Degroot's Spire Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'

Nature Hills Nursery

Narrow Columnar Form Delivers Maximum Privacy in Minimal Space Without Sacrificing Visual Interest
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 18-20 ft Tall, 4-5 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Ideal for Hedge or Foundation Planting

$37⁶³

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily to maintain its tight, columnar shape. While it handles partial shade, expect the foliage to become less dense and the spire to lose its sharp definition in lower light.
Soil: It thrives in moist, well-drained loamy soil but is quite adaptable to various types. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant it in a slight mound to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide deep watering twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, this arborvitae is moderately drought tolerant, but consistent moisture is key to preventing the inner foliage from browning. If the plant faces extreme heat without supplemental water, it may produce excessive seed cones as a stress response, which can temporarily detract from its sleek green appearance.

Pruning Tips

Degroot's Spire naturally keeps its narrow shape, but you can prune it in early spring before new growth begins to maintain a specific height. Since it grows from old wood, avoid cutting back into the "dead zone" where there are no green needles, as those bare spots will not regrow. Think of pruning like a light trim for a beard; you are just tidying up the stray branches to keep the silhouette crisp and prevent snow load from splaying the branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring as the ground thaws to support its vertical growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this encourages tender new growth that will get zapped by the first hard frost. A single application in the spring provides all the fuel the plant needs for the entire year without risking winter burn.

Delivery and Shipping

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

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	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	18-20 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	Degroot
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sculptural Screen Degroot's Spire Arborvitae

Interesting Form
Slender Columnar Evergreen
Soft Foliage
Native Selection
Screening for Tight Spaces
Incredible Specimen Tree
Tolerates Periodically Wet Soils
Easy Care

When planning a privacy screen in a tight space, such as a sideyard, there isn't much better than Degroot's Spire (Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire') Arborvitae. With some evergreens, you can expect a uniform canvas, but not with this striking accent plant.

This columnar form of American Arborvitae delivers an unexpected, rich texture with layered stacks of green spires. This slender variety keeps your eye moving to add a lot of visual impact in a small space.

When "ho-hum" won't do, choose a different path. This is an improved, narrow Arborvitae that works extremely hard in your landscape.

Use it where you don't have much room but still want to delineate your space beautifully. This selection won't grow out of bounds in your landscape.

Native to North America, the "White Cedar" is a valuable, hardy alternative to Italian Cypress. Use it even in areas that stay a bit wet on occasion.

You can shear the rich, green foliage as needed, but you might want to give its twisting natural look a try. It just gets better with age. In time, you'll grow to really love this special tree.

The feathery foliage is nice, lush and soft when it's grown in full sun. You'll love the way it turns bronze in winter, contrasting beautifully with the snow.

Order Degroot's Spire Arborvitae today and get started on your privacy screen or vertical accent.

How to Use Degroot's Spire Arborvitae in the Landscape

Degroot's can be used in very creative applications. Create a "landscape professional" look, all for the cost of a few trees and grasses.

Use as a marvelous single specimen at the corner of your house. Or, use it as a focal point in a mulched planting bed with other plants, including smaller evergreen shrubs.

If you have the room, create a special collection of columnar evergreen trees. Nature Hills has plenty of options to choose from. Repeat the use of each variety several times.

Choose to create a solid screen by planting 2 ½ feet apart on center, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next.

Or, expand the spacing out so you see each tree as an individual. Both ways look amazing, and you can certainly use both techniques in a mixed planting.

Consider installing a large piece of special garden art, fountain or bench near the center of your planting.

Achieve a formal look with a symmetrical design arranged around a centered focal point. Or, add modern, informal charm with an offset planting pattern.

You'll definitely appreciate the effortless contrast of flowing Ornamental Grasses set against your Degroot's, so be sure to take a look at our offerings there.

These skinny trees are very versatile. Use a pair flanking either side of your front entryway. Define your property line with tight and narrow screening, and add as a wonderful backdrop for shrub borders.

This architectural plant makes such a wonderful statement in the landscape. Enjoy it! You can't go wrong with this selection.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Grow these trees in full sun or partially shaded conditions. They'll need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Moist, well-drained soil gives your tree the best growing conditions. Add a thick layer of mulch over the root system to keep it cool and moist.

Give it an even amount of moderate moisture on a regular basis. If you experience dry conditions, apply supplemental water and allow it to penetrate deeply to the extended root zone.

This slow-growing, interesting selection of Eastern Arborvitae stays narrow and requires little of your time. How nice to use a care-free native tree!

Order your Degroot's Spire Arborvitae from Nature Hills. You'll be thrilled with the extremely high quality of our plants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae grow at maturity?

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae typically reaches 12-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This slow-growing columnar evergreen maintains its narrow profile naturally, making it perfect for tight spaces. Plan for 4-6 feet between plants when creating a privacy screen.

Does DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae need full sun?

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae produces its best foliage quality in full sun conditions. While it can tolerate some shade, full sun exposure creates the lush, soft texture this variety is known for. Plant in a sunny location for optimal growth and winter bronze coloring.

How often should I water DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae?

Water newly planted DeGroot's Spire weekly for the first year, then reduce to drought periods only. This arborvitae tolerates periodically wet soils and becomes quite drought-tolerant once established. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water deeply when dry.

Is DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae deer-resistant?

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae has moderate deer resistance, though hungry deer may browse it during harsh winters. As a native North American evergreen, it's less appealing to deer than many exotic plants. Plant it closer to high-traffic areas for best protection.

Does DeGroot's Spire require fertilizer?

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae is naturally low-maintenance and doesn't require regular fertilizing. A slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring can boost growth if desired. Shop at Nature Hills for this easy-care native selection.

Degroot's Spire Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'