How to Grow Booth Arborvitae
Booth Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Booth'
shrubBooth Arborvitae is a compact, narrow evergreen shrub with soft, feathery foliage that transitions to bronze or purple in winter. It's a popular ornamental choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings due to its dense growth habit and year-round visual interest. This cultivar is less common than some other arborvitaes but valued for its attractive color change and manageable size.
When should you plant Booth Arborvitae in your zone?
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Example Booth Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Booth Arborvitae
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 Booth Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Booth Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler zones 3-6
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Get my Booth Arborvitae timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plant settles in with slower initial growth; foliage is bright green
Water deeply 2-3 times weekly; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; protect from harsh winter winds in year one
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsPlant develops dense branching and fuller form; bright green feathery foliage expands
Maintain consistent moisture; light pruning to shape in early summer; fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer
Maturation
3-5 years ongoingPlant reaches near full size with densely packed foliage; color begins seasonal transitions
Water during drought; minimal fertilizing; selective pruning to maintain shape; monitor for pests
Winter Color Change
October-AprilFoliage transforms from green to bronze, purple, or russet tones in fall/winter
This is a desirable trait; no special care needed; color typically returns to green in spring
Maintenance
OngoingMature established plant maintains size and appearance with minimal intervention
Prune dead or damaged branches; light shaping in spring; water during extended dry periods; monitor for bagworms and spider mites
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray in spring when larvae emerge; use insecticidal soap in early summer
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Prune out affected branch tips; apply neem oil or horticultural oil in spring during egg-laying period; ensure adequate moisture reduces stress
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Strong water spray to dislodge mites; increase humidity; use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
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Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in late winter or early spring; use insecticidal soap during growing season
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Install 8-foot fence if deer pressure is severe; apply deer repellent sprays; this cultivar is moderately deer-resistant
Uses
Ornamental screening and hedging
HouseholdBooth Arborvitae's narrow, columnar form and dense foliage make it excellent for privacy screens, hedgerows, and windbreaks. Its winter color change adds year-round visual interest to landscapes. [source]
Foundation and entryway plantings
HouseholdThe compact size and attractive foliage pattern suit foundation plantings around homes, borders, and formal gardens. Bronze-purple winter coloring provides seasonal ornamental value. [source]
Wildlife shelter and nesting
WildlifeDense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals, particularly important in winter. The structure offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]
Fresh and dried arrangements
CraftArborvitae branches are used in holiday wreaths, garlands, and winter floral arrangements. The feathery foliage and winter coloring are particularly valued in seasonal crafts. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub, not typically harvested. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches anytime. Light shaping can be done in early summer; avoid heavy pruning after mid-August as new growth won't harden off before winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' comes from Latin meaning 'tree of life,' given by early French explorers who credited it with medicinal properties in treating scurvy.
- 🌱 Booth Arborvitae's winter color change from green to bronze/purple is a natural cold-hardiness response that helps the plant survive freezing temperatures.
- 🌱 Arborvitae foliage releases a distinctive citrus-like fragrance when brushed or crushed, making it pleasant for landscaping near walkways.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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