Arborvitae is not considered to be particularly invasive. The majority of their roots only extend within the area near the trunk and, as such, do not significantly affect foundations, sidewalks, or other nearby surfaces. However, in some soils, they can send out roots beyond their initial planting area, potentially causing issues with adjacent structures.
Do Arborvitae Trees Have Deep Roots?

We know that arborvitae trees come in all kinds of jazzy shapes and sizes—from tall giants to beautiful shrubs. But what truly sets them apart is their roots – they don’t go as deep and wide as some may think.
On the smaller side, these ornamental landscapers and hedges have a similar level of root depth, capped at 8 inches below ground. Going bigger? Their roots may reach up to 18 to 24 inches deep – depending on the variety.
Northern White Cedar, Western Red Cedar, and other varieties hold their own with a shallow but sturdy base – no matter how high they grow!
Their little feet allow them the freedom to put down more tentative steps without feeling weighed down (especially by those pesky pests)!
So if you hate dealing with issues caused by deep-rooted trees, this budding family of plant life is perfect for your green space for years to come!
Do Arborvitae Roots Grow Downward or Outward?
Arborvitae roots defy all logic. Their daringly shallow and outward-growing designs amaze horticulturists everywhere with their unique adaptability. It’s no surprise that these intrepidly thin, courageously tenacious roots only reach a maximum depth of two feet under the soil.
This extraordinary ability to span wide horizontal distances while still being delicate enough not to wreak havoc on foundations or infrastructure is truly astounding! A strong testament to the remarkable wonders of mother nature.
It’s an unwritten rule among plant lovers that arborvitae root systems are one-of-a-kind and certainly nothing short of miraculous – so show your garden some love and introduce it to this amazing botanical experience!
Do Arborvitae Roots Tend to Spread Out?
For gardeners enthusiastic about landscape design, arborvitae is the perfect tree. Not only will they provide privacy and a sense of security, but their roots won’t spread many feet beyond the canopy – offering superior control over placement.
Plus, with enough space between plants, it’ll give your trees a chance to thrive by stretching their roots out more naturally. And when it comes to healthy trees, root system size matters!
It takes time, sure – but as your carefully calibrated arborvitae come into their full glory, you’ll be glad you planted correctly because healthy roots mean beautiful growth and greater vibrance in your outdoor oasis.
What is the Recommended Spacing for Planting Arborvitae?
Privacy doesn’t have to be years away. You don’t have to wait to enjoy the lush greens of a beautiful arborvitae garden. Thanks to careful spacing, you can create an oasis right now!
When choosing your arborvitae, size matters. Different varieties grow differently, so ask yourself how wide you need it to be and how much space you want between each tree. Then find the perfect fit! American Arborvitae grows up to 15 feet wide, and Green Giant can get up to 20 feet wide — but if you’re in a tighter space, Emerald Green or Golden Globe Arborvitae are just a few feet wide when mature.
No matter what size you choose, remember that making sure your trees are spaced just right is key for even growth and root development that’ll last for years down the line. An easy rule of thumb? Just make sure they’re as far apart as they are wide when grown up. That way, you’re always one step ahead on your journey toward total privacy at its most serene!
What are the Consequences of Planting Arborvitae Too Close Together?
Privacy is power, and your arborvitae trees are the architects you need to build a part of success. But don’t let your vision enslave you and force your trees too close together — give them space to spread their roots and bask in freedom.
Forget about close-knit boundaries when planting a hedge or fence. Make sure to leave enough airy room between plants so competing for nutrients isn’t an issue. Your plants won’t just thank you for the spacious gift — but their growth will prove it.
Maximise arborvitae potential by allowing them as much blossoming space as possible, ensuring optimal nourishment so they can reach their fullest potential. Fuller trees mean more privacy and guaranteed impactful statements in any yard or garden.
Take care of your precious plants and give them the respect they deserve: plant these heavenly horticulturists the way they were meant to be planted!
What is the Recommended Distance to Plant Arborvitae from a Fence?
Planting trees in your garden? Arborvitae, like Emerald Green, has a modest width of 3 to 4 feet when fully grown, so always keep that same distance away from any fences or edges in your garden.
That extra margin will be invaluable for ensuring there’s ample space for tending and maintenance around the steel frames of perimeter fencing. Don’t skimp on space; 4 feet should provide the best long-term results and enable you to take complete control over the garden environment.
Providing further peace of mind, you can inspect the fence surface more thoroughly as well as give yourself room to maneuver should repair works become necessary. Never cramp nature, especially when it comes to arborvitae of all sizes.
What is the Recommended Distance to Plant Arborvitae from a House?

When it comes to planting near the house, there’s no room for guesswork. You can’t cut corners when you’re growing trees this close to your home – a mistake early on can cause expensive headaches later!
That’s why, with arborvitae, it pays off to plan ahead. Measure twice, plant once – make sure the tree is at least 3-4 feet away from the house and give it an extra foot of space just to be safe. That way, you won’t have issues with bugs getting into your home through the branches or mold and mold growth due to water on them and lack of airflow.
Plus, that extra space gives roots plenty of room to spread out so that your arborvitae get all the goodies they need from nature directly – no intensive care needed! And in the future, if you want to prune or manage the tree for whatever reasons, you’ll have ample space and won’t have to come too close in contact with your house or windows in trying!
What is the Difficulty Level of Digging Up an Arborvitae Tree?
There’s no denying it, transplanting arborvitae is hard work. If the tree has had time to reach its full height, then you’re looking complex, laborious task – and even then, you might be better off cutting it down.
But if your arborvitae is still relatively small and recently planted, digging up the tree while keeping the roots intact and shifting it to a new place is an entirely doable option. That’s why allowing enough space between trees during planting is so important – it doesn’t just make things look better but makes moving them easier too!
When done correctly, you can lift an entire tree with all its roots at once and have a successful transplant ready right away. The power of proper planning pays off!
Of course, removing or transplanting arborvitae isn’t just physically demanding – it carries psychological impact too. Taking away something that’s been part of the landscape for years can be difficult. But with gratifying results, when the maneuver is complete – nothing beats that feeling!