How to Grow American Arborvitae Fastigiata

American Arborvitae Fastigiata

Thuja occidentalis 'Fastigiata'

tree

A narrow, columnar cultivar of Eastern red cedar (actually a true arborvitae) that grows 20-30 feet tall but only 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for screening and accent plantings. This evergreen conifer features soft, feathery foliage that transitions from bright green in summer to bronze or brownish-green in winter. The cultivar maintains a dense, upright form without requiring heavy pruning.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to part shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily produces densest foliage

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Water: Moderate watering needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for first 1-2 years after planting. Established trees are drought-tolerant but perform better with regular moisture during hot, dry periods. More tolerant of wet soils than many conifers.

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Spacing: 36-48 inches (3-4 feet) apart when planting in rows or groupings inches

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Days to maturity: 5-10 years to reach mature ornamental size; full height achieved in 20-30 years

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Planting depth: Plant with top of root ball level with ground surface; do not bury the stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates clay and poor soils but performs best with organic content

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost at planting for moisture retention Mulch layer (2-3 inches) to regulate soil temperature and moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-7, with acceptable performance in zones 2 and 8

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree with developing root system; foliage appears fresh and bright green; growth 12-18 inches annually

Water deeply 2-3 times weekly; stake if exposed to strong winds; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping clear of trunk

Vegetative Growth (Years 2-5)

3-4 years

Rapid upward growth; dense green foliage maintains columnar shape naturally; may reach 10-15 feet tall

Reduce watering frequency as roots establish; prune lower branches if desired for clear trunk; monitor for spider mites in dry conditions

Maturation (Years 6-15)

8-10 years

Tree reaches desired ornamental height and width; foliage becomes denser; winter color change becomes pronounced

Minimal pruning needed; light shaping in early spring if necessary; maintain consistent moisture during extended droughts

Seasonal Dormancy (Fall-Winter)

3-4 months

Foliage transitions to bronze, copper, or brown tones depending on cultivar and temperature; growth slows

No fertilizer needed; ensure good drainage to prevent ice damage; prune only damaged branches; color will return to green in spring

Active Growth (Spring-Summer)

6-7 months

Bright green new growth emerges; tree extends height by 12-24 inches annually when young; vigorous foliage production

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; deadhead any dead branches; provide consistent moisture; light pruning to maintain shape

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Dwarf Alberta spruce Juniper Eastern red cedar Yew Dwarf concolor fir Japanese holly Serviceberry

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Trees competing for water in same root zone Salt-spray prone locations (coastal areas) Areas with poor air circulation prone to fungal disease

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; increase humidity and reduce stress through proper watering
Prune and remove infested branches in fall or early spring; apply spinosad in late May when larvae are active
Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; monitor new growth
Handpick bags in fall and winter; spray with Bt in May-June when larvae emerge; remove dense lower branches to improve air circulation
Install deer fencing if needed; apply deer repellent sprays in late fall and early winter; plant in protected locations

Uses

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Windbreak and Privacy Screen

Household

The narrow columnar form makes Fastigiata ideal for creating living privacy screens and windbreaks along property lines. Multiple trees planted 3-4 feet apart create an effective visual and wind barrier within 5-7 years. [source]

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Holiday Decorations

Craft

Branches can be harvested for wreaths, garlands, and floral arrangements, particularly valued for their soft texture and winter bronze coloration. The foliage is aromatic and adds a natural fragrance to indoor arrangements. [source]

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Formal Accent Plantings

Household

The naturally narrow, columnar form provides a strong vertical accent in landscape designs, Italian gardens, and formal settings without requiring severe pruning. Works well as foundation plantings or at entryways for architectural impact. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat and Cover

Wildlife

The dense branching provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. Evergreen foliage offers year-round protection in northern climates. [source]

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Aromatic Properties

Culinary

Foliage contains aromatic compounds traditionally used in herbal preparations and as an ingredient in some regional culinary traditions, though use is not common in modern cooking. [source]

Harvest Tips

Arborvitae is primarily ornamental and not harvested for production. However, small branches can be cut for fresh holiday arrangements or wreaths; best done in late fall after the plant is dormant or when winter color is showing. Make clean cuts just above a lateral branch junction to maintain the tree's shape.

Fun Facts

🌱 American Arborvitae 'Fastigiata' was first cultivated in Europe and later introduced back to North America, where it became popular for screening along roadsides and property boundaries in the eastern United States.
🌱 The name 'arborvitae' comes from Latin meaning 'tree of life,' reflecting the evergreen's historical importance in various cultures as a symbol of longevity and eternal life.
🌱 The foliage's color change from green to bronze in winter is a natural adaptation; the chlorophyll decreases and carotenoid pigments become visible, similar to autumn leaves, protecting the plant from winter stress and UV damage.

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