How to Grow Eastern Arborvitae

Eastern Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

tree

Eastern arborvitae is a native evergreen conifer prized for its narrow, columnar form and feathery, scale-like foliage that ranges from green to golden depending on the variety and season. It is widely used as a screening plant, windbreak, or ornamental specimen in landscapes. The tree produces small, cone-like fruits and aromatic wood that has been valued historically for medicinal and household uses.

Looking for a specific variety?

Emerald Green DeGroot's Spire Degroot's Emerald Techny Yellow Ribbon Brodie

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and color

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established, but prefers even moisture. Water deeply during dry spells and first two growing seasons after planting.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity:

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury trunk

Soil

Type: Moist, well-draining loamy soil; tolerates clay and slightly alkaline soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost at planting Mulch to retain moisture Aged bark chips

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-8; most vigorous in zones 3-7

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

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree establishing root system; foliage may appear slightly bronze or stressed as it adjusts to new location

Water consistently and deeply; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Avoid fertilizing first year; allow roots to establish naturally. Protect from strong winds.

Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)

24 months

Rapid height and width gain; foliage becomes denser and more vibrant green; tree develops characteristic columnar or pyramidal shape

Continue regular watering during dry periods. Light pruning in early spring to shape if desired. Maintain mulch layer. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if needed.

Maturation (Years 4+)

Ongoing

Tree reaches desired landscape size with dense, full foliage; develops natural form; cone production begins

Reduce watering frequency as tree becomes drought-tolerant. Prune only for shaping or to remove dead/diseased branches. Monitor for pests and diseases.

Seasonal Color Change

October-April

In fall and winter, foliage may shift from bright green to bronze, russet, or golden tones depending on variety and cold exposure

This is normal; no intervention needed. Provide windbreak protection in exposed sites to minimize bronzing stress. Color typically returns to green in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Juniper Winterberry holly Serviceberry Hydrangea Rhododendron Spirea Ferns Hostas

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees (allelopathic compounds) Salt-spray areas Compacted or poorly draining sites

Common Pests

Prune and remove infested foliage; apply neem oil or spinosad in spring; ensure adequate tree vigor through proper watering
Hand-pick and destroy bags in fall/winter; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring when caterpillars are young
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use miticide if severe
Prune out dead/diseased branches; improve air circulation; avoid wounding; maintain tree health with proper watering
Improve drainage; avoid overwatering; ensure mulch doesn't touch trunk; remove severely affected trees

Uses

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Traditional Tea & Respiratory Support

Medicinal

Historically, Eastern arborvitae leaf tea was used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers to treat respiratory ailments and vitamin C deficiency. The leaves contain thujone and other volatile oils with antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Natural Insect Repellent

Household

The aromatic foliage and wood contain volatile oils that naturally repel certain insects and pests. Dried foliage or wood can be used in sachets or stored with textiles. [source]

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Wood Crafts & Aromatics

Craft

The fragrant, rot-resistant wood is prized for woodworking, fence posts, shingles, and decorative items. Its natural aroma makes it valuable in craft projects. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Shelter

Wildlife

Dense branching provides year-round shelter for birds and small mammals. The cones offer seed food for wildlife, and the tree's structure creates nesting sites. [source]

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Flavoring Agent (Use with Caution)

Culinary

Historically used sparingly to flavor beverages and foods in Scandinavian and European cuisines. Modern culinary use is limited due to thujone content; small amounts in traditional recipes only. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Eastern arborvitae is an ornamental tree not typically harvested. However, foliage can be cut for fresh arrangements year-round. For medicinal tea, fresh or dried leaves and twigs can be harvested in summer. Collect cones in fall once they turn brown and dry. Always harvest sustainably and only from healthy, mature trees.

Fun Facts

🌱 Eastern arborvitae is native to eastern North America and was one of the first trees exported to Europe in the 16th century, becoming known as 'Tree of Life' to French explorers because it helped prevent scurvy.
🌱 The foliage naturally produces a unique scent described as fresh and slightly citrusy-woodsy, especially when crushed or warmed by the sun.
🌱 Some varieties can live over 300 years in ideal conditions, with the oldest known specimens exceeding 1,000 years old in protected forests.

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