Common Kinds of Arborvitae Trees

Arborvitae trees, also known as northern white-cedars, are popular evergreen trees or shrubs for landscaping. With over 500 cultivars, there is an arborvitae for nearly any garden need or climate. We will explore the traits and uses of some of the most common arborvitae varieties.

Arborvitaes are prized for their natural beauty and practical qualities. Their lush green foliage provides year-round screening and privacy. The foliage also has a lovely aromatic fragrance. Arborvitaes grow relatively fast in the right conditions and tolerate pruning well. This makes them ideal for sculpting into hedges, screens, borders, and focal points.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous Arborvitae Trees

One of the first decisions to make when selecting an arborvitae tree is whether you want an evergreen or deciduous variety. Evergreen arborvitaes keep their needles all year, while deciduous varieties drop their leaves in fall.

Key Differences

Evergreen arborvitaes provide year-round screening and stay green through winter. They offer more privacy and noise reduction compared to deciduous options. Deciduous varieties shine with brilliant fall color before going dormant. They allow more light through in winter.

Common Evergreen Species

Some top evergreen arborvitae trees include:

• Green Giant - Very fast growing columnar variety, towers up to 60 feet tall
• Emerald Green - Dense conical shape, emerald color, grows 12-15 feet

Popular Deciduous Varieties

For fantastic fall color, consider these deciduous arborvitaes:

• Rheingold - Bright orange-gold autumn leaves, turns bronze-green in summer
• Gold Cone - Golden yellow needles contrast with green inner foliage

Columnar Arborvitae Tree Types

Columnar or fastigiate arborvitaes have a distinct tall, narrow, upright growth habit. They naturally grow in a dense column shape without shearing.

Columnar arborvitaes work great as living screens, backdrops, or vertical accents. Their narrow footprint means you can plant them close together to form a tight screen. Even large columnar varieties can fit in small garden beds.

Examples

• North Pole - Extremely narrow profile, under 3 feet wide but 40+ feet tall
• Pyramidalis - Tight pyramidal form, bright green, grows 10-15 feet tall

Dwarf Arborvitae Trees

Dwarf arborvitae shrubs stay under 3 feet tall at maturity. Their compact size makes them perfect for rock gardens, borders, containers, and more.

Types

• Carpinifolia Nana - Globe-shaped dwarf, foliage bronzes in winter, 2 feet tall/wide
• Abies balsamea Nana - Very slow growing bun-shaped dwarf, under 12 inches tall

Large Arborvitae Tree Species

On the other end of the size spectrum, large arborvitae trees reach towering heights. These statement trees provide maximum privacy as screens or windbreaks.

Variants

• Green Giant - Extremely fast growth to 60 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide
• Holmstrup - Dense pyramid, skyward leader, mature height 50 feet
• Skybound - Narrow conical habit, bluish-green, grows 20 feet tall

Deodar Cedar vs. Arborvitae

Deodar cedars are often confused with arborvitaes. While both are evergreens, there are some key differences:

• Deodars have blue-green soft needles; arborvitae have darker green scalelike leaves
• Arborvitae foliage has a lemon scent; deodars lack noticeable fragrance
• Deodar wood is aromatic and used for lining closets; arborvitae wood is rarely used

In terms of landscaping uses, deodar cedar and arborvitae trees can generally be used interchangeably. Both work well as screens and specimens. Deodars may be slightly more ornamental.

Buying Considerations

When selecting an arborvitae for your landscape, consider the following:

Where to Purchase

Buy from a reputable nursery or garden center, not a big box store. Specialty nurseries offer better selection, expertise, and healthier plants.

Factors in Selection

• Desired height/width at maturity
• Evergreen or deciduous foliage
• Growth rate - slow, moderate or very fast
• Sun/shade tolerance
• Soil moisture needs - wet, average, or dry OK
• Deer resistance rating

Preparation Tips Before Planting

• Select a site with proper sun exposure and well-drained soil
• Test soil pH and amend if needed - target slightly acidic pH
• Clear area of weeds/sod and loosen soil to improve root growth

Caring for Arborvitae Trees

Proper care is vital for arborvitae health and faster growth. Key maintenance tips include:

Sun and Soil Needs

Most arborvitae thrive in full sun to part shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Amend planting areas with compost or peat moss if drainage is poor.

Watering Guidelines

Water new arborvitaes thoroughly 2-3 times per week for the first month. Then taper to weekly, deeper waterings. Established trees only need supplemental water during drought.

Pruning Techniques

Shearing into formal hedge shapes stimulates dense growth. For most natural forms, lightly trim back new growth as needed in early spring.

Protecting from Winter Damage

Wrap susceptible trees and prevent heavy snow/ice buildup on branches. Spray anti-desiccant prior to frost for protection.

Design Uses for Arborvitae Trees

Arborvitaes offer great versatility in garden designs. They bring multi-season beauty as screening, accents, anchors, and more.

Hedges, Screens, and Windbreaks

Arborvitae make lush privacy screens and windbreaks. Space multiple evergreen trees close together per their mature spread. Allow more room for deciduous varieties to showcase seasonal color.

Tips for Outstanding Designs

• Highlight color variants against darker evergreens
• Combine different textures and forms for contrast
• Use columnar varieties to frame views and openings

What Varieties Work Best

For screening, choose fast-growing, hardy evergreen species under the proper hardiness zone. Low-maintenance dwarfs excel in rock gardens. There is an arborvitae tree suited to every landscape vision!

Troubleshooting Common Arborvitae Issues

When arborvitae trees struggle with pests, diseases, or cultural issues, take quick action to resolve the problem and protect tree health.

Yellowing or Browning Foliage

This signals a lack of appropriate sun/nutrients or overwatering. Test and amend soil as needed. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Insect Problems

Bagworms, spider mites, aphids, and scale are common arborvitae pests. Prune out isolated infestations or use organic horticultural oils/insecticidal soaps.

Other Health Conditions

Winter burn, fungal issues like shoot blight, and root rot plague stressed trees. Improve growing conditions and use preventative care techniques.

Inspiring Photos of Arborvitae Trees

The artistic installations and garden designs below showcase creative ways to utilize arborvitae trees for stunning effects:

• Meandering hedge pathways
• Pairings with ornamental grasses or perennials
• Topped designs on patios or walkways
• Blanketed rock gardens
• Asian-inspired minimalist arrangements
• Modern poolside screens

By drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes, you can find fresh perspectives on incorporating arborvitae trees in your own garden.

Arborvitae trees bring four-season beauty and utility to gardens across a wide span of climates. With proper selection and care tailored to their specific needs, arborvitaes thrive for decades.

The lush evergreen foliage provides year-round screening for privacy and noise reduction. Arborvitae responds very well to pruning for formal hedge shapes or maintaining natural forms.

Dwarf globe varieties make exquisite rock garden accents. Fast-growing giant varieties quickly establish room-dividing screens. The foliage emits a lovely lemon fragrance when brushed. Deciduous types add magnificent fall color.

In designing with arborvitae trees, consider mature size, growth rates, soil and sunlight needs, and desired aesthetic effects. Space multiple trees appropriately for screens and windbreaks. Combining fine-textured arborvitae with bolder plants makes compelling contrasts. Highlight the form by siting with groundcovers or gravel instead of lawn.

By properly preparing the planting site, watering new trees until established, and attending to any pest or disease issues, arborvitae trees thrive with minimal care. They reward the gardener with beauty, fragrance, and utility over their 40+ year lifespan.