Tater Tot™ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOBAB' USPP30,761, Can PBRAF

Proven Winners®

Perfectly Round Dwarf Form Stays 1-2 Feet Tall Without Pruning or Maintenance
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$26¹⁴

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Tater Tot™ Arborvitae in a location that gets full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can handle some shade, plenty of sun ensures the foliage stays dense and maintains its lush green color.
Soil: This shrub prefers well-drained, moist soil. If you are planting in heavy clay, mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage, as arborvitae roots struggle in waterlogged ground.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week to help the roots establish, checking the soil moisture regularly. Once established, Tater Tot™ is moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent watering during dry spells prevents stress and keeps the foliage from browning.

Pruning Tips

Because Tater Tot™ naturally grows in a tidy, rounded globe, it requires very little pruning. If you need to shape it, do so lightly in early spring before new growth appears. Avoid cutting back into old, bare wood, as arborvitae will not regrow from branches that lack green needles.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your arborvitae with a slow-release, balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as this can push soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter frost hits.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Perfectly round tiny evergreen shrub, the Tater Tot™ Arborvitae PP#30,761 (Thuja plicata 'SMNTOBAB') only grows 1-2 feet tall and is just a little taller than it is wide. Just like its potato namesake!

It is an almost perfectly round cute orb of deep green! It is covered in swirling whorls of foliage that give it a rich texture and movement. These darling clumps of greenery last throughout the entire year and add green to the winter landscape or container garden.

Cold-hardy throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 7, these dwarf Arborvitae are slower growing but that means they won't outgrow their space nor need any maintenance to keep them looking trim and tidy.

Landscape Application:

The bright, deep green foliage lends such a great look to the evergreen border that we can see this being a new go-to for foundation landscaping. Smaller yard? No problem!

Tater Tot™ is a good replacement for Boxwood, as it rarely needs pruning. Tater Tot™ works really well as a low-maintenance hedge or border. It's happy as a focal point or as a team player.

Try it in a container for an elegant look. One on either side of the front door is such a classic way to greet guests in style! Balcony and container gardeners can enjoy these cute planter thrillers with their year-round color.

Tater Tot™ blends well with maroon and golden-leaved companions. It also is a great foil for larger Evergreens and Fir trees. Try it in a row lining a path, or in an arc at the edge of a foundation planting.

Petite Round Dwarf Evergreens
Bright Deep Green With Whorled Foliage
Small & Space-Saving Shrubs
Great In Containers
Tidy Edging, Facer Plants, Low Hedges & Property/Landscape Bed Definition

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Affinity grows the most compact and fast in full sun and well-drained soil. New trees need regular moisture to get established but become drought-tolerant once they have settled. All plants appreciate a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the roots. These shouldn't need pruning often but you can remove crossed branches, winter dieback, and wayward shoots in the spring after the first flush of new growth.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Prune If Needed In Spring
Drought Tolerant

If you want a fun, tiny, super-cute, sculptural shrub to add to your landscape, then this is the one. Order Tater Tot™ Dwarf Arborvitae from Nature Hills today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Tater Tot™ Arborvitae joins our collection of compact evergreen shrubs that provide year-round structure without the fuss, making it perfect for gardeners seeking low maintenance plants. This proven winners® selection pairs beautifully with other hardy shrubs in foundation plantings or mixed borders. For more guidance on incorporating evergreens into your landscape, explore our Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring and learn about proper care techniques in our Timing for Pruning Flowering Shrubs guide.

Botanical Name

Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOBAB' USPP30,761, Can PBRAF
Class

Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Species

occidentalis
Cultivar

SMNTOBAB
Growing Zones

3-7
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color

Green
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Dark Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tater Tot Arborvitae suitable for?

Tater Tot Arborvitae is cold-hardy in USDA zones 3-7. This compact evergreen thrives in colder climates while maintaining its rounded shape year-round. Choose a sunny, well-drained location for best growth and most compact form.

What are the planting zones for Tater Tot Arborvitae in my area?

Tater Tot™ Arborvitae thrives in USDA zones 3-7, making it cold-hardy across most northern and temperate regions. This dwarf evergreen stays compact at 1-2 feet tall in well-drained soil and full sun. Check your specific zone and shop at Nature Hills for delivery to your area.

How much sun or shade does Tater Tot Arborvitae need – full sun, part shade, or shade tolerant?

Tater Tot Arborvitae grows most compact and fastest in full sun with well-drained soil. While it can tolerate some shade, full sun exposure will give you the best dense, round form and deep green color. Plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Does Tater Tot Arborvitae require pruning or maintenance, and when is the best time?

Tater Tot Arborvitae rarely needs pruning due to its naturally compact, slow-growing habit. These dwarf evergreens maintain their round shape without regular trimming. If light pruning is needed, do it in late spring after new growth appears.

Is Tater Tot Arborvitae deer resistant or tolerant to pests?

Arborvitae are generally deer resistant due to their aromatic foliage, and Tater Tot™ shares this trait. These compact evergreens are also relatively pest-free once established in zones 3-7. For best results, plant in well-drained soil with full sun, available at naturehills.com.

What are the care requirements like for fertilizing Tater Tot Arborvitae?

Tater Tot Arborvitae are low-maintenance shrubs that don't require regular fertilizing. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will support healthy growth in zones 3-7. Feed sparingly since these dwarf evergreens grow slowly by nature.

How is Tater Tot Arborvitae shipped, and does it arrive healthy and well-packaged?

Tater Tot Arborvitae ships as a well-established plant in protective packaging designed to maintain root moisture and prevent damage during transit. These hardy dwarf evergreens (zones 3-7) are quite resilient and typically arrive in excellent condition. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to help your new shrub establish quickly.

What is the growth rate of Tater Tot Arborvitae, and how long until it reaches maturity?

Tater Tot™ Arborvitae is a slow-growing dwarf that reaches its mature size of 1-2 feet tall in 5-7 years. This compact growth habit means it won't outgrow its designated space and requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally round shape.