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American Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

Regular price $4979
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Delivery and Shipping

Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 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

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Native, Clay Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, and Non-invasive

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Thuja occidentalis
  • Height
    25-40 ft
  • Width
    10-15 ft
  • Growing Zones
    3-8
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Slow
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Fall Color
    Evergreen
  • Native
    Yes
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Plant your American Arborvitae where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for dense, lush growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will cause the foliage to become thin and leggy.
  • Soil: These trees thrive in rich, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist. If you have heavy clay or sandy soil, amend it generously with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and moisture retention.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water deeply twice a week to help the root system establish, checking that the soil is moist a few inches down. Once established, American Arborvitae is moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent watering during dry spells prevents browning and keeps the foliage vibrant. Inconsistent watering often leads to sparse growth and premature needle drop.

Pruning Tips

Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape and density. Lightly shear the foliage to control size, but avoid cutting back into old wood that has no green needles, as it won't regrow. Regular light pruning keeps the plant tidy and encourages thicker growth, acting like a shape-up rather than a drastic cut.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring as new growth starts to emerge. 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.

Elegant & Easy Privacy With American Arborvitae

  • Privacy Tree
  • Tall and Elegant
  • Easy Care
  • Windbreak

This is the classic American Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis. It brings an easy care elegance to your landscape, with its feathery foliage and crisp good looks.

This evergreen requires practically no maintenance and maintains its beautiful pyramidal shape and fluffy texture throughout its life. You can shear it to keep it small or allow it to grow to its natural height.

For a living privacy screen, plant several of them in a staggered row 4-6 feet on center depending upon how quickly you want a solid screen. Plant one on either side of an entryway, or in the corner of a house to instantly ground it into your landscape.

It also makes an outstanding specimen tree that works hard all year long. Pop a fabulous fall color shrub and ornamental grass in front of it for an effective display. It also blends well with other evergreens.

The American Arborvitae stands straight and tall wherever you plant it. Get yours today. Buy American!

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