How to Grow Hicksii Arborvitae
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Hicksii Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Hicksii'
shrubHicksii is a narrow, columnar cultivar of Eastern arborvitae prized for its dense, deep green foliage and compact, upright growth habit. It maintains a tight, formal shape without excessive pruning and reaches heights of 20-30 feet with a width of only 3-5 feet. This evergreen conifer is excellent for screens, windbreaks, and accent plantings in landscapes.
When should you plant Hicksii Arborvitae in your zone?
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Example Hicksii Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hicksii 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 Hicksii Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hicksii Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, excellent cold hardiness
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Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung transplant 1-2 feet tall with developing root system and tender new growth
Water regularly and deeply 2-3 times weekly for first year. Stake if necessary in windy areas. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base.
Early Growth
Years 2-5Compact columnar form developing, 2-6 feet tall, dense branching throughout
Maintain consistent moisture. Prune only to remove dead branches or maintain shape if needed. Reduce watering frequency as establishment completes.
Vegetative Development
Years 5-10Vigorous upright growth, 6-15 feet tall, dark green feathery foliage densely packed on branches
Water during drought. Light pruning in late winter to maintain columnar shape if desired. No fertilizer typically needed.
Maturity
Year 10+ onwardsFull-sized plant at 20-30 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide, dense evergreen column with deep green coloring
Minimal maintenance. Prune only for damage or shape maintenance. Monitor for pests. Perform light deadwood removal in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis in late spring when caterpillars are small; use insecticides if infestation is severe
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use miticide if infestation persists
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Prune out heavily infested foliage; apply systemic insecticide in spring before miners tunnel
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Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; prune out heavily infested branches
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Install deer fencing; apply deer repellent sprays; plant in deer-resistant locations
Uses
Privacy Screen and Windbreak
HouseholdThe narrow columnar form makes Hicksii ideal for creating living screens and windbreaks in landscapes. Multiple plants in a row effectively block sightlines and provide protection from wind while occupying minimal space. [source]
Formal Garden Accent
HouseholdIts naturally tight, columnar shape works beautifully as a formal accent plant, adding vertical interest to gardens, entrances, and landscape designs without requiring heavy pruning maintenance. [source]
Narrow Space Planting
HouseholdHicksii's slender profile makes it perfect for tight spaces between buildings, along property lines, or in narrow garden beds where wider trees would be impractical. [source]
Wildlife Shelter and Nesting
WildlifeThe dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds, especially songbirds. The dense branching creates protected spaces from predators and harsh weather. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalArborvitae (including Thuja occidentalis) has been used traditionally in herbal medicine, though modern use is limited due to toxicity concerns. Historical uses included treatments for respiratory issues. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hicksii is an ornamental; no harvest in culinary sense. For landscape use, plant in spring or fall. Can be pruned lightly in late winter to maintain shape, though it naturally stays columnar. Remove dead foliage and branches as needed for aesthetics.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hicksii was selected as a cultivar specifically for its superior narrow form compared to the species, making it a favorite among professional landscapers since the mid-20th century.
- 🌱 Eastern arborvitae 'Hicksii' can live for 50+ years with proper care, creating a long-lasting living screen investment for homeowners.
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, given because early European explorers credited it with medicinal properties and it was one of the first North American trees introduced to Europe.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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