standout! Order your Sting® Arborvitae today from Nature Hills and enjoy the vertical elegance this plant brings to your garden!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Sting® Arborvitae joins our collection of reliable proven winners® and low maintenance plants that thrive with minimal care while providing excellent screening capabilities. Like other versatile trees and deer resistant plants, this compact evergreen works beautifully for foundation plantings and privacy borders. For more guidance on selecting the right evergreen for your landscape, explore our Privacy Trees and Shrubs: The Complete Guide to Screening, Spacing & Top Varieties or Learn More About Arborvitae, the Tree of Life.

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can green giant arborvitae grow in shade?

Green Giant Arborvitae needs full sun to partial sun for best growth and won't thrive in heavy shade. While it can tolerate some light shade, dense shade will cause sparse growth and poor color. Plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How fast do sting arborvitae grow?

Sting® Arborvitae grows at a moderate pace, reaching 15-20 feet tall in maturity while staying just 2 feet wide. This Proven Winners selection maintains steady upright growth in zones 3-8. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment, available at naturehills.com.

What soil conditions does it prefer?

Sting® Arborvitae adapts to most well-draining soils and isn't particularly fussy about soil type. This hardy evergreen tolerates various pH levels and soil conditions in zones 3-8. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and consider adding compost when planting for best establishment.

What planting zones is Sting® Arborvitae hardy in?

Sting® Arborvitae is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, making it suitable for most of the United States. This tough evergreen tolerates cold winters and adapts well to various climates. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.

What is the growth rate of Sting® Arborvitae per year?

Sting® Arborvitae has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 12-18 inches per year to reach its mature height of 15-20 feet. This steady pace allows the narrow columnar form to develop properly while maintaining its distinctive 2-foot width. Shop at Nature Hills for best planting success in zones 3-8.

Is Sting® Arborvitae deer resistant?

Sting® Arborvitae offers moderate deer resistance, as most arborvitae varieties are not preferred by deer due to their aromatic foliage. However, hungry deer may still browse young plants, especially in winter. Plant in full sun and consider additional protection during the first year to establish this 15-20 foot columnar evergreen.

Can Sting® Arborvitae be shipped to my state safely?

Sting® Arborvitae ships well as a hardy evergreen that's adaptable to USDA zones 3-8. This tough columnar tree tolerates transplanting better when shipped in spring or fall during cooler weather. Check your specific zone and plan for spring or fall planting for best establishment.

How much fertilizer does Sting® Arborvitae need annually?

Sting® Arborvitae needs minimal fertilization due to its low-maintenance nature. A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied once in early spring is typically sufficient for this hardy zones 3-8 evergreen. Focus on establishing strong roots with mycorrhizal inoculant at planting rather than heavy feeding.

Does Sting® Arborvitae require regular pruning or trimming?

Sting® Arborvitae maintains its columnar shape naturally without requiring pruning. This low-maintenance evergreen keeps its tidy 2-foot width and upright form on its own. Light shaping can be done in late spring if desired, but it's rarely necessary.