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American Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

tree

American arborvitae is a native evergreen conifer prized for its narrow, columnar form and soft, feathery foliage that turns bronze or russet in winter. It grows 15-60 feet tall depending on variety and is commonly used for hedges, windbreaks, and ornamental screening. The tree is hardy, low-maintenance, and adapts well to various soil conditions.

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Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; requires minimum 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best form and color; foliage becomes thin and sparse in heavy shade

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Water: Moderate water needs; water deeply once or twice weekly during establishment (first 2 years), then weekly during dry periods. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but prefer consistently moist (not wet) soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions which cause root rot.

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Spacing: 24-60 inches (2-5 feet) depending on variety and intended use; closer spacing for hedges (24-36 inches), wider for specimen trees inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years for landscape-ready size; full maturity 15-20 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball should be level with or slightly above ground; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil; adaptable to clay soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand if drainage is poor Bark mulch to regulate moisture and temperature

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8, with excellent cold hardiness; performs better in northern regions and can struggle in intense heat and humidity of zone 8+

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

Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young transplant with new root growth and limited foliage expansion

Water deeply 2-3 times per week; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base (6 inches away from trunk); shelter from harsh winds; avoid fertilizing first year

Vegetative Growth

Years 2-5

Rapid height and spread increase; foliage becomes fuller and denser with feathery, scale-like leaves

Maintain consistent moisture; prune only to shape and remove dead branches; fertilize lightly in spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer

Maturation

Years 5-15

Plant reaches desired landscape size; growth rate slows significantly; branching becomes robust and well-defined

Water during dry spells; minimal pruning; monitor for pests and disease; prune in late winter or early spring only if needed for shape

Full Maturity

Year 15+

Plant fully established with complete canopy; foliage may show seasonal color changes (bronze/russet in winter in northern zones)

Deep water during drought; occasional crown thinning for air circulation; remove any diseased wood promptly; prune hedges in summer after new growth hardens off

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Junipers Boxwood Serviceberry Dogwood Hydrangea Spirea Ferns Hostas Sedges (Carex species)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (toxic juglone) Shallow-rooted trees that compete for moisture Dense shade-producing conifers in very close proximity

Common Pests

Prune out infested foliage; apply spinosad or neem oil in early spring before mining begins; maintain tree vigor with proper watering
Spray foliage with strong water stream to dislodge; use miticide or insecticidal soap in severe cases; increase humidity around tree
Handpick and destroy bags in winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in spring when larvae emerge; use spinosad
and (fungal)
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; prune out infected branches; apply fungicide in early spring; improve air circulation
Install deer fencing (8 feet tall); apply deer repellent sprays; plant dense cultivars that are less palatable to deer

Uses

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Privacy Screens & Hedges

Household

The narrow, columnar growth habit and dense foliage make American arborvitae ideal for creating living windbreaks, privacy screens, and formal hedges. Single specimens or rows can reach 40-60 feet and provide effective year-round screening. [source]

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Wildlife Shelter & Food

Wildlife

Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Small cone-bearing seeds offer food for finches and other wildlife. [source]

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Aromatic Greenery

Craft

Branches have a pleasant, distinctive aromatic quality and are popular in winter arrangements, wreaths, and holiday decorations. The foliage retains scent when dried. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Historically used by Indigenous peoples and in traditional medicine for skin conditions and other purposes. Modern research explores certain compounds in Thuja species, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]

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Essential Oil Production

Culinary

Aromatic oils extracted from foliage are used in some traditional medicines and fragrances, though internal consumption is not recommended without 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

American arborvitae is not harvested like a crop. For ornamental purposes, prune in late winter (February-March) or late spring after new growth hardens. For hedges, clip lightly after summer growth hardens in July-August. Remove dead or diseased branches anytime. Branches can be cut for fresh greenery arrangements in winter.

Fun Facts

🌱 American arborvitae is the official state tree of Michigan. Its name 'arborvitae' comes from Latin meaning 'tree of life,' reflecting its historical importance to Native Americans.
🌱 A single mature American arborvitae can live 150-200+ years, with some specimens recorded at 400+ years old, making it one of North America's longest-living eastern trees.
🌱 Winter discoloration (bronze or russet foliage) in northern climates is a natural stress response to cold temperatures and is not harmful to the tree; foliage returns to green in spring as temperatures warm.

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