What are the different kinds of arborvitae?

Thuja/Lower classifications

How do I identify an arborvitae tree?

Arborvitae are relatively easy to identify as their tiny (1/16 inch to 1/8 inch), scale-like leaves are compressed to form fan-like branchlets that are very flat as compared to other evergreens with scale-like leaves.

What is the difference between Thuja and arborvitae?

Different suppliers will refer to some trees as either an Arborvitae or a Thuja. This has created confusion among individuals thinking that they are two different trees, however, they are the same species.

What is the best arborvitae for privacy?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is the ultimate choice for a dense privacy hedge. With an Emerald Green hedge, there is zero chance of seeing anything through it. It grows slowly and requires very infrequent pruning.

Are arborvitae a shrub or a tree?

Growing Arborvitae

Arborvitae is Latin for “tree of life”. These shrubs are evergreen and have soft foliage that stays green or sometimes yellow all year round. Many people plant these evergreen shrubs as privacy hedges due to the upright or columnar growth habit, hardiness of the plant, and the fast growth rate.

Does arborvitae need sun or shade?

full sun
Emerald Green Arborvitae thrive in full sun but can grow in partial shade as well. Too much shade will lead to sparse growth. To flourish, these trees need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

What’s the fastest growing privacy tree?

What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.

What is the best time to plant arborvitae?

spring
The best time to plant arborvitae trees is after the last frost in early spring or in the late fall before the ground hardens. Arborvitae trees are hardy in USDA hardiness zones three to eight and do well in a range of soil types. 1. Choose a location with full sun.

How do you identify a green giant arborvitae?

Habit: Tightly pyramidal to conical evergreen tree; uniform appearance. Foliage: Dense, rich green, scalelike foliage in flattened sprays borne on horizontal to ascending branches; good winter color except, perhaps, in the southeast. Fruit: Persistent, oblong cones, approximately 1/2 inch length.

Is arborvitae poisonous?

Fortunately, Arborvitae has a generally low level of toxicity. The oil is used in naturopathy as a topical wart treatment, but ingestion is not recommended because of toxicity caused by excessive use.

When should you trim arborvitae?

Optimal timing is just before a flush of new growth in late spring or early summer, but the odd errant or broken branch can be dealt with any time of year. See more in Avoid These Arborvitae Pruning Pitfalls.

How long do arborvitae trees live?

50 to 150 years
Arborvitaes are classified as trees. But, it is okay, if you refer to them as shrubs or bushes. Long-lived: The average life expectancy of an arborvitae tree is 50 to 150 years.

Why is arborvitae called the tree of life?

The tree became a valuable asset when, on one of Jacques Cartier’s long sea voyages in 1536, it was discovered that a tea made from the bark and leaves cured scurvy. In 1558, the tree appropriately received the name “arborvitae,” meaning “tree of life” in Latin.

What are the side effects of arborvitae?

Oriental arborvitae contains a toxic compound called thujone. This compound can cause restlessness, mental changes, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, kidney damage, seizures, and other side effects, especially when taken long-term or in large amounts.

Are arborvitae roots invasive?

Arborvitae trees have a very shallow and fibrous root system that tends to spread out instead of down. The roots typically only spread as wide as the tree’s canopy is, so they aren’t considered invasive.

How far apart do you plant arborvitae?

Plant arborvitae far enough apart to accommodate for their full size. A mature arborvitae can be ten feet wide, so planting them ten feet apart is wise. If you plan to prune the plant to maintain a certain size or shape, keep that in mind when spacing arborvitae.

What does arborvitae symbolize?

This is perhaps partly why it received the name “arborvitae,” meaning “tree of life” in Latin. These trees symbolize strength, long life, and everlasting friendship. During New Year’s celebrations in China, the aromatic branches are used as good luck charms.