How to Grow DeGroot's Arborvitae
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DeGroot's Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire'
shrubDeGroot's Arborvitae is a narrow, columnar cultivar of Eastern Arborvitae prized for its tight, compact form and vibrant foliage. This evergreen conifer maintains its dense, pencil-like silhouette year-round with minimal pruning, making it ideal for screens, hedges, and formal landscapes. It features soft, scale-like foliage that turns bronze or purplish in cold winters.
When should you plant DeGroot's Arborvitae in your zone?
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Example DeGroot's Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant DeGroot's 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 DeGroot's Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7
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Transplant Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plant freshly planted, establishing root system. Foliage is soft and tender.
Water deeply and regularly; mulch with 2-3 inches of bark. Avoid heavy fertilization. Stake if exposed to wind. Monitor for transplant shock.
Early Growth
1-3 yearsPlant grows upward rapidly, maintaining narrow form. New foliage emerges bright green in spring.
Continue consistent watering during dry spells. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Minimal pruning needed; remove any crossing or damaged branches.
Vegetative Development
3-5 yearsPlant reaches 6-10 feet tall with denser branching throughout. Natural columnar shape is well-defined.
Water during droughts. Light pruning to maintain shape if needed (spring). Watch for pest issues. No fertilization necessary if established in good soil.
Mature Specimen
5+ years onwardFully developed columnar form, 12-15 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Foliage is dense and uniformly colored.
Minimal maintenance once established. Prune lightly in early spring only if needed to maintain form. Winter color change to bronze is normal. Drought-tolerant.
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage often changes to bronze or purplish tones in cold winters; growth slows dramatically.
No watering needed unless in severe drought. Avoid pruning in fall. Color will return to green as temperatures warm in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with water to increase humidity; insecticidal soap in severe cases. Improve air circulation.
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Prune out infested branch tips in late summer. Insecticide applications in spring if severe. Prevention through healthy plant care.
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Horticultural oil spray in late winter before new growth. Monitor for early infestation. Remove heavily infested branches.
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter. Insecticide spray in early summer targeting young larvae.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging. Remove affected plants. Improve site drainage and soil amendments.
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Fencing or deer-resistant repellent sprays. Once established, less palatable to deer.
Uses
Privacy Screening & Hedging
HouseholdDeGroot's narrow columnar form makes it ideal for creating tall, space-efficient privacy screens along property lines or between neighbors. Plant in rows 2-3 feet apart for a dense hedge. [source]
Formal & Contemporary Landscapes
HouseholdThe pencil-like silhouette complements modern architectural styles and formal garden designs. Excellent as focal points or paired specimens flanking entryways. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Nesting
WildlifeProvides dense year-round shelter for birds and small mammals. The dense branching offers protection from predators and harsh winter weather. [source]
Windbreak Protection
HouseholdThe tall, dense growth effectively reduces wind speed in exposed locations, protecting more tender plants and reducing heating costs around homes. [source]
Ornamental Foliage
CraftEvergreen foliage can be cut for winter arrangements and holiday decorations. The sprigs dry well and retain their color. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain columnar form if desired. Remove any dead or diseased wood year-round. Avoid heavy pruning which may create bare patches.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeGroot's Arborvitae is native to eastern North America and has been cultivated for centuries, with records of use by Indigenous peoples and early colonists.
- 🌱 The bronze or purplish winter color is a natural adaptation—the plant produces protective compounds in cold temperatures, and this color change is a sign of a healthy, hardy plant.
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, reflecting the tree's historical importance and longevity; specimens can live 50-150+ years in ideal conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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