Arborvitae is so much more than windscreens and hedges. These hardy, fast-growing evergreens are the perfect accent for any landscape design. But one big question comes to mind: how large do they get?
We’ve got an answer. From the petite Thuja occidentalis to the towering Thuja plicata, our post will provide all the details you need when it comes to the height and spread of these majestic trees. We’ll make it easy so you can choose just the right Arborvitae for your next project.
The sheer versatility of these trees makes arborvitae ideal for a variety of needs and locations. And knowing what size your plant will reach lets, you plan with confidence that your addition will look stunning now and in the future. So don’t hesitate – to find out everything needed about those regal evergreens.
Arborvitae can reach heights of up to 60 feet and a width of 10 feet. They are also known for their long-lasting green needles and low-maintenance requirements, making them ideal for any landscape setting.
Arborvitae Size by Species
From Tall to Teensy, what kind of Arborvitae are you looking for? Our varieties span from towering giants reaching up to 70 feet in height to adorable little dwarfs no bigger than a foot or two. There’s something for everyone!
With just the right balance of water and sunlight, you can tailor your Arborvitae venture to your landscape vision. Sure, some horticultural prowess will help get your little evergreen off the ground, and before long, we guarantee they’ll be reaching great heights.
Not sure how well an Arborvitae will grow in your neck of the woods? We recommend consulting a local horticulture expert – their sage advice will take you and those baby arborvitaes on the journey of a lifetime!
American or Eastern (Thuja occidentalis)
Introducing the American Arborvitae, the perfect choice for wind and sightlines. This majestic tree soars to heights of 50-70 feet, creating an impressive spread of 10-15 feet.
No matter your hardiness zone, 3-7, this architectural wonder thrives in the right conditions – full sun and a variety of soil types – making it an ideal choice that fits in any environment.
Its shape is something special, with a wide pyramidal style that crescendos any outdoor space – whether as a stand-alone piece or part of a larger landscape design. It’s no wonder why you can find these giants everywhere, from yards to parks to ancient castles!
This reliable species will be around for generations because its low maintenance and easy gratifying features check all the boxes when looking for a strong structure for your garden dreams.
Let the American Arborvitae take center stage and give backyard entertaining that wow factor it deserves!
Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata)
Introducing the remarkable Giant Arborvitae, nature’s answer to privacy and grandeur. A tree for all seasons, weathering snowstorms, scorching sun, and anything in between with ultra-resilience.
Growing up to a magnificent 60 feet tall with an impressively wide spread of 20 feet, it’s the widest of all arborvitae species. And its extraordinary toughness means you don’t have to keep it in the shade – it loves both full sun and partial sun.
Giving your outdoor space true protection with strong roots that easily withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. Not even sandy, wet or salty soil can bring this marvel down!
Korean (Thuja koraiensis)
The beautiful and bold Korean Arborvitae is a large-scale transformational agent for brightening any space. Gifted with special powers to thrive in hardiness zones 5 to 8, this evergreen soars up to heights of 15 – 30 feet and spreads out with an impressive 10-foot -15 foot spread.
Best enjoyed with some good old-fashioned moderate watering, though handy when nature steps it up with extra heat or drought, the sun-loving Statue calls for select patches of full sunlight to help coax out its full potential while being more than content with partial shade.
Careforable in all the right ways, this durable shrub demands little more than a gimme when faced with challenges – ensuring no-fuss fuss-free maintenance that remains consistent even amidst life’s unexpected surprises.
Japanese (Thuja standishii)
For a stately evergreen with just enough mystique, the Japanese Arborvitae is simply unparalleled. Standing strong and proud at heights up to 30 feet, these majestic trees make for an extraordinary presence in any garden.
Densely packed bright-green foliage really pops against softer color palettes, while their finely detailed leaves offer a unique texture that’s hard to find elsewhere. Best of all, when you brush past them, it releases an enchanting lemony fragrance like nothing else on earth.
A grand-looking evergreen that actively punishes your senses? Yes, please! The Japanese Arborvitae says it better than anything else could – plant me now to start enjoying my charms right away!
Sichuan (Thuja sutchuenensis)
This unique Arborvitae reaches a majestic height of 30 to 65 feet, with a fair spread of 10 to 15 feet. What makes it so special is that it has a penchant for hardiness zones 6 and 7. Unlike other arborvitaes, it requires full or partial sun exposure and moderate water intake – but that’s really not saying much because this species was presumed extinct until its stunning rediscovery in 1999!
It’s truly magnificent with its straightforward needs, so you can count on its stability. For those looking to inject their yard with an illustrious centerpiece, step right up and get your hands on the wonderfully organic vestiges of Mother Nature herself!
Golden Globe (Thuja occidentalis variety)
Lasting greenery with a bold, bright flair? Look no further than the golden globe arborvitae – a miniature evergreen that stands out from its peers.
As it takes shape and grows over time, this petite powerhouse reaches up to 4 passionate feet in height and width, confidently basking in full to part sun and areas with moderate moisture levels. From heavy frosts in zone 2 to balmy breezes of 8 – this resilient specimen just won’t quit!
Don’t be fooled by size – this dedicated shrub strong-arms its way into blossoming with bountiful batches of luscious leaves radiating in shimmery golds. Banish your backyard blues; by trading basic green for coveted copper in an instant!
The perfect plant for creative gardens and crafting timeless landscapes, bring some shine to your space today with golden globe arborvitae!
Danica (Thuja occidentalis variety)
This true dwarf variety of Arborvitae stands strong, adding graceful green to any landscape. Lush all-year foliage remarkable in its size – no more than 2 feet by 1.5 feet when fully grown – makes this tiny tree great for outdoor decorations, garden walkways, and more.
Beautifully petite, unbowed by wind, and resilient while taking the hardest hits from both drenching rain and blinding sun, the true dwarf Arborvitae will fill up any outdoor space with elegant ease. Requiring only moderate moisture and grateful for full sun exposure, this stylish shrub is a perfect addition to your driveway lawns or hike-side retreats!
How Much Time is Required for an Arborvitae Tree to Become Established?
The Arborvitae is a special kind of evergreen that takes some time to get settled. Expect your tree or shrub to be fairly dormant at first, as it’s busy beneath the surface setting its roots.
Your initial patience will be rewarded– as long as you give it the proper care and attention. You must provide some extra TLC during this precious establishment period and make sure not to forget about watering, especially in periods of dry weather.
Everything that happens in those first few weeks of acclimation will determine how well your Arborvitae flourishes for years to come. It’s like laying the groundwork for a successful future life!
Trust in the process— resist the temptation to rush things— have faith that your careful stewardship will pay off, and soon enough, you’ll see those glorious, glossy green leaves shooting high up into the sky with pride!
What is the Required Space for Planting an Arborvitae Tree?
When it comes to Arborvitae, a good rule of thumb is to give them all the room they need to grow, but if you need to plant them closer for a solid hedge, make sure each tree still gets 80 percent of the space it needs. This way, your trees can develop into healthy adults, and with the help of specialized trimming and care, the results are spectacular.
However, doing this successfully requires attention to detail and precision. Otherwise, your hedges may look sparse or overgrown.
Fortunately, there are lights at the end of every tunnel: With some research and forward planning, such as finding out which arborvitae varieties will thrive best in your garden’s conditions, keeping up with necessary maintenance like periodic pruning or fertilizing, and making sure you’re allowing your trees enough space without overcrowding them – your hedges will be full and flawless in no time.
Is it Possible to Maintain an Arborvitae Tree at a Small Size?
You can prune your Arborvitae to whatever shape and size you desire. It is a fast, safe and simple process with stellar results. Before taking shears or scissors to your shrubbery, however, it’s wise to review the following tips.
Prune cautiously and accurately for best results. The critical task is where and when you cut – aim for shaping rather than cresting and always use clean, sharp tools.
You want to prune young arborvitae bushes in early spring for healthy growth each year, but if your hardy plant has gotten too large, then a fall trim may be in order. To extinguish overgrowth completely, start from the bottom up and slice away foliage evenly all around the base of the shrub. Avoid taking off more than half of the total height of an already mature tree; otherwise, you could suffer stunted growth or damaged roots later on.
Keep an eye on winter weather when setting an arborvitae trimming schedule because the extreme cold can disrupt normal growth patterns before dormancy kicks in fully – so tread lightly as powdery snow blankets your landscape! With simple pruning care, you’ll suddenly find yourself enjoying a tall, green, thriving arborvitae hedge!
Is it Possible to Trim the Top of an Arborvitae Tree?
Change is risky, but it can be done. Sometimes the best time to take on something new is when you least expect it- like winter! If you’re looking to significantly change the size or shape of your Arborvitae, then winter may be the ideal time for maximum success and minimal stress for your plant.
This cunning move will give the roots access to saved-up stored nutrients from winter months – leading to a more natural transition. Plus, if it works, you can revel in the transformation and reap the rewards.
But keep in mind that disrupting an arborvitae’s natural conical shape can lead to a square top that won’t regrow its former glory. Instead, additional leaders won’t emerge despite topping efforts— reshaping nature can only go so far before reaching limitations worth noting.
So before planning drastic action, think through all possible outcomes first, weigh potential risks against desired results and strategize how best to achieve them come springtime.
What is the Maximum Amount that Can be Trimmed from an Arborvitae Tree?
Sure, usually, it’s not wise to cut more than a single foot of your Arborvitae in a pruning session. But when wintertime comes around the corner, you can make an exception and really ramp up your careful cutting.
Do you know those random bald spots that can appear when you don’t heed the one-foot rule? Well, if you do go beyond the limit in wintertime, they won’t be a problem anymore because the plant is typically dormant at that time.
It just so happens that it’s beneficial to take advantage of this dormant period by aggressively pruning more than usual. However, remember to be very measured and use your best judgment–you want to protect your plants as much as possible!
Will an Arborvitae Tree Regrow After Trimming?
For healthy Arborvitae, good pruning is all it needs to stay strong and green. The best advice is to always start by trimming less aggressively just to be safe. Plus, there’s an easy way, too! Check for green wood by gently scratching the branch with your fingernail – if you see something green beneath the bark, then this means that the wood is still alive and ready for pruning.
With careful and careful consideration of the amount you remove from the tree, soon enough, you’ll have a lush, green arborvitae ready for all of nature’s delights!