Thuja Virginian™

Thuja Virginian™ is hardy in USDA zones 5–8 and performs best in full sun — at least six hours of direct light a day for the densest growth. It is not fussy about soil type but insists on good drainage; it will not tolerate sitting in soggy, waterlogged ground.

Planting

1. Choose a site with full sun and room for the plant to reach about 14 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide.
2. Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball is tall.
3. Set the plant so the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) sits right at ground level — never bury the trunk.
4. For a privacy hedge, space plants about 3–4 ft. apart on center. Tighter spacing fills in faster; staying near 4 ft. gives each plant a little more breathing room and airflow.
5. Backfill with the native soil, firm it gently to remove air pockets, and water in deeply.
6. Mulch 2–3 in. over the root zone to hold moisture, keeping the mulch pulled back a few inches from the trunk.

Care & maintenance

• Water. Water deeply and regularly through the first one to two growing seasons while roots establish. As an evergreen, it also needs water during dry spells in fall and early winter — a well-hydrated plant going into winter resists desiccation and browning.
• Feed. A light application of a slow-release evergreen or conifer fertilizer in early spring is plenty. Avoid heavy feeding late in the season.
• Light. Full sun keeps the foliage dense and the form tight. In too much shade it thins and opens up.
• Prune & shear. Arborvitae tolerates shearing well, so you can keep it formal or trim for height. Shear in late spring or early summer and stay within the green, foliage-bearing outer growth — avoid cutting deep into bare interior wood, which is slow to re-green.
• Spacing. For a continuous privacy screen, hold to roughly 3–4 ft. between plants so they knit into one solid wall.
• Pests & disease. Watch for bagworms, the most common arborvitae pest — pick off the small spindle-shaped bags by hand or treat early in the season before they spread. Good drainage prevents most root problems.
• Winter care. In snowy regions, gently brush heavy snow off the branches or tie the plant loosely with twine in late fall so wet snow and ice don’t splay the upright form.
• Deer. Arborvitae is a favorite browse for deer. Where deer pressure is high, plan to protect young plants with fencing or repellent through the winter months.

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

Space Thuja Virginian™ about 3–4 ft. apart, measured center to center. Because the plant matures to roughly 6 ft. wide, this spacing lets the branches overlap into a continuous green screen. Closer to 3 ft. fills in sooner; closer to 4 ft. gives each plant a bit more room and airflow.

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

Virginian™ grows at a moderate rate. With full sun, good drainage, and consistent water during establishment, a properly spaced row typically reads as a solid screen within a few seasons. Steady moisture and a little early-spring feeding keep it moving along.

How tall and wide will it get?

Expect a mature height of about 14 ft. and a width of only about 6 ft. That tall, narrow profile is the plant’s signature — you get real screening height without it sprawling into walkways, beds, or a neighbor’s yard.

Is it evergreen and does it stay green in winter?

Yes. It holds its deep green foliage year-round, including through winter, so the screen never goes bare. Keeping it well watered into late fall helps it stay rich and avoid winter browning.

Is it deer resistant?

No — arborvitae is one of the plants deer browse most readily, especially in winter when other food is scarce. If you have deer in your area, protect young plants with fencing, netting, or a regular repellent program until they are well established and tall.

Does it need pruning?

Pruning is optional. Left alone, it keeps a naturally neat pyramidal shape. If you want a more formal hedge or want to control height, arborvitae shears well — just trim within the green outer growth and avoid cutting back into bare interior wood, which re-greens slowly.

Why is my arborvitae turning brown?

The most common causes are drought stress and winter desiccation — both come down to a lack of water, so deep watering during dry fall and winter spells is the best prevention. A flush of brown on the interior needles in fall is usually normal seasonal shedding. If you see brown patches with small hanging bags, suspect bagworms and remove them promptly.