Arborvitae trees, also known as Thuja, are evergreen, coniferous trees in the cypress family. The name "arborvitae" means "tree of life". Native Americans used the tree for medicinal purposes. They are popular for their dense, fast-growing nature and use as privacy screens, hedges and windbreaks. Their usefulness over the years has expanded to beautiful ornamental specimen trees,
creating year-round color and texture to gardens.
Preferred soil conditions:
Moist, well drained organic soil types. Avoid planting in heavy clay type soils. These trees can withstand small amounts of sandy soils mixed into a loamy soil. Arborvitaes are somewhat drought tolerant but as with any tree watch them closely. Although they can withstand wet environments, for optimal growth keep them out
of areas that have standing water for lengths of time.
Mulch after planting and water as necessary for the first year and periods of drought thereafter.
Western Red Cedar / Western Arborvitae
(Thuja plicata)
Western Red Cedar, also known as Giant Arborvitae, is a large, fast-growing evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. In its native regions it can grow up to 200 feet high and live for over 1,000 years.
Just like many species, hybrids and unique variations can emerge naturally, whether from chance seedlings or genetic mutations known as "sports." These remarkable buds are often grafted onto a donor rootstock tree or propagated by other means to clone it, leading to the stunning array of varieties we see today.
You will find many variations! Colorful, weeping, dwarf...the list is huge!
Dive in to discover some of the variations within this species below!
Green Giant Arborvitae
(Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant')
Green Giant is actually a cross between the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and the Japanese Arborvitae (Thuja standishii)! It is an outstanding, carefree tree that is quite adaptable and used for so many different landscapes. This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year and is more deer resistant than any other Thuja varieties!
Zones: 5 - 8
Growth Rate: Fast
Approximate mature size: 50' H x 16' W
Size available: 5 foot and higher field grown, balled and burlapped.
Price: Starting at $25/ft
***Please Note: All B&B trees are dug in the spring and fall when dormancy, weather conditions and field conditions allow. Pre-ordering is encouraged but not always necessary. Check with us for availability!
Please note: We sometimes use computer generated images of the trees to depict the best presentation for our customers. Although we strive for the best representation we encourage you to search the internet for other pictures as well. Better yet...come see them in person! Afterall, pictures don't always do ANYONE justice...right?? ;)