Northern Spire Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata ‘Northern Spire’

Nature Hills Nursery

Narrow Columnar Form Reaches 40 Feet Tall but Only 8 Feet Wide for Tight Spaces
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 25 ft Tall, 6 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Native Tree

$53⁰⁶

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best density. While it handles shade better than most arborvitae, too much shade can result in a thinner, more open canopy and slower growth.
Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. For heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage and prevent "wet feet," while sandy soils benefit from mulch to help the roots stay cool and hydrated.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water deeply twice a week to ensure the root system establishes firmly in its new home. Once mature, Northern Spire is remarkably drought tolerant, though consistent moisture is key to maintaining its lush, deep green color. If the soil stays bone-dry for too long, you might notice the inner needles browning or dropping prematurely as the plant tries to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

Because this cedar naturally grows in a narrow, upright spire, it rarely needs a haircut to maintain its shape. If you need to tidy it up, prune in early spring before new growth begins, as it primarily produces new foliage on old wood. Avoid cutting back into the "dead zone" near the center where there are no green needles, because those bare branches will not regrow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the tips begin to brighten with new growth. Avoid using 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 hard freeze. This ensures the plant enters winter dormancy with the strength to resist windburn and heavy snow loads.

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.

Slim Spire - Northern Spire Western Red Cedar

The Northern Spire Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Northern Spire') is a fast-growing, columnar evergreen that brings year-round beauty, structure, and privacy to the garden. Native to the Pacific Northwest, this selection of the mighty Western Red Cedar stands out with its tall, narrow form, dense foliage, and rich green color that holds year-round - even in the dead of winter!

With a statuesque upright habit reaching 15-20 feet tall but staying just 5 feet wide, Northern Spire lives up to its name! The soft, fragrant, scale-like foliage forms flattened sprays that shimmer in the light and offer a pleasant aroma when crushed. The bark is reddish-brown and peels in narrow strips, adding textural interest.

These Arborvitaes’ cones are small, oblong, and discreet, appearing in summer and maturing to a warm brown in fall. It’s a tough-as-nails evergreen with a graceful, architectural presence!

Key Features

Columnar form perfect for narrow spaces
Fragrant, evergreen foliage in flat sprays
Deer-resistant, salt-tolerant, handles urban pollution, and very cold-hardy
Fast-growing and low-maintenance
Native cultivar with cultural and ecological significance

Landscaping Uses

This conifer is a cultivar of Thuja plicata, a tree revered by Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest for its timber, bark, and spiritual significance. This tall, columnar evergreen is perfect for screening and structure!

Living privacy fence or windbreak
Foundation planting for large homes
Vertical accent in formal or naturalized gardens
Year-round screening for patios, pools, or hot tubs
Narrow footprint ideal for side yards or property lines!
Backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials
Planted in containers for structured entryway flanking
Fantastic tall privacy hedge and property division along property lines

Care and Maintenance

Northern Spire is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, adaptable to a wide range of soils, and tolerant of high rainfall, clay soils, and coastal conditions. Cold-hardy, deer-resistant, and extremely tolerant of a wide range of conditions, it's a top pick for living walls, windbreaks, or elegant vertical accents.

As a woody, evergreen conifer, Northern Spire is drought-tolerant once established, loves sun, and handles both humid and wet coastal climates with ease!

Planting Time: Spring or fall for the best root establishment
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained to moist soils; handles clay, loam, sand, and high rainfall
Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; drought tolerant once established
Mulch: 3-4 inch-deep layer of arborist mulch or bark chips, and compost is beneficial
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with balanced evergreen fertilizer
Arborvitae Pruning Info: Minimal; shape or lightly shear in late winter or early spring if needed
Special Needs/Perks:

Deer-resistant
Pollution-tolerant
Adaptable to compacted soils
Tolerant of salt spray and urban conditions

Raise It Up With Northern Spire!

When you need height, year-round coverage, and rugged beauty in a small footprint, Northern Spire Western Red Cedar is your green knight. With its vertical elegance and carefree nature, it belongs in every garden that needs privacy or a handsome evergreen anchor!

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your region!

Botanical Name

Thuja plicata ‘Northern Spire’
Class

Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Species

plicata
Cultivar

Northern Spire
Growing Zones

4–9
Height

25 ft
Width

6 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White, Green
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Green
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4–9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Northern Spire Western Red Cedar suitable for?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. This wide range means it can handle temperatures from -30°F to 20°F, making it suitable for most of the continental United States. Choose a location with good drainage for best results.

What is the mature height and width of Northern Spire Western Red Cedar?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar reaches 15-20 feet tall and just 5 feet wide at maturity. This columnar evergreen's narrow footprint makes it perfect for tight spaces like side yards or property lines. Shop at Nature Hills for this fast-growing privacy solution.

Does Northern Spire Western Red Cedar grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 4 or 9)?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar thrives in USDA zones 4-9, making it adaptable to most temperate climates. This hardy evergreen tolerates both cold winters and warm summers while maintaining its columnar form. Check your specific zone and ensure well-draining soil for best results.

How fast does Northern Spire Western Red Cedar grow?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar is a fast-growing evergreen that reaches 15-20 feet tall and 5 feet wide at maturity. This columnar cultivar thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and maintains vigorous growth with minimal care once established.

What are the sunlight requirements for Northern Spire Western Red Cedar (full sun or partial shade)?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight producing the densest foliage and best columnar form. This hardy zones 4-9 evergreen adapts well to various light conditions. For optimal growth and privacy screening, plant in a sunny location when you shop at Nature Hills.

What type of soil does Northern Spire Western Red Cedar need, and what pH level?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar adapts to a wide range of soil types and tolerates various pH levels. This hardy evergreen thrives in zones 4-9 and handles high rainfall conditions well. Plant in well-draining soil for best results.

How often should I water Northern Spire Western Red Cedar, especially when newly planted?

Water newly planted Northern Spire deeply twice weekly for the first year to establish roots. This hardy zone 4-9 evergreen is quite drought tolerant once established, typically needing only supplemental water during extended dry spells. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

Is Northern Spire Western Red Cedar deer-resistant?

Yes, Northern Spire Western Red Cedar is deer-resistant. This columnar evergreen's scale-like foliage naturally deters browsing deer while providing year-round privacy screening. Plant it confidently in areas where deer pressure is a concern.

Which states does Northern Spire Western Red Cedar not ship to (e.g., AK, HI)?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar ships to most states within USDA zones 4-9. Alaska and Hawaii typically have shipping restrictions due to agricultural regulations and distance. Check your specific zip code at checkout to confirm availability, as some western states may have seasonal limitations during warmer months.

Is Northern Spire Western Red Cedar low-maintenance and does it need pruning?

Northern Spire Western Red Cedar is exceptionally low-maintenance and rarely needs pruning due to its naturally dense, columnar growth habit. This fast-growing evergreen maintains its perfect 15-20 foot tall by 5 foot wide shape without intervention. Only prune to remove damaged branches or lightly shape if desired in late winter.