American Arborvitae 6-12"
Thrives in Zones 3-8
Provides year-round green privacy
Ideal for windbreaks and screens
Enhances property value and aesthetics
Ships in
November 2025American Arborvitae 6-12" | Thuja occidentalis | Evergreen Privacy Tree
The American Arborvitae 6-12" (Thuja occidentalis) is a widely popular, native evergreen that is sure to please with its deep green foliage and beautiful, distinctive red bark.
Plant Details | American Arborvitae Tree Specs & Growth Info 6-12"
Family: Cupressaceae
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Needs: Moist
Height: 20 – 40 ft.
Spread: 10 – 15 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Wildlife Value: Attracts birds, butterflies
Landscape Uses | How to Grow & Maintain Arborvitae 6-12”
The American Arborvitae 6-12" has deep green, flat needles, small brown cones, and a distinctive red-tinted bark that peels away from the trunk in strips. It grows in an upright and pyramidal habit.
This is an excellent choice for creating a winter garden, to have in your yard or garden as an ornamental focal point or accent, or to create a living privacy screen or hedge.
This is a low maintenance tree that will bring great beauty and elegance to your landscape.
Plant in a location that has full sun to partial shade. It will grow the best in a location with full sun. Its growth will be severely limited in the shade.
Plant this tree in a location with alkaline to neutral soil. This tree prefers moist and well draining soil. It can tolerate different soils, including heavy clay soils, sand, and loam. Keep this tree watered consistently until it becomes well established. Avoid planting it in a location with dry soil, as this tree needs high levels of moisture.
High winds? You should avoid planting this tree in a windy location; it can be prone to breakage with winter storms.
This tree will not need routine pruning. Prune this tree when you notice damaged, decaying, or diseased branches.
Deer prefer this plant. Keep it protected against browsing damage while it is young, especially in the winter.
Birds will use this tree for shelter and eat its seeds. Squirrels and other mammals will eat its seeds too.
Noteworthy Characteristics | Wildlife Value & Cold Hardy Benefits
American Arborvitae 6-12" can tolerate being planted near Black Walnut.
This tree is a host plant to many butterflies, including the Promethea Silk Moth.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
Height at Maturity
Over 25 Feet
Care
Water American Arborvitae regularly, especially during its first year. Mulch the base to hold moisture and control weeds. Prune to maintain shape and clear dead or damaged branches. Monitor for pests like spider mites.
Plant Reproduction
Pear American Arborvitae reproduces through wind-pollinated seeds from cones.
How to Grow and Care for Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are prized for their year-round foliage, offering privacy, windbreaks, and structure to the landscape no matter the season. Popular varieties like pine, spruce, cedar, and arborvitae thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a planting site with enough space for mature height and spread, and plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to keep the root flare slightly above ground level. Backfill with native soil, water deeply, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base—keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep, healthy root system.
Once established, most evergreen trees are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Prune sparingly to maintain shape or remove dead branches, and fertilize in early spring if needed. With the right care, evergreen trees provide lasting beauty, shade, and shelter throughout the year.
Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.
We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE
Why You Will Love Our American Arborvitae
Privacy and Screening:
American Arborvitae grows densely, making it an excellent choice for creating a natural privacy screen or hedge. It provides a lush barrier that can shield your property from prying eyes and noisy neighbors.
Adaptable to Different Soils:
This tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions, including clay and sandy soils. It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.
Fast Growth:
American Arborvitae grows relatively quickly, allowing you to enjoy its benefits sooner. Its rapid growth rate means you’ll have a fuller, more established hedge or screen in a shorter time.
Environmental Benefits:
Planting American Arborvitae helps with soil stabilization and erosion control. Additionally, its dense foliage provides habitat and shelter for local wildlife, contributing positively to the ecosystem.
