Elton M. Smith
The Eastern arborvitae, American arborvitae or white cedar, Thuja occidentalis, is native throughout the northern half of eastern North America, especially in moist soil areas. This plant has long been established in American gardens, and according to some, over-used by building contractors. Arborvitae propagate readily from cuttings, are relatively easy to produce in a short period of time and are generally inexpensive. Thus, they are a building contractor's favorite.
At maturity arborvitae are usually dense, pyramidal, 40 to 50 foot trees, but cultivars range from dwarf to rounded or globe shapes with foliage colors of yellow, bluish and various shades of green. Arborvitae are small evergreen trees and shrubs with needle-like juvenile leaves and scale-like mature foliage and branchlets flattened in one plane. Branches are erect and spreading with thin, scaly bark.
For best growth, plant arborvitae in fertile, well-drained but moist soil in full sun, although light shade is acceptable. In dense shade, plants become open and leggy and are not as attractive. Transplant balled and burlapped or from a container at any season of the year. Arborvitae will grow well in both acidic and alkaline soils. Fertilize annually with 2 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet of a lawn-type fertilizer. Be certain the fertilizer does not contain weed control chemicals.
Pruning arborvitae in the landscape is seldom required due to their dense growth habit; however, they can be pruned at any time, with early spring being preferable. Winter browning can be expected with most species and cultivars. For this reason, arborvitae is not as highly recommended as selections of Taxus or juniper.
On occasion, insects can be a problem, particularly bagworm, which can be picked from the plant, arborvitae leafminer and scale. Consult publications available from your county extension office for the latest control recommendations.
The foliage on the inside of the plant turns brown and drops every year in autumn. This is a natural occurrence and should not be cause for concern.
Seeds will germinate well if left in a moist medium, such as peat moss, in a refrigerator for 30 to 60 days and then planted. Most nurserymen propagate this plant from cuttings taken in autumn or early winter. They put cuttings into sand media under mist with a minimum of 60 degrees F bottom heat.
Arborvitae have long been used in European and American landscapes as foundation, hedge, screen or accent plants. More recently, interest has been given to greater use in a way that will not detract from the overall color scheme. Use the recommended cultivars for best summer and winter color.
Thuja occidentalis.....................Eastern Arborvitae Cultivars
Most popular globe form
Platycladus orientalis..........Oriental Arborvitae (formerly Thuja orientalis and Biota orientalis).
A compact, large, columnar, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub becoming loose with age and mounded in appearance. The foliage is yellow-green, changing to darker green at maturity and typically brownish in winter. This plant does best in the southern states, although it has been planted extensively in years past in Ohio.
NOTE: Disclaimer - This publication may contain pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868