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Proven Winners®

Sting® Arborvitae

Name: Sting® Arborvitae
Brand: Proven Winners
SKU: 22956
Price: 26.49 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.44 (9 reviews)

Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOO' PP 34,292

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

$34¹³

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Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Shade Tolerant, Drought resistant, Fast-growing
Hardiness Zone	3a to 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	15-20 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOO' PP 34,292
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	SMNTOO
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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.

Other Arborvitae varieties

Full Speed A Hedge® Thin Man® Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Thin Man'

(8)

Regular price From $28⁴⁷
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'

(46)

Regular price From $19⁹⁹
Private Jet™ Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'King of Brabant' PP29,678

(9)

Regular price From $99⁴⁰
Cheer Drops® Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Cheer Drops'

(8)

Regular price From $26⁴⁹
Amber Gold Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar' PP22,296

(20)

Regular price From $43⁶⁸
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja x 'Green Giant'

(54)

Regular price From $31²⁰
Fluffy® Western Arborvitae
Thuja plicata 'SMNTPGF'

Regular price From $84⁰⁸
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'

(9)

Regular price $37⁶³

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Better than expected

I’m going to begin by saying,Nature Hills Nursery, your company is amazing! Not only was my tree bigger and better than I expected, the way it was packaged and delivered was outstanding. You can tell that great care is taken in the growing and shipping process. My beautiful North Pole arborvitae is doing great. Thanks, Nature Hills!

A North Pole Arborvitae that shows up bigger than expected is always a good day, Jamie. These trees are grown to be sturdy and true to form, so it's great to hear the packaging held up and it arrived in good shape. As it settles into its new spot, keep the soil consistently moist through the first season and it should take off from there. Thanks for the kind words and for trusting us with your garden.

Nice plants, perfect for small yards

Nice plants, perfect for small yards. It wasn’t easy to find #3 containers elsewhere. Plants were healthy and more importantly they were well packaged (and added bonus - packaging was easy to remove)

Glad the #3 containers worked out for your space. Finding that size locally can be a real challenge, so it's good to know the plants arrived healthy and the packaging didn't put up a fight. Sting Arborvitae tends to settle in quickly once planted, so you should see good growth as the season moves along. Thanks for sharing, Brian.

Not happy.

I ordered 2 plants. Both arrived in oversized boxes and both with broken branches, leaving the arbor vitae half gone upon arrival.
I called and left a voicemail. Never heard back.

Always receive fresh plants that always arrive in great shape from Nature Hills

Always receive fresh plants that always arrive in great shape from Nature Hills. I purchased 6 Sting Arborvitae. All doing well. 5 are perfect, 1 is alittle deformed with a noticeable arc in the trunk that is a little bothersome. Hope it grows up straighter in time.

North Pole Arborvitae

This was our first time purchasing trees online. We got 20 of the North Pole Arborvitae. All 20 were healthy, a beautiful color of bright green, healthy root ball, and the soil around them was nice and moist. They've been in the ground for four weeks now and are doing well. Packing and customer service was very good as well.

Hello Kelly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your North Pole Arborvitae purchase! We're thrilled to hear that all 20 trees arrived healthy and vibrant, with moist soil and strong root balls. It’s great to know they are thriving four weeks after planting. It sounds like you gave them a fantastic start! If you’d ever like tips on optimal watering schedules or nutrient needs as they continue to grow, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help.

We're also delighted you found our packing and customer service up to your expectations. Providing a seamless online plant shopping experience is very important to us, especially for first-time tree buyers.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

North Pole Arborvitae

Dear Kelly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the North Pole Arborvitae—and congratulations on your first online tree purchase going so smoothly! We’re delighted to hear that all 20 arrived healthy, bright green, and well-packaged, and it’s fantastic that they’re already thriving four weeks after planting. These beautiful evergreens can really become stunning privacy screens or focal points as they grow.

Should you need any tips on ongoing care—like best watering practices during dry spells or pruning advice to keep them looking their best—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great Purchase

I purchase online with some trepidation, but buying trees from Nature Hills was flawless. Customer service was helpful and courteous. The trees arrived timely, well packaged, and healthy. The trees are now planted and I am a very happy customer. Thank you Nature Hills!

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Nature Hills! We completely understand how making a purchase online, especially when it involves living plants, can be a bit nerve-wracking. We're truly delighted to hear that your order arrived healthy, well-packaged, and on time—our team strives to make each step smooth and enjoyable. It's fantastic that your trees are now planted and thriving in your garden!

If you ever have any questions about caring for your new trees or need tips on helping them flourish, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We love supporting gardeners in every season of growth.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Great Purchase

Dear Jan C.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We completely understand that purchasing trees online can feel a bit uncertain at first, so we're thrilled to hear that the process was flawless and that you found our customer service both helpful and courteous. It’s fantastic that your trees arrived healthy, well-packaged, and right on schedule—just as you deserve.

If you ever have questions about caring for your new trees or want advice on expanding your garden, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your growing success every step of the way!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

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.

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

Sting® Arborvitae