How to Grow American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire'
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American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire'
Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire'
treeDeGroot's Spire is a narrow, columnar cultivar of Eastern Arborvitae known for its tight, upright growth habit and fine, feathery foliage. It maintains a striking pencil-like silhouette without requiring heavy pruning, making it ideal for narrow spaces and formal landscapes. The soft green foliage turns bronze or copper-tinged in winter.
When should you plant American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-7 (tolerates zones 2-8)
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Get my American Arborvitae 'DeGroot's Spire' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 1-2 growing seasonsYoung transplant with delicate foliage, establishing root system. Narrow, columnar form already evident.
Water regularly and deeply. Mulch around base. Avoid planting too deep. Shield from harsh winter winds in first year.
Early Growth
Year 2-3Actively developing vertical growth; foliage becomes denser. Maintains tight columnar shape naturally.
Continue consistent watering during dry periods. Minimal pruning needed. Avoid heavy shearing. Remove any diseased branches.
Juvenile to Mature
Year 3-10Tree reaching landscape height (15-20 feet). Foliage is full and rich green in summer.
Water during extended dry periods. Light selective pruning to maintain form. Reduce watering frequency once fully established.
Mature & Seasonal Change
Year 10+ (lifespan 50+ years)Full-sized columnar tree with possible bronze or copper winter coloring. Stable, dense form.
Minimal maintenance. Monitor for pest/disease issues. Occasional light pruning to maintain shape if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases. Ensure adequate moisture to reduce stress.
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Hand-pick and destroy bags in winter. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when caterpillars are small.
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Prune and destroy infested foliage. Apply insecticide in spring when miners are active. Maintain tree vigor with proper watering.
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Remove infected foliage. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide in spring if rust is severe. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Privacy screens and windbreaks
HouseholdThe narrow columnar form makes DeGroot's Spire ideal for creating living privacy screens in small spaces and formal gardens. Multiple trees can be planted in rows to create effective windbreaks or privacy barriers. [source]
Ornamental hedging and formal gardens
CraftIts naturally tight form is perfect for formal landscape designs, topiary gardens, and specimen plantings. It adds vertical emphasis without requiring extensive pruning. [source]
Wildlife habitat and shelter
WildlifeThe dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife. It offers food and cover without being invasive. [source]
Urban and small-space landscaping
HouseholdIts narrow footprint (2-3 feet wide at maturity) makes it ideal for urban gardens, containers, and tight planting spaces where traditional trees are too wide. [source]
Winter interest and seasonal color
HouseholdProvides year-round structure and interest, with foliage turning bronze or copper in cold weather, adding color variation to winter landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental tree, not harvested for food. No harvest required—simply maintain for landscape appeal. Monitor and remove dead or diseased branches as needed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeGroot's Spire was introduced by DeGroot Nurseries and is prized for its exceptional narrowness (only 2-3 feet wide) while reaching 15-20 feet tall—a striking columnar-to-fastigiate ratio.
- 🌱 Unlike many arborvitae cultivars, DeGroot's Spire naturally maintains its tight form without heavy pruning, reducing maintenance work in landscape applications.
- 🌱 American Arborvitae has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and colonists as a vitamin C source (hence the French name 'Arbre de Vie'—tree of life) and for cedar oil extraction.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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