Private Jet™ Arborvitae

Hardy in USDA zones 3–7, the Private Jet™ Arborvitae thrives in full to part sun (at least six hours is best for the densest growth) and prefers moist, well-draining soil. It adapts to a range of soils but dislikes constantly soggy ground.

Planting

1. Choose a site with full to part sun; more light yields denser, more uniform foliage from top to bottom.
2. Make sure the soil drains well. In heavy clay, amend with compost or plant slightly high to keep roots from sitting in water.
3. Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the ball is tall.
4. Set the plant so the root flare sits right at grade — never bury the trunk or pile soil against it.
5. For a privacy hedge, space plants about 2–3 ft. apart (center to center). This roughly 60% of the mature 4–5 ft. width lets the columns grow together into a seamless screen.
6. Backfill with native soil, water in deeply to settle out air pockets, then spread 2–3 in. of mulch over the root zone, keeping it pulled back a few inches from the trunk.

Care & maintenance

• Water. Water deeply and regularly through the first one to two years while roots establish. Evergreens also draw moisture in fall and winter, so water during dry, mild spells to prevent foliage browning (winter desiccation).
• Feed. Apply a light, slow-release evergreen or conifer fertilizer in early spring. Established plants need little feeding.
• Light. Full to part sun keeps the column dense; deep shade thins the foliage and opens gaps.
• Prune & shear. Arborvitae tolerates shearing well, so you can tip-prune the green outer growth in late spring or early summer to tighten the form. Avoid cutting hard back into old, bare interior wood — arborvitae is slow to refill large brown patches, so shape lightly and often rather than all at once.
• Spacing. For an unbroken privacy row, hold to roughly 2–3 ft. between plants; widen the spacing if you prefer distinct individual columns.
• Pests & disease. Watch for bagworms, whose spindle-shaped cocoons can defoliate branches — pick them off or treat early. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry weather. Good airflow and proper drainage prevent most issues.
• Winter care. In snowy regions, gently brush heavy snow off the columns or loosely tie the stems together so the upright form isn't splayed open by snow load. Protect from deer browse in winter (see FAQs).

How far apart should I plant them for a privacy hedge?

Space plants about 2–3 ft. apart, measured center to center. Because Private Jet™ matures to only 4–5 ft. wide, this spacing lets the narrow columns merge into a continuous green wall without crowding. For a faster-filling screen, stay near the 2-ft. end of that range.

How fast does it grow and how soon will it fill in?

It has a fast growth rate for an arborvitae. With good sun, water, and soil, a young row planted at hedge spacing typically knits into a solid screen within a few seasons, and the plants continue climbing toward their 15–20 ft. mature height over the years.

How tall and wide will it get?

Expect a mature height of 15–20 ft. and a slim width of just 4–5 ft. That tall, narrow, near-columnar shape is the whole appeal — serious height for screening with a footprint that fits tight spaces.

Is it evergreen year-round?

Yes. The dense, scaled foliage holds its deep green through all four seasons, so the screen stays full and private in winter. Some browning of the oldest interior foliage in fall is normal seasonal shedding, not a problem.

Is it deer resistant?

No — arborvitae (Thuja) is one of the most heavily browsed evergreens by deer, especially in winter when other food is scarce. If deer are active in your area, plan to protect young plants with fencing, netting, or a repellent program, particularly through the cold months.

Why is my arborvitae turning brown?

The most common causes are:

• Drought or winter desiccation. Dry roots in summer, or wind and sun pulling moisture from foliage in winter, cause browning. Water deeply during dry spells, including mild winter stretches.
• Normal inner-needle drop. Older interior foliage naturally bronzes and sheds in fall while the outer growth stays green.
• Bagworms. Inspect for small cocoons that can strip foliage.
• Deer browse. Ragged, chewed brown sections low on the plant often point to deer rather than disease.