Woodward Arborvitae

Name: Woodward Arborvitae
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 02283
Price: 95.9 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)

Thuja occidentalis 'Woodwardii'

Naturally Compact Globe Shape Requires Minimal Pruning for Tidy Landscaping
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 4-6 ft Tall, 8-10 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Excellent Privacy Screen or Hedge

$95⁹⁰

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Plant Size

#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
Hardiness Zone	3a to 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	4-6 ft
Width	8-10 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Landscape Use	Hedge & Privacy, Foundation, Rock Garden
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Foliage Color	Green
Plant Characteristics	Attracts Birds, Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Shade Tolerant, Wet Soils
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Woodwardii'
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR, VI

Introducing a dense, soft evergreen that you rarely need to trim! The Woodward Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Woodwardii') is a compact, round plant that stays trim and tidy all on its own!

Woodward Arborvitae has dense, soft, scale-like, green foliage that forms flattened sprays at the ends of short, ascending branches. Its small flowers are inconspicuous and develop ½ inch cones that the birds will seek out despite you not noticing them.

Cold-hardy throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 7, these wider-than-tall evergreen shrubs pack a lot of coverage into a lower-growing form! The tidy and evenly spaced branching has a fine-textured appearance that always looks spiffy!

Landscape Application:

Woodward is an excellent foundation plant, growing 4 - 6 feet tall so it won't block your view. Their wide spread of 8 - 10 feet provides fast coverage without adding bulky height! But you can keep yours trimmed to conform to any width you need.

This easy-to-maintain and soft-to-the-touch evergreen is well suited for a mid-sized hedge, backdrop, border, or lining a sidewalk. You will love the effect of a row creating polite property division or separating your front yard from the street.

This wide growth makes Woodward a fast privacy hedge that fills in quickly. Plant yours 7-8 feet apart on center to create a solid fill, or space them looser for a more informal hedge. Fill a hard-to-mow hillside or eroding slope by planting zig-zagging plantings of Woodward to transform these tricky landscape features.

Deep Green Dense Foliage
Fine Even Textured Branching
Tidy Form Rarely Needs Maintenance
Wider Than Tall Form
Hedges, Erosion Control, Privacy, Foundation Plantings & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This hardy dwarf Thuja can tolerate a wide variety of well-drained soil types, full sun to light shade, and even wet sites. Trim if needed (which will be rare) in the spring after the first flush of new growth. These and all plants love a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around their base to keep moisture in the soil, insulate the roots, and hold back weed competition. The Woodward Arborvitae has no serious diseases or pests!

Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Prune If Needed In Spring
Easy To Grow Evergreens

Tidy and compact, the Woodward Arborvitae is a wide-spreading mid-sized Thuja shrub that will bring the coverage and greenery to your landscape all year long! Order now at NatureHills.com!

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best, dense growth and resistance to browning, site your Woodward Arborvitae where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can handle partial shade, expect the plant to develop a slightly looser, less uniform habit over time as a tradeoff.
Soil: This plant thrives in moist, well-drained loamy soil and will struggle in perpetually soggy or heavy clay spots. If your soil is dense clay, incorporate a generous amount of well-aged compost to ensure proper drainage; for sandy soil, adding peat moss or compost will help retain the adequate moisture this evergreen needs.

Watering Requirements

During the first full growing season, your priority is root establishment, so keep the soil consistently moist by aiming for about one inch of water per week through rain or supplemental irrigation. Once established, Woodward Arborvitae is acceptably drought-tolerant but will begin to look stressed and may develop browning in prolonged hot, dry periods, so a deep watering is appreciated during extended droughts. Be consistent with your watering in the fall, as insufficient moisture before winter can lead to severe desiccation or "winter burn."

Pruning Tips

Like many evergreens, this Arborvitae does not require hard pruning and is better maintained with light shaping on new wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth flush begins, only tipping the branches or lightly shearing the outer growth to maintain its naturally tidy, globe-like form. Crucially, do not cut back into the old, leafless wood in the plant's interior; this wood rarely regenerates, and you will be left with a permanent, bare brown patch.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your Arborvitae in early spring with a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens or a balanced 10-10-10 mixture, which will support healthy, dense foliage growth throughout the season. What you must avoid is applying any high-nitrogen fertilizer late in the season, especially after mid-summer, because this will push a flush of tender new growth that will not have enough time to harden off before the first winter frost.

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This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

Exceeded expectations!

Our Primo Arborvitae arrived looked exactly as advertised, healthy and beautiful. We had been looking for a compact slow grower for the front landscape next the door. This little guy fit the bill perfectly. This is my first experience with this variety and I cant wait to watch it grow.

Primo is a great pick for a tight spot near an entryway. That dense, compact habit stays tidy with very little effort on your part, so it should keep looking sharp next to the door for years to come. Thanks for sharing your experience, Carrie. We hope you enjoy watching it fill in.

Form

I like the form of the Woodward arborvitae and it never needs any pruning to stay that way.

Dear Mr. J.,

Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation for the Woodward arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that its natural form suits your garden beautifully and that it maintains its shape without any pruning. This low-maintenance feature is indeed one of the many reasons gardeners love this elegant, evergreen favorite.

If you ever want to keep your Woodward arborvitae thriving even more, a yearly light mulching to help retain moisture and occasional feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can really support its healthy growth. And if you’re planting more in the future, grouping these trees with complementary evergreens can create wonderful year-round interest.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can help with suggestions for other plants to pair alongside—it’s always a pleasure to assist.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Form

I like the form of the Woodward arborvitae and it never needs any pruning to stay that way.

Dear Mr. Green Jeans,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with the Woodward arborvitae! We're delighted to hear how much you appreciate its natural form and low maintenance needs. It's such a joy when a plant thrives with minimal pruning, allowing you to enjoy its graceful shape effortlessly.

If you ever wish to enhance your arborvitae's overall health or nourish it during seasonal changes, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be helpful. Also, ensuring consistent, deep watering during dry spells will keep it vibrant and thriving. Of course, feel free to reach out if you’d like more specific care tips or plant recommendations to complement your arborvitae.

Thanks again for your kind feedback. Happy gardening!

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

Size

My Woodward arborvitae is small and dense. Like this plant for its size.

Hi Greeny,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about your Woodward arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that you appreciate its small, dense form—this variety truly makes a charming addition to gardens of all sizes. If you’re looking to maintain that compact growth, regular pruning can help preserve its shape and encourage healthy fullness. Also, be sure it gets plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to keep it thriving.

If you have any questions or want tips on caring for your arborvitae as it grows, we’re always here to help you out!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Size

My Woodward arborvitae is small and dense. Like this plant for its size.

Dear Greeny,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about the Woodward Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that its small, dense form is just what you were looking for. Woodward Arborvitaes are known for their compact growth habit, which makes them fabulous options for tighter spaces or for those who enjoy a neat and tidy look in their garden.

If you ever want to help your Arborvitae maintain its density and shape, regular watering—especially the first few years—and light pruning after the growing season can be great habits. Also, planting in well-draining soil kept slightly moist tends to keep these beauties thriving.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback and hope your quiet little evergreen continues to bring you joy!

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

Perfect!

This is a beautiful, cold hardy, small evergreen. I love that it will withstand the cold winters and stay a perfect round shape with no maintenance. They arrived in perfect condition, Thank you.

Hi Kathy,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Woodward Arborvitae is thriving and living up to your expectations with its beautiful, cold-hardy qualities and effortless shape. It’s always gratifying to know our plants arrive in perfect condition and find a happy home in your garden. Just a quick tip: to keep that lovely round form, a light pruning in late spring, if desired, can help maintain its neat profile even further.

If you ever have any questions or need advice as your arborvitae grows, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Perfect!

This is a beautiful, cold hardy, small evergreen. I love that it will withstand the cold winters and stay a perfect round shape with no maintenance. They arrived in perfect condition, Thank you.

Dear Kathy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback about the Woodward Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that it’s not only beautiful and perfectly hardy for your cold winters, but also that it arrived in great condition. Its low-maintenance, elegant round shape definitely makes it a fantastic choice for a year-round garden accent.

If you’d like any tips to keep your Arborvitae thriving even further, feel free to check out our care guides on mulching and watering during extreme temperature changes—they can make a great difference in prolific growth! And of course, we’re always here to help should you have any questions down the road.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Woodward Globe Arborvitae grow?

Woodward Arborvitae grows at a moderate pace, reaching 4-6 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide at maturity. This compact evergreen fills in quickly to create effective privacy screening. Plant 7-8 feet apart for solid hedge coverage in zones 3-7.

When and how do I prune Woodward Globe Arborvitae?

Woodward Arborvitae rarely needs pruning due to its naturally compact, round form. If trimming is necessary, prune in spring after the first flush of new growth appears. Light shaping maintains the 4-6 foot height and 8-10 foot spread this variety is known for.

Is Woodward Arborvitae easy to care for and low-maintenance?

Yes, Woodward Arborvitae is exceptionally low-maintenance and rarely needs trimming due to its naturally tidy, compact form. It tolerates various well-drained soils, full sun to light shade, and is hardy in zones 3-7. If pruning is needed, do it in spring after new growth appears.

Are Woodward Globe Arborvitae shipped bare-root or potted?

Woodward Arborvitae are typically shipped as potted plants rather than bare-root, which helps establish their dense root system more successfully. This hardy shrub transplants well in zones 3-7 when planted in well-drained soil. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.

What are the dimensions of the Woodward Globe Arborvitae plant when shipped?

Woodward Arborvitae ships as young plants that will mature to 4-6 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. These compact evergreens grow wider than tall, making them perfect for low hedges and foundation plantings in zones 3-7. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

Is Woodward Arborvitae hardy in cold winters and what care does it need?

Woodward Arborvitae is extremely cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 3-7 through harsh winters. This tough evergreen tolerates various well-drained soils and full sun to light shade with minimal care. Apply 3-4 inches of mulch and trim only if needed in spring after new growth appears.

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Woodward Arborvitae