Want an evergreen that keeps your garden green year-round without a lot of fuss? Oriental arborvitae (Thuja orientalis) is a great pick. It works as a small tree, a neat hedge, or a container specimen. Below are clear, useful steps you can follow today to plant, water, prune, and protect these trees.
Pick a spot with full sun to part shade. Oriental arborvitae likes at least four hours of direct sun but tolerates some light shade. Plant in well-draining soil — soggy roots invite rot. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in compost and coarse sand to loosen it. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and only as deep as the root system. Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly above ground level to help drainage.
Space plants based on variety: dwarf types can sit 3–4 ft apart; taller, upright forms need 4–8 ft. Mulch with 2–3 inches of organic material, keeping mulch away from the trunk to avoid rot.
Water new plants regularly for the first year until they establish. A deep soak once a week is better than frequent shallow watering. In hot, dry spells, check soil moisture and water more often. After the first year, established trees usually need less water unless there’s a drought.
Feed once a year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer made for evergreens. Don’t overdo it — too much nitrogen causes soft growth that freezes back in winter.
Prune for shape in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Trim lightly; arborvitae don’t regrow from old wood, so avoid cutting back into bare stems. For a hedge, trim the sides slightly narrower at the top so lower branches get light. Pinching new growth in summer keeps a tidy shape without heavy cutting.
Propagation is easy from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Use rooting hormone and keep cuttings humid until roots form. Transplant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Pests to watch for include spider mites, scale, and bagworms. Look for browning tips or webbing. Treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; heavy infestations may need a targeted insecticide. Diseases are usually tied to poor drainage — root rot and fungal leaf blights show up when soil stays wet. Improve drainage and remove affected branches promptly.
For winter care, water well before the ground freezes to reduce winter burn. In windy, exposed sites, a burlap windbreak can help young plants. If winter browning happens, wait until spring before pruning damaged tips; new growth often covers the brown patches.
Oriental arborvitae is forgiving and slow to show problems when you give it good basics: sun, well-drained soil, regular water the first year, and light pruning. With that, you’ll get a tidy, long-lasting evergreen that works in small yards and large landscapes alike.
