Varieties of Arborvitaes You Should Plant

American Arborvitae

American Arborvitae is a versatile evergreen tree used for living and privacy fences with numerous pleasing attributes in landscaping. Native to North America, this hardy and low-maintenance tree has become a staple in many gardens and residential landscapes. Its exceptional qualities make it an excellent choice for various purposes, and here are some of the reasons why it is a beloved addition to landscaping. Are you looking to define your property or create a windbreak? If you are, you may be interested in the American Arborvitae. It's officially known as the Thuja occidentalis, which translates into the Western thuja. By its name, you'd think it grew primarily in the western United States and Canada, but that's not true, and it is evident in its common names, which include Eastern White Cedar and Northern White Cedar. In fact, this woody evergreen green primarily grows in central and eastern Canada and north-central and eastern United States. American Arborvitae Identification Features The tree is known for its dense foliage and column or cone shape. It reaches heights of between 23 and 30 feet and is typically three to five feet wide. Because of its narrow footprint, it can be planted close together to create a natural screen. Popular Uses for the American Arborvitae The tree is officially classified as a shrub, not a tree. Gardeners and landscapers typically use the tree as a windbreak and a living privacy fence. It can also provide privacy for balconies and second stories, and it can be planted in tight spaces, even next to buildings, because the roots only spread as far as the canopy. The Fast-Growing American Arborvitae Gardeners love this tree because it's fast-growing. It typically grows between three and four feet a year after it reaches a height of about two feet. This means that homeowners don't have to wait years for the shrub to mature enough to create an effective windbreak or privacy screen. Great Companion Plants for the American Arborvitae The tree grows well alongside boxwood shrubs. When planted at the front and rear of boxwoods, the tree becomes the endcaps. The tree can even be used to denote the entrances and exits in hedge mazes. If you're looking to create a layered look in your garden, hostas, geraniums, and Solomon's seal can be planted around the tree. The tree is well-known for its ability to break wind, muffle sounds, and create natural privacy barriers. It can even be grown in large containers with flowers to make statement pieces for your front or back porch.

Green Giant Arborvitae

Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing evergreen tree with vibrant, emerald-green foliage, a tall, columnar shape, and dense branching, making it a popular choice for privacy screens and windbreaks in landscaping. It is a highly advantageous and versatile evergreen tree widely used in landscaping. Belonging to the Cupressaceae family, this tree offers many benefits, making it an extent choice for various outdoor spaces. Green Giant Arborvitae gets its name from its huge size. They can expand as towering as 60 feet with a diameter of 18 or more feet. These massive trees are part of the Cupressaceae or cypress family. Their scientific name is Thuja standishii x plicata. Although, that's often shorted to just the Thuja Green Giant. This evergreen got its start in 1967 when a single tree made its way to the U.S. National Arboretum from Denmark. Recognizing the positive landscaping qualities of this evergreen, propagations were sent out. Today, it's known for its ability to adapt to numerous climates. The Hybrid Green Giant Arborvitae The Thuja standishii x plicata is a hybrid tree. It was created in Denmark in 1937, using the Thuja Plicate or Western Red Cedar and the Thuja Standishii or Japanese Arborvitae. While it was being sent out from the U.S. National Arboretum, The massive evergreen was confused with the T. Occidentalis Giganteoides. Luckily, the tree's true roots were uncovered by three botanists from the New York Botanic Garden, USNA, and Holden Arboretum. Once its true roots were known, it was given its current name in order to delineate it from other similar evergreen trees. Identifying the Green Giant Arborvitae The Thuja standishii x plicata has a fast growth rate of three to five feet per year. At thirty years old, it averages 30 feet in height and can continue to grow up to 60 feet. It's characterized by its cone shape and the uniform appearance of its foliage. Best Places to Plant the Green Giant Arborvitae Due to its massive size, this tree does well in large yards and parks where Leyland Cypress may not be desirable. Benefits of the Thuja Standishii X Plicata The Thuja standishii x plicata keeps its color all year, even through winter. Gardeners with large yards can plant these evergreens in order to create natural privacy barriers. These trees are known to attract deer who forage for food, and birds tend to make their nests in them. Gardeners and landscapers love the Thuja standishii x plicata for its rapid growth and ability to create privacy screens. These trees work best for larger properties.