Arborvitae is one of the most versatile and beloved staples of the American landscape. This genus of coniferous trees and shrubs belongs to the cypress family. In Latin, arborvitae means tree of life.
The name’s origin dates back to the 16th century, when French explorer Jacques Cartier learned from Indigenous peoples that arborvitae’s foliage could treat scurvy. Because Vitamin C in the needles saved his crew, arborvitae has been used ever since to describe this resilient plant.
It’s also called evergreen because its scale-like leaves possess a waxy cuticle that seals in moisture. Root systems are efficient at storing energy during the dormant season, providing a nutrient source during long periods of frost.
Sting® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Unlike those of juniper or spruce, arborvitae needles are not prickly. Instead, they are soft and fan-like with a clean scent reminiscent of cedar or pine. While deciduous trees drop their leaves in fall to conserve energy, arborvitae continues to expend energy, performing photosynthesis and releasing oxygen whenever winter temperatures rise above freezing. This helps the plant maintain its year-round color. The natural process also ensures the garden’s ecosystem has a reliable source of fresh air even during the coldest months of the year.
Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘BOBAZAM’)
While there are only five species within the genus—American, Giant, Korean, Japanese and Sichuan arborvitae—plant breeders have developed hundreds of varieties in a host of shapes and sizes to meet different landscape needs, styles and designs. There are tall screens like the 30-foot Spring Grove® Arborvitae and small globes like the 3-foot Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae.
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
Varieties also range from the massive Green Giant Arborvitae, which can reach 60 feet in height, to the diminutive Tater Tot® Arborvitae, which stays a tidy 2 feet tall. Most perform well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8.
North Pole® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Tall or small, arborvitae provide structure and a host of benefits. They thrive in winter thanks in part to dense needle growth that shelters the trunk and inner branches from cold and wind. This creates a microclimate that keeps branches near the center of the plant slightly warmer than the outside air. A flexible structure allows trees and taller shrubs to bend under the weight of heavy snow. Varieties like North Pole® Arborvitae are specifically valued for their resistance to winter burn.
To remain healthy, arborvitae need at least six hours of light each day in full sun or partial shade. They grow best in moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering is necessary, especially for new plants.
Spring Grove® Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Grovepli’)
Dehydration is the main risk to arborvitae in winter. Water deeply in late fall before the ground freezes. Care requirements are similar for most varieties, although a large Green Giant Arborvitae or a Spring Grove® Arborvitae may need more water during dry periods than a small Fire Chief™ Arborvitae.
The best time to plant arborvitae is early spring, after the final frost, or early fall. Spring planting allows root systems to establish before summer heat, while fall planting takes advantage of warm soil and cooler air.
The size and shape of the plant dictate its use and spacing in the landscape. When planting a privacy screen with Green Giant Arborvitae, space trees 5 to 6 feet apart for a quick, dense wall. Spring Grove® Arborvitae functions similarly but can be spaced 5 to 8 feet apart. For narrower privacy screens, North Pole® Arborvitae requires only 3 to 5 feet of space, while the ultra-slim Sting® Arborvitae can be spaced as close as 2 feet apart to create a living fence.
Fire Chief™ Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Congabe’)
Fire Chief™ Arborvitae needs 4 feet of space to reach its full potential without crowding neighbors. For foundations, place Tater Tot® Arborvitae 2 to 3 feet away from walls and other varieties to ensure air circulation. Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae is a low-maintenance globe in the front of a border. It needs about 3 feet of space to maintain its shape alongside daylilies. All excel as living anchors in perennial gardens and foundation plantings.
Arborvitae also have functional benefits beneath the surface. Fibrous and relatively shallow roots spread wide, making them excellent plants for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. Benefits extend to the surrounding landscape, too. Evergreens create a protective microclimate for the rest of the garden. By acting as a natural windbreak, they shield sensitive neighbors from harsh gusts and help retain soil moisture by shading it from intense sun.
Tater Tot® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘SMNTOBAB’)
Cardinals and finches use the dense branches of larger varieties for nesting and protection. Small mammals like Tater Tot® or Mr. Bowling Ball® for shelter. While they are not major pollinator plants, arborvitae offer essential cover for beneficial insects. By selecting the right variety and providing enough water, these plants will thrive in the landscape for many years.
About Loma Vista Nursery ‒ Midwest Wholesale Plant Grower
Celebrating 35 years in business in 2026, Loma Vista Nursery grows a variety of healthy perennial plants, trees and shrubs for independent garden centers, landscape contractors and wholesale distributors. Review our plant catalog for detailed information and to pre-order.
Visit our website to learn more about our nursery, including our processes, plant varieties and business values. For assistance with orders or plant-related questions, please call (785) 229-7200 or send an email to sales@lomavistanursery.com. Our team of plant experts is happy to answer questions and provide information about the reliable varieties we grow.
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