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How to Grow Golden Arborvitae

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Golden Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Aurea'

tree

Golden Arborvitae is a compact, pyramidal evergreen conifer prized for its bright golden-yellow foliage that intensifies in cool weather. This slow-growing cultivar maintains an attractive columnar shape and reaches moderate heights, making it ideal for hedges, screens, and ornamental landscapes. The foliage retains its golden color year-round, though it may bronze slightly in winter.

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Example Golden Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Golden Arborvitae

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Golden Arborvitae

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best golden coloration. Afternoon shade beneficial in hot southern climates
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Water: Moderate water needs; requires consistent moisture during establishment (first 1-2 years). Once established, relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged soil which causes root rot
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Spacing: 36-48 inches apart for hedges; 48-60 inches for specimen plantings inches
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Days to maturity: 3-5 years to reach ornamental maturity; growth varies by variety (typically 12-20 feet tall at maturity)
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball should be level with ground surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates various soil types including slightly acidic to neutral
pH: 5.5-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or peat moss for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Bark mulch for temperature and moisture regulation

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 3-7, tolerating harsh winters and adapting well to northern climates

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year after planting

Young trees with small pyramidal form, bright golden foliage, establishing root system

Water regularly and consistently; protect from winter wind and salt spray in first year; stake if necessary for wind protection

2

Early Growth

Years 2-3

Filling in and developing characteristic dense, columnar shape with vibrant gold coloring

Continue regular watering; light shaping and pruning acceptable; apply mulch layer 2-3 inches thick; monitor for spider mites in dry conditions

3

Vegetative Development

Years 3-5

Rapid height and width gain; dense foliage formation; golden color deepens and may bronze in winter

Reduce watering frequency as tree becomes established; prune in spring to maintain shape if desired; fertilize lightly in early spring

4

Mature Growth

5+ years and beyond

Full ornamental size achieved; dense pyramidal form with consistent golden-yellow foliage throughout year

Minimal pruning needed except for shaping; monitor for disease and pest issues; maintain adequate spacing in hedges for air circulation

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Eastern Red Cedar Dwarf Alberta Spruce Boxwood Junipers Hollies Hydrangeas Ornamental grasses Autumn fern

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring constantly moist soil Black walnut (produces allelopathic compounds) Diseased arborvitaes (disease transmission risk)

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; maintain adequate humidity; avoid drought stress

  • Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring when young larvae emerge

  • Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; spray insecticidal soap in spring

  • Prune and destroy infested shoot tips; apply insecticide in early spring; maintain tree vigor

  • Install fencing (8 feet tall); apply deer repellent; use motion-activated sprinklers

Uses

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Landscape Privacy Hedges

Ornamental

Golden Arborvitae's columnar form and year-round golden color make it exceptional for creating attractive privacy screens and hedgerows. Its dense branching and dense growth habit provide effective visual and sound barriers. [source]

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Winter Decorations & Arrangements

Craft

The fragrant, golden-hued branches are popular for fresh and dried holiday arrangements, wreaths, and festive decorations. Branches retain color and fragrance when dried. [source]

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Natural Air Fragrance

Household

The foliage contains naturally aromatic volatile compounds that emit a fresh, pleasant scent. Branches can be placed indoors for subtle natural fragrance. [source]

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Wildlife Shelter & Food

Wildlife

Provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Dense branching offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedies

Medicinal

Historically used in traditional medicine; contains thujone and other bioactive compounds. Modern use is limited due to toxicity concerns; should only be used under professional guidance. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Arborvitae is grown for ornamental foliage rather than harvest. Branches can be pruned and cut for fresh arrangements or dried decorative uses in fall and winter. Make cuts near branch junctions; avoid removing more than 1/3 of foliage in one season

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Golden Arborvitae's foliage intensifies in color during fall and winter months, creating a deeper golden-bronze tone that can last through snow and ice, providing stunning winter landscape color when most plants fade to gray or brown
  • 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, and the plant was among the first trees brought from North America to Europe by early explorers
  • 🌱 Golden Arborvitae produces tiny cones that are only about ½ inch long and mature from green to brown; the small size and dense foliage often make the cones nearly unnoticeable

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade
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