How to Grow Grande Arborvitae

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Grande Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire'

shrub

Grande is a narrow, columnar evergreen shrub known for its dense, feathery green foliage and attractive pyramidal form. It grows upright with minimal width, making it ideal for screening, hedging, and ornamental purposes in landscapes. This cultivar is a selection of Eastern Arborvitae with improved vigor and form.

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

Plant Grande Arborvitae
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Grande Arborvitae
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best density

💧

Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply after planting and during dry spells. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant.

📏

Spacing: 24-36 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 2-3 years to reach functional screening height; full maturity 10-15 years

🌱

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

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, tolerates clay and rocky soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost at planting Mulch for moisture retention Peat moss for acidic amendment if needed

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7

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

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young plant with developing root system, typically 2-3 feet tall at purchase

Water regularly (2-3 times weekly), mulch around base, avoid planting too deep, protect from wind exposure

Early Growth

Years 2-3

Plant grows 12-24 inches annually, develops fuller branching and denser foliage

Maintain consistent moisture, begin light shaping/pruning if needed, monitor for spider mites in dry conditions

Maturation

Years 4-10

Plant reaches mature height of 20-30 feet with 3-4 feet width, develops characteristic narrow columnar form

Minimal pruning needed, maintain as screen or hedge with light trimming in late winter, ensure good air circulation

Full Maturity

10+ years

Established shrub at full size with thick, dark green foliage year-round

Occasional pruning to maintain shape, deep watering during drought, watch for branch damage from heavy snow/ice

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Yew Boxwood Juniper Japanese Holly Serviceberry Oakleaf Hydrangea Russian Cypress

Avoid planting near:

Salt-sensitive plantings in northern climates Poorly drained areas that cause root rot

Common Pests

Increase humidity with regular misting, strong water spray to dislodge, miticide if severe, avoid drought stress
Handpick bags in fall/winter, Bacillus thuringiensis spray in early summer, insecticide if infestation is severe
Prune and destroy affected foliage, insecticidal spray in early May and late July, improve plant vigor
Horticultural oil spray in dormant season, insecticidal soap during growing season, prune heavily infested branches

Uses

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Privacy screening and windbreaks

Household

Grande's narrow columnar form and dense foliage make it exceptional for creating living screens and hedges in narrow spaces, effectively blocking sight lines and reducing wind. [source]

🦋

Wildlife shelter and nesting

Wildlife

The dense branching structure provides excellent shelter for birds and small mammals, with foliage offering protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]

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Ornamental landscape design

Craft

The striking vertical form serves as a focal point or architectural element in formal gardens, contemporary landscapes, and mixed borders. [source]

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Holiday decoration

Household

Fresh-cut foliage can be used in winter wreaths, garlands, and festive arrangements, offering pleasant evergreen fragrance. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal medicine

Medicinal

Eastern Arborvitae has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and immune support, though scientific evidence is limited; consult health professionals before use. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental shrub; harvesting foliage is not typical. However, foliage can be cut for decorative arrangements in fall/winter. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning as the plant does not regenerate well from bare wood.

Fun Facts

🌱 Grande Arborvitae is one of the narrowest columnar conifers available, often reaching 20-30 feet tall but only 3-4 feet wide, making it perfect for tight spaces where other trees cannot fit.
🌱 The foliage releases a pleasant aromatic scent when brushed or crushed, particularly noticeable on warm days.
🌱 Eastern Arborvitae was one of the first North American plants introduced to European gardens in the 1500s and has been highly valued for screening ever since.

Gardening Terms

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

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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