Arborvitae Care Guide

Evergreen Privacy and Structure That Lasts All Year

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) are some of the hardest-working shrubs in Northeast Ohio landscapes. Fast-growing, low-maintenance, and evergreen, they’re ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, and formal borders. But to keep them dense and healthy, they need proper spacing, watering, and occasional trimming.

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🛒 Choosing the Right Arborvitae

Several varieties perform well in Cleveland’s climate. Pick based on mature size and growth habit:

• ‘Emerald Green’ (Thuja occidentalis): Compact, columnar, 10–15’ tall. Great for tight spaces.

• ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja standishii x plicata): Fast-growing, 20–30’ tall. Excellent privacy hedge.

• Techny: Broad-based, very cold-hardy. Grows ~15’ tall and wide.

• Degroot’s Spire: Twisting foliage and narrow shape; great for formal accents.

🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t plant arborvitae too close together. Overcrowding leads to thin growth and disease issues.

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🌱 Planting Arborvitae for Success

🌞 Sunlight:

• Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours is ideal)

🌍 Soil:

• Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but tolerates clay with added compost

• Avoid saturated spots — root rot is common in poorly draining areas

🪛 Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole 2x the width of the root ball and just as deep.

2. Loosen roots slightly if pot-bound.

3. Set the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.

4. Backfill with soil mixed with compost.

5. Water deeply and apply 2–3” of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

📏 Spacing:

• Emerald Green: 3–4 ft apart

• Green Giant: 5–6 ft apart

🧠 Pro Tip: Use a string line when planting multiple arborvitae for a clean, straight row.

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💧 Watering & Feeding

Watering:

• First season: 2–3 deep waterings per week

• Established plants: 1–2 times per week during dry spells

• Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal

Fertilizing:

• Feed once in early spring with a slow-release evergreen fertilizer (e.g., 12-6-8)

• Avoid fall fertilization — it encourages tender growth that may not harden before winter

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✂️ Trimming & Shaping

Arborvitae need little pruning if planted with space to grow, but shaping keeps them tight and tidy.

• Trim in early spring or late summer

• Only cut into green growth — arborvitae do not regenerate from brown, woody stems

• Light shearing maintains symmetry; avoid hard cuts

🧠 Pro Tip: For formal shapes, use hedge trimmers annually. For natural look, hand prune every other year.

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❄️ Winter Protection

Most arborvitae are cold-hardy, but Cleveland’s lake-effect snow can cause damage:

• Wrap narrow varieties (like Emerald Green) with burlap in winter to prevent snow breakage

• Remove heavy snow from branches gently to avoid splitting

• Mulch around base to insulate roots and retain moisture

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🐛 Pests & Problems

• Bagworms: Look like pine cones hanging from branches — pick off or spray with Bt in June.

• Spider mites: Cause bronzing — rinse with water or use insecticidal soap

• Winter burn: Leaves turn brown due to dry winds — prevent with fall watering and anti-desiccants

🧠 Avoid: Dog urine on lower branches — it’s a common cause of browning in residential landscapes. I can confirm this firsthand. When I bought my home, I planted 12 identical arbs, but my dog Parker claimed one every time we would go for a walk and that one did not make it!

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🧾 Summary Checklist

✅ Choose the right variety for your space and sun
✅ Ensure proper spacing and good drainage
✅ Water deeply — especially in the first year
✅ Fertilize in early spring only
✅ Prune lightly — never into dead zones
✅ Wrap narrow varieties before heavy snow
✅ Watch for bagworms and spider mites