Spring Grove™ Arborvitae

Thuja plicata Spring Grove 'Grovepli'

Proven Winners®

Winter-Hardy Spring Grove™ Arborvitae Stays Rich Green to -25 Degrees
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Native Tree
Stunning Green Fall Foliage
Fast-Growing in Full Sun

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily to maintain its dense, lush foliage. While it can handle partial shade, the growth will be less compact and the vibrant green color may appear slightly muted.
Soil: It thrives in moist, well drained soil but is famously adaptable to heavy clay or rocky ground. If your soil is particularly heavy, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, Spring Grove™ is remarkably drought tolerant, though consistent moisture is necessary to prevent "needle drop" or browning during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent watering during dry spells can lead to a thinner canopy and slower vertical growth.

Pruning Tips

Since these shrubs bloom on new wood (though the inconspicuous flowers aren't the main draw), any heavy shaping should be done in early spring before the first flush of growth. Think of pruning like a light haircut to maintain its natural pyramidal shape or to tighten the "weave" of the branches for a better privacy screen. Avoid cutting back into old, brown wood that has no green needles, as these areas lack latent buds and will not regrow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring as the ground thaws to fuel the season's growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is highly susceptible to winter burn and ice damage.

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, Fast-growing, Low Maintenance, Hedge/Screen
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	20-30 ft
Width	10-12 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White, Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja plicata Spring Grove 'Grovepli'
Species	plicata
Cultivar	Grovepli
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Spring Grove™ Arborvitae suitable for?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae thrives in USDA zones 5-8, withstanding temperatures down to -25°F. This exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for Midwest winters where it maintains rich green color. Plant 12-15 feet apart for optimal growth and privacy screening.

How tall and wide will Spring Grove™ Arborvitae grow at maturity?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae reaches 40-60 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide at maturity with its tight pyramidal form. This fast-growing evergreen maintains excellent density throughout its height. Space plants 12-15 feet apart for proper development, available at naturehills.com.

Does Spring Grove™ Arborvitae need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Like most arborvitae varieties, it needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and to maintain its dense, thick foliage. Plant in a location with morning sun for best results.

How often should I water my newly planted Spring Grove™ Arborvitae?

Water newly planted Spring Grove Arborvitae deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. This cold-hardy evergreen needs consistent moisture to establish its root system before winter. Reduce to weekly watering once established, checking soil moisture 2 inches down.

Does Spring Grove™ Arborvitae produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in spring that develop into small brown cones. The blooms are barely noticeable since this evergreen is grown for its dense, rich green foliage rather than ornamental flowers. Shop at Nature Hills for this fast-growing privacy screen solution.

Is Spring Grove™ Arborvitae deer resistant?

Yes, Spring Grove™ Arborvitae is very deer resistant. Its thick, dense foliage naturally deters browsing deer, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens in areas with deer pressure. Plant 12-15 feet apart for optimal deer-resistant screening.

What plants pair well with Spring Grove™ Arborvitae for landscaping?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae pairs beautifully with lower-growing evergreens like junipers and yews for layered screening. Since it's deer resistant, combine it with other deer-proof plants like boxwood or ornamental grasses. Space companions at least 12-15 feet from the arborvitae to allow proper growth.

How much fertilizer does Spring Grove™ Arborvitae need and how often?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae needs fertilizer just once per year in early spring. Use a slow-release evergreen fertilizer following package directions for your tree's size. This annual feeding supports its fast growth while maintaining that rich green winter color.

Does Spring Grove™ Arborvitae require regular pruning to maintain its shape?

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae naturally maintains its tight pyramidal shape without regular pruning. Its thick, dense growth habit requires only occasional light trimming to remove damaged branches. If desired, prune in late winter before new growth begins.

Spring Grove™ Arborvitae

Thuja plicata Spring Grove 'Grovepli'