Full Speed A Hedge® Thin Man® Arborvitae

Fast, Skinny Hedge: Full Speed A Hedge® Thin Man® Arborvitae

Meet the sleek sentinel of the evergreen world—Full Speed A Hedge® Thin Man® Arborvitae PP#25,672 (Thuja x 'SMTOTM')! This ultra-narrow, fast-growing hybrid Arborvitae is tailor-made for tight spaces where privacy is a must!

Boasting an upright, columnar form with dense, lush green foliage year-round, it reaches up to 15 feet tall and only 2-3 feet wide—making it a dream for skinny spots and speedy screening! A cultivar of American Arborvitae, this hardy evergreen is also deer-resistant, cold-tolerant, and virtually maintenance-free!

The foliage is bright emerald green and soft to the touch, with sprays of flat, scale-like needles that hold their color all winter long, even in chilly climates. As it matures, the trunk and branches remain hidden beneath a thick cloak of green, never needing shaping to maintain its naturally narrow form. Unlike many Arborvitae, Thin Man® was bred for both beauty and performance in landscapes where every inch counts.

The Arborvitae (Latin for "tree of life") has long been used medicinally by Indigenous peoples and is revered for its symbolic value of strength, protection, and longevity. This particular variety is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 7 and thrives in a wide range of climates. Whether enduring harsh northern winters or muggy Midwestern summers, Thin Man® stands tall—no flopping, no fading. It's bred for excellence and thrives even in urban conditions, poor soils, and tight planting areas.

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Key Features

• Narrow upright form—perfect for small spaces and screens
• Grows 2–3 feet per year—fast for an evergreen!
• Lush, soft green foliage year-round
• Deer-resistant and cold-hardy down to -40°F (Zone 3)
• Virtually maintenance-free, no pruning is required to keep its shape
• Thrives in urban and suburban landscapes alike

Landscaping Uses

With its pencil-thin silhouette reaching 12-15 feet tall and just 2-3 feet wide, this evergreen column is your go-to for vertical drama or elegant screening in cramped quarters.

• Fast-growing, skinny privacy screen along property lines or fences
• Space-saving hedge between driveways or buildings. Plant a row of evenly spaced Thin Man® Arborvitae along your driveway for a formal entrance!
• Tall accent in formal gardens or entryways
• Evergreen backdrop for mixed borders
• Windbreaks and sound buffers in narrow yards - divide your front yard from a busy street with a unique living fence!
• Container planting for patios, or rooftops (in cold-hardy, protect pots). Try a pair in matching urns on either side of your front entry!
• Slim screening on balcony and apartment gardens!
• Snow drift barriers - Won't split or splay under snow load

Care and Maintenance

This is a broadleaf evergreen conifer known for being adaptable, fuss-free, and resilient to deer and cold. Read in-depth Arborvitae care information here.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall, but can be planted anytime the ground isn't frozen
• Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade (afternoon shade if planted in warmer climates)
• Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay and poor soil, not soggy spots
• Moisture Needs: Average moisture needs; avoid extremes of drought or flooding. Provide a regular watering schedule during its first year in the ground.
• Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch deep layer of shredded bark or wood chips to conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Fertilization Needs: Light fertilizing in spring with a balanced slow-release formula
• Pruning Info: Not required, but may be lightly sheared in late spring if desired
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:
• Resistant to deer browsing
  Tolerates air pollution and urban conditions
• Strong vertical growth without staking
• Won’t split or splay under snow load

Stand Tall and Stay Slim

If you've been hedging your bets on a reliable, narrow evergreen, Full Speed A Hedge® Thin Man® Arborvitae is your go-to green barrier. It brings fast-growing privacy, formal elegance, and four-season appeal to even the tightest of garden spaces. Perfect for urban lots, slim side yards, or designer hedges without the bulk.

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship your new skinny evergreen hedge to your doorstep!

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Full Speed A Hedge® Thin Man® grow?
It can grow 2–3 feet per year in optimal conditions.

Is Thin Man® deer-resistant?
Yes, it is one of the more deer-resistant varieties of Arborvitae.

Does it need pruning?
No regular pruning is needed—it keeps its columnar form naturally.

Will it tolerate shade?
It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade or afternoon shade in hot climates.

Can I plant these close together for a hedge?
Yes, space them 3 feet apart on center for a tight, fast-forming screen.