Arborvitae is a beautiful evergreen shrub that provides year-round greenery. It is great for creating natural-looking green screens and hedges, as well as providing texture, shape and form to your garden.
Arborvitae can be used to create outdoor living spaces to sit and enjoy garden views, or to help define a garden space with a green backdrop.
When it comes to companion plants for arborvitae, there are many options that can enhance the garden and add colour and interest to the landscape. Perennials like Shasta daisies, coneflowers, or daylilies are great choices to pair with arborvitae.
Low-growing, evergreen sedums or mosses can be used to create ground cover beneath the shrub. Dwarf varieties of yews or boxwood make ideal companions that share similar growth habits and culture requirements as arborvitae.
Hostas, ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and many other flowering plants can also be used to create a stunning and varied living space around arborvitae. If a more tropical look is desired, then low-growing palms, banana trees and exotic plants can create an interesting balance with the evergreen foliage of an arborvitae.
How do you make an arborvitae look good?
Making an arborvitae look good requires regular pruning and trimming. Pruning and trimming should be done at least every two years to keep the shape and health of the arborvitae in good condition. Pruning can help improve air circulation which helps the arborvitae stay healthy by discouraging pests, diseases and rot.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the arborvitae is dormant. When pruning, make sure to use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the branches.
To maintain an attractive shape, it is also important to have a regular trimming regime. Trim the arborvitae to the desired shape and size. It is also important to inspect for dead or damaged branches and remove them.
This will help to keep the arborvitae looking neat and healthy.
Finally, mulching the soil around the arborvitae can help to hold in moisture and deter weeds. This will also help to retain the soil temperature, which is important for the health of the arborvtiae.
In addition to mulching, fertilizing the arborvitae every two years with a balanced fertilizer will help promote healthy growth. By following a regular pruning, trimming, and fertilizing regime, you can ensure your arborvitae will stay healthy and continue to look good.
What grows well with Thuja Green Giant?
Thuja Green Giant is an evergreen conifer that is perfect for creating a living privacy screen or hedge. It is also a popular accent tree and is low maintenance. When planning a landscape with Thuja Green Giant, it is important to consider what plants grow well along with it.
Some hardy companion plants for Thuja Green Giant are Pachysandra, English Ivy, and Wintercreeper Euonymus. Pachysandra is a attractive evergreen ground cover that will thrive in the same light and soil conditions as Thuja Green Giant.
English Ivy is a great choice for climbing vertical surfaces and adds a lush, vibrant look to the landscape. Wintercreeper Euonymus provides a pleasing contrast between Thuja Green Giant’s dark green foliage and its more yellow-green variegated leaves.
It can also be pruned as desired.
Adding flowering perennials to the landscape is also a great option, such as Astilbe, Daylilies, Everlasting Strawflower, and Russian Sage. These plants will bring a bright pop of color to the landscape and be a great background for Thuja Green Giant.
Complete the landscape with evergreens such as Dwarf Alberta Spruce and Emerald Green Arborvitae, which will give a neat and tidy look to the beds while performing best in the same sun and soil conditions as Thuja Green Giant.
What shrubs look good next to arborvitae?
When planning out a landscape design that includes arborvitae trees, it’s important to consider the best shrub to place in the space next to them. Depending on the look and feel you want to create in your yard, there are a variety of shrubs to choose from.
For a formal look, boxwoods, yews, and hollies are popular choices and look great when kept neatly trimmed. Dwarf Alberta spruce and false cypress are great options for a low-maintenance, yet aesthetically pleasing option, and will stay green year-round.
Ornamental grasses, both large and small varieties, are great for adding soft textures to the garden. If you’re looking for a lively, bright space, colorful flowering shrubs like azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas are a great option.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a bit more color and interest in the colder months, evergreen shrubs like blue star junipers or mountain laurels are great options. Whichever shrub you choose, make sure to keep in mind the soil type and acidity, climate conditions, and sun exposure when selecting a shrub that pairs well with your arborvite.
What can I plant near evergreens?
You can plant a variety of colorful perennials and annuals or ground covers around your evergreens to provide seasonal contrast and interest. Consider plants such as hosta, meadowsweet, lady’s mantle, yarrow, purple coneflower, and ajuga.
If you have the space, ornamental grasses can work well, too. For an evergreen backdrop against which they can be viewed, you might also consider some spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
For a bright spot of color in winter, consider adding some evergreen shrubs like barberries, forsythia, huckleberry, bayberry, or even holly. There are also a number of evergreen trees that can be planted near evergreens; some of these can include dogwood, fir, spruce, and magnolia.
Most of these plants will require some pruning and maintenance; however, when done properly, they can add enough texture, color and beauty to any garden.
How fast do Thuja Green Giants grow?
Thuja Green Giants are rapid growers, requiring very little maintenance, and will reach their mature height in 3-5 years depending on the environment and the amount of sunlight they receive. In ideal conditions, they can grow as much as 3-5 feet in a single growing season, and continue to grow at that rate for several years.
Once they reach the mature height, they will continue to grow at a slower rate, adding an additional 1-2 feet per year.
These evergreens prefer well-drained, manure-enriched soil and full sun, however, they thrive in a variety of soil and light conditions, including partial shade. They are tolerant to drought and salt in the soil, making them extremely low maintenance, and very popular for landscapes.
Under optimal conditions, Thuja Green Giants can reach as much as 60 feet in height, with a 20-foot spread, making them ideal for larger yards and landscapes.
Once established, these evergreens require very little attention and care and will provide years of beauty and privacy to any landscape.
How do you plant Thuja for privacy?
Planting Thuja for privacy is a great way to create a natural barrier and can be done in a variety of ways.
Firstly, it is important to consider where you want to create the privacy barrier and be sure to look for potential obstacles such as buildings, cables, trees or other plants that may get in the way.
The thuja should be planted at a minimum of 20 feet from any buildings and other obstacles. If possible, try to placement the plants in the sunniest spot.
Once the area has been determined, you will need to dig a hole that is three times the diameter of the pot of the thuja. The hole should not be deeper than the root ball of the plant. If the soil is well drained, add peat moss, compost or manure to the area to help with moisture retention.
Then, place the thuja in the hole and spread the roots out with your fingers before putting the soil back in. Place a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.
You then need to make sure the thuja has enough water immediately after planting and continue to water the thuja regularly for the first few weeks.
Once you have finished planting, keep an eye out for any pests that may damage the thuja over time and take appropriate action if necessary.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully plant thuja for privacy.
How do you space a Green Giant arborvitae?
The spacing of a Green Giant arborvitae depends on the width of your desired hedge or border. As a general guideline, when planting a hedge or border of arborvitae, space them approximately five feet apart.
If you would like a denser hedge, you can reduce the spacing to three feet or less. When planting single arborvitae specimens, five to eight feet apart should be satisfactory. For a single specimen, planting at least 10 ft away from the house or other large structures is recommended.
Spacing of the Green Giant arborvitae more than 8 ft apart will make them more open, allowing more light and air to penetrate. Be sure to consider their mature size when determining how far apart to space them.
It’s best to choose a spot where your arborvitae can reach their full potential without being cramped. With proper spacing and given adequate water, the Green Giant arborvitae can reach a mature height of 30-50 ft.
Can you fertilize newly planted arborvitae?
Yes, you can absolutely fertilize newly planted arborvitae. Fertilizing your tree will help ensure a healthy growth in its new environment, but be careful not to apply too much. Many arborvitae varieties are slow growers, so overfertilizing can damage the soil’s pH balance and can cause excess growth at improper times, which can stress the tree.
When fertilizing a newly planted arborvitae, use a slow-release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to encourage strong root growth. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the root-ball of the tree and water it in immediately after applying.
Fertilizing an arborvitae at the time of planting and then at the beginning of each growing season will help your tree become well established and healthy.
Can you shape arborvitae trees?
Yes, you can shape arborvitae trees with pruning. It’s important to be mindful of how much you prune your arborvitae tree, as too much can cause harm. When pruning an arborvitae tree, only trim away the damaged or dead branches, and make sure to only take off up to a third of the foliage.
Pruning is best done during late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to produce new growth.
It is also possible to shape arborvitae trees with shearing. Shearing is used to maximize the density of a hedge or create a certain form. The best time of year to shear an arborvitae tree is in the late spring, after the tree has finished blooming and before new growth begins to appear.
It’s important to have sharp shears and to shear from the top down, making sure not to take off too much at once. Shearing an arborvitae tree multiple times during the season will help keep it in the desired shape.
How long does it take for arborvitae to establish?
Arborvitae, also known as Thuja, is a type of coniferous evergreen tree. Some varieties can take up to 15 years to become established and fully mature. However, some of the more compact varieties such as ‘Green Giant’ can become established in as little as 3-4 years.
In general, Arborvitae generally likes well-drained soil in sun or shade and can take up to three years to become established in the landscape. Providing plenty of water during the first two years is important for ensuring a successful establishment.
Although Arborvitae is relatively easy to grow, there are steps you can take to help it become established more quickly. Mulching or fertilizing with slow-release fertilizers can be beneficial. Additionally, as with any plant, proper care and maintaining appropriate temperatures throughout the year will help ensure a successful establishment.
What is the mulch for arborvitae?
Arborvitae are evergreen trees that are easy to grow and maintain in most climates. For optimal growth, they should be provided with a 2–3 inch deep layer of mulch. The mulch provides insulation to the roots, helping to regulate the soil temperature, retain moisture in the soil, and control weed growth.
The best type of mulch for arborvitae is shredded bark, wood chips, or straw mulch. Make sure the mulch is not too thick and not close to the trunk; otherwise, this can lead to root rot. A layer of organic mulch is preferred, as it helps to slowly add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
Keeping the mulch away from the base of the tree can help to prevent infestations of insects and disease. If possible, provide mulch during the spring to help conserve moisture during hot summer months.
By following these tips, you can keep your arborvitae trees healthy and thriving.
How do you use arborvitae in landscaping?
Arborvitae (Thuja spp. ) is an excellent choice for landscaping due to its ability to grow in a variety of conditions and climates. It is a popular choice for creating privacy hedges, natural screens, and windbreaks.
They are great for erosion control and act as a natural border for your property. Arborvitae grows quickly and is easy to trim and maintain. Depending on the variety, some can reach heights of up to 40 feet and widths of 10-20 feet, making them perfect for creating a tall privacy wall.
They can be planted in borders, as foundation plantings, and even as specimen trees. They are also a great choice for rock gardens, as they require little soil and perform well in low moisture areas.
Their evergreen foliage provides year-round color and greenery, and they require minimal light to survive. Since they are tolerant of various soil types, they can easily be incorporated into any style of landscape.
Arborvitae can also be pruned in creative shapes and forms. This can add a unique and decorative effect to your landscaping, whether it’s an ornamental topiary, a living fence, a pyramidal shape, or an abstract form.
With proper care, arborvitae can truly transform your outdoor space.
Can I plant arborvitae next to house?
Yes, you can absolutely plant arborvitae next to your house. Arborvitae are some of the most commonly used specimens for landscaping around homes, as they are low-maintenance and highly resilient. They can also be planted close to the house and do not require large distances to be planted safely and properly.
When planting arborvitae near your home, there are a few things to consider to ensure that they thrive. First, be sure to provide plenty of room between the arborvitae and the house so that they can receive adequate light and air circulation.
They also require supplemental watering during dry spells, and the soil must be well-drained. Additionally, if you are planting several, make sure to space them far enough apart so that they do not begin to compete for resources.
When properly cared for, arborvitae make a great addition to landscaping around homes and are safe to plant near the house.
How long do arborvitae trees live?
Arborvitae trees (or Thuja spp. ) can live for many years depending on the species and growing conditions. Most Arborvitae species typically have a life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years, although some can live up to 40 years or longer.
Some varieties such as American (Thuja occidentalis) and Eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smargd’) can live for up to 50 years if grown in the right conditions. As a close relative of the Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Arborvitae can also live for up to 100 years.
Generally, Arborvitae require well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to maintain their lifespan and to reach their full potential. They also benefit from occasional pruning and other regular care.
Why are my arborvitae turning brown in the middle?
There can be a few different causes why your arborvitae may be turning brown in the middle, ranging from overwatering to a lack of nutrients. The most common reason however is probably fungal and/or bacterial diseases.
Abiotic problems, such as too little sunlight, too much fertilizer, and improper site selection, can also contribute to an arborvitae turning brown. Another potential explanation is that your arborvitae is not getting enough water.
This could be due to an irrigation system that is not working properly or not being properly maintained. Additionally, if your area has been experiencing a heat wave, the additional stress might have dried out your arborvitae to the point that it is turning brown.
In order to determine the exact cause of your arborvitae’s browning, it is best to have an arborist examine the tree and look for evidence of disease, such as discoloration or signs of damage, such as holes or spotting.
If the arborist suspects a bacterial or fungal disease, a sample of the affected part of the tree should be used for a lab test to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include pruning away any affected branches and applying a fungicide or bactericide to the foliage.
If the issue is due to a lack of water, increasing the frequency and amount of watering can help. Avoiding overhead watering and monitoring soil moisture levels can also help to make sure your arborvitae is neither overwatered or underwatered.
How far apart should you plant emerald green arborvitae?
When planting emerald green arborvitae, it is important to consider the mature size of the tree. Generally, you should allow 5-6 feet of space between two trees and up to 10 feet of space for larger arborvitae.
Planting too closely can lead to unhealthy and overgrown shrubs. To ensure the shrubs have enough room to spread out, making a triangle shape with the trees at the top of the triangle is generally recommended.
Make sure the distance between the trees in the triangle is more than 6 feet, as this is the minimum to allow for healthy growth. Additionally, it is important to remember that arborvitae can take many years to reach their maximum height, so it is important to plan accordingly and accommodate for the growth over time.
How fast do arborvitae grow in a year?
Arborvitae trees typically grow anywhere between 1 to 3 feet in height and width annually, depending on the variety. Some varieties may reach an even faster growth rate, while others may take a few years to reach their full potential, taking up to 5 years to reach their mature size.
The key to recent growth in arborvitae is to make sure that the tree is well-watered and has enough sunlight. You should also check for issues such as pests or disease. Regular pruning in early spring and late autumn can also help stimulate growth.
Proper fertilization during the growing season is also important to promote healthy growth.
What is the fastest growing tree for privacy?
The fastest growing tree for privacy is the Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis). This tree grows fast in all soil types and can reach heights of up to 40 feet and widths of 20 feet in good conditions.
It is an extremely hardy species that does well in most climates and can handle shade, cold temperatures, and extreme weather. Eastern White Cedars have good evergreen foliage and can provide a good windscreen which makes them ideal for providing privacy.
The foliage of this tree is thick instead of lacy, providing more privacy than other trees. Since Eastern White Cedars are evergreen, they provide year round privacy. They are also low maintenance and relatively pest-free, and they are a great option for adding privacy to any landscape.
