Arborvitae

The Tree of Life

Native to North America, these rugged evergreen trees are often found growing in places where little else might. When early French settlers reached North America, they learned from Native Americans that these plants could be used to treat scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, from which many of the sailors were suffering. Young foliage happens to be high in this nutrient, and it led it to the plant being named arborvitae, which translates to “tree of life.” Be extremely cautious, though—it’s harmful if used in excess, due to the neurotoxic compounds in the plant. These trees have also been used as food (in small amounts), lumber, and for their cleaning properties.

Arborvitae Care

Arborvitaes grow best in consistently moist, almost swampy soils. While they love full sun, they can also manage in part shade. Their biggest downfall is drought conditions, especially during and leading up to winter. If fall has been dry, give these plants (especially young ones) supplemental water, which also helps prevent one of the biggest problems with arborvitaes: winter burn.

Planting these trees in dry soil or in areas exposed to winter winds will likely cause burn. The first sign of winter burn is browning of the leaves. In severe situations, this can cause significant damage and may even kill the trees. Luckily, there are burn-resistant varieties. You can also site your arborvitae out of direct sunlight and wind. Wrapping young and sensitive plants in burlap can help as well.

A few pests may bother your arborvitae. Spider mites can appear, especially during the hot and dry days of summer. Unfortunately, by the time you find these pests, it’ll be too late, as you’ll most likely notice browning that cant be reversed on the foliage where they’re feeding. Use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, but be careful during the heat of the summer, since these sprays can also cause the plants to burn.

Bagworms can also attack arborvitae. Much like spider mites, you may not notice these pesky worms until the damage is already done. Typically, in midsummer you may notice little brownish “bags” that look like small pine cones hanging from your tree. These are actually the cocoons of bagworms. After eating their fill of foliage, bagworms will spin their cocoons. As they work, they cover the outside with little bits of leaf debris, camouflaging their resting places. Come spring, these little caterpillars will crawl out of their cocoons and fly out in search of a new host. The ideal time to treat them is as they are hatching, typically beginning in June. One of the safest sprays to use while they’re feeding (before hibernation) is Bacillus thuringiensis, but it’s important to time this treatment correctly.

More Varieties of Arborvitae

Eastern Red Cedar

Thuja occidentalis is an especially tough type of arborvitae, native to areas of North America. It grows 60 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity. Zones 2-7

Mr. Bowling Ball

Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobozam’ is a unique form of arborvitae that maintains a very tight, ball-shape form, usually reaching two to three feet tall and wide. Zones 3-7

‘Smaragd’ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ is a dwarf variety that forms bright green cones. It grows three feet tall and wide. Zones 2-7

Woodward Globe Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Woodwardii’ forms a dark green sphere that grows eight feet tall and 15 feet wide. Zones 2-7

‘Hetz Midget’ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ forms compact globes that turn bronze in colder weather. It grows 32 inches tall and wide. Zones 2-7

‘Little Gem’ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Little Gem’ is a dwarf variety that forms a compact, dark green sphere three feet tall and six feet wide. Zones 2-7

‘Rheingold’ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ bears golden foliage that is sometimes pink-tinted when young, on a conical shrub growing three to six feet tall. Zones 2-7

‘Sunkist’ Oriental Arborvitae

Thuja orientalis ‘Sunkist’ is a dwarf globe-shape variety with gold-tipped leaves. It grows three feet tall and wide. Zones 6-9

‘Pyramidalis’ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis’ is a fast-growing, conical evergreen often used for hedges and windbreaks. At maturity, it grows 60 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Zones 2-7

‘Techny’ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’ slowly grows into a dense evergreen pyramid; an excellent choice for for a hedge. It grows 15 feet tall and eight feet wide. Zones 2-7