Techny Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Techny'

Nature Hills Nursery

Techny Arborvitae Thrives in Zone 3 Cold and Drought Where Other Arborvitaes Fail
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 15-20 ft Tall, 6-10 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$45⁹⁹

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Plant Size

#2 Container 1-2 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this arborvitae at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its famous dark green color and dense habit. While it tolerates partial shade, too little light causes the foliage to thin out and lose its effectiveness as a privacy screen.
Soil: Plant in rich, loamy soil that drains well but retains consistent moisture, much like a damp forest floor. If you have heavy clay or fast-draining sand, amend the site with compost or peat moss to balance moisture levels and prevent root stress.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist for the first year to help the shallow root system establish itself in your landscape. Once established, Techny is reasonably drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering often leads to browning and premature shedding of the inner needles.

Pruning Tips

Handle any shaping or size control in early spring before new growth begins to push out. Avoid cutting back into the bare, brown inner branches, as arborvitae will not generate new growth from old wood. A light shearing annually acts like a haircut that encourages thicker, lush growth on the exterior.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring just as you see green tips expanding. Stop fertilizing by mid-summer, because adding nitrogen late in the season encourages soft new growth that will be damaged by the first winter freeze.

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, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Hedge/Screen, Clay Tolerant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	15-20 ft
Width	6-10 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Techny'
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	Techny
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Techny') is a hardy evergreen conifer that will enhance your yard with a light green color in the spring and dark green in the summer! It has delightful flat, fan-shaped foliage that stays green year-round and is flexible to the touch!

In fact, you'll likely enjoy the soft texture of the Techny and be tempted to "pet" it often. Your Techny's compact, upright pyramidal shape provides an excellent accent or backdrop for other plantings, and you can easily prune it to your desired shape.

The Techny Arborvitae is one of the most hardy of the Arborvitae, withstanding more cold and drought than other Arborvitaes. Growing throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 8, these are very adaptable plants! Growing 15 - 20 feet in height at maturity and spreading 6 - 10 feet wide at the base.

Landscape Application:

Arborvitaes have long been valued for their many stellar features! They provide nesting, cover, and food for wildlife. They're a living windbreak, and the harvested wood makes everything from fence posts to furniture. Parts of the Arborvitae are even used medicinally!

Buy several to form a living privacy hedge for your property or just one for a planter. It can even live in a large pot on your patio! Add some casters to your planter and you'll enjoy portable shade and privacy where you need it most around your pool, seating areas, and balconies!

Create incredible windbreaks and shelterbelts, privacy hedges, and fluffy property divisions that grow fairly quickly and fill in fast when planted 4-6 feet on center. You can create winding or straight, or even zig-zag rows for informal or formal landscaping.

Light Green Evergreen Foliage Ages Dark Green
Soft To The Touch Textured Conifer
Compact & Upright Shape
Pyramidal Shape
Versatile Conifer For Hedges, Privacy, Windbreaks & Bird-Friendly Habitat

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This easy-to-care-for plant prefers full to partial sun exposure in a well-drained soil site. Provide regular moisture throughout the first year in the ground but once established, they become drought resistant. Prune if needed lightly to shape and train after new foliage has emerged in the late spring.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs - Low Once Established
Prune After Flush Of Spring Growth
Not High On Deer Nibble Lists

For a carefree, hardy Arborvitae, the Techny is an exceptional choice. Order yours today at Nature Hills and we'll deliver your new specimen or hedge to your doorstep!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones does Techny Arborvitae grow in?

Techny Arborvitae thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it one of the hardiest arborvitae varieties available. It withstands more cold and drought stress than other arborvitae cultivars. Plant it confidently in northern climates where other evergreens might struggle.

What is the mature height and spread of Techny Arborvitae?

Techny Arborvitae reaches 15-20 feet tall and spreads 6-10 feet wide at maturity. This compact, pyramidal evergreen works well in zones 3-8. For privacy hedges, plant them 4-6 feet apart for quick fill-in, available at naturehills.com.

Does Techny Arborvitae grow in high desert climates?

Techny Arborvitae grows in USDA zones 3-8 and is more drought-tolerant than other arborvitaes. High desert climates can work if you're in the right zone and provide regular moisture during establishment. Check your specific zone and ensure good drainage with consistent watering the first few years.

Why are my newly planted Techny Arborvitaes turning brown?

Newly planted Techny Arborvitaes typically brown due to transplant shock or insufficient watering during establishment. These hardy conifers (zones 3-8) need consistent moisture their first year, especially in full sun locations. Check soil moisture daily and water deeply when the top inch feels dry.

How and when should I prune Techny Arborvitae?

Prune Techny Arborvitae in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light shaping cuts work best since this compact pyramidal evergreen naturally maintains its form. Avoid cutting into old wood as it won't regrow. Shop quality specimens at naturehills.com.

How much water does Techny Arborvitae need?

Techny Arborvitae needs regular moisture but is more drought-tolerant than other arborvitae varieties. Plant in well-drained soil and water consistently the first year to establish roots. Once mature, it can handle dry periods better than most arborvitae.

What pests and diseases affect Techny Arborvitae?

Techny Arborvitae is generally pest and disease resistant due to its hardy nature in zones 3-8. Common issues include bagworms, spider mites, and occasional fungal problems in poorly drained soils. Ensure proper spacing and good air circulation when planting your privacy hedge to prevent most problems.

Does Techny Arborvitae do well in sandy soil?

Techny Arborvitae tolerates sandy soil well as long as it drains properly, since this hardy variety adapts to various soil conditions across zones 3-8. Sandy soil actually helps prevent root rot issues common with poorly draining soils. Just ensure regular watering during establishment since sandy soil dries out faster.