Polar Gold® Arborvitae

How to Plant Polar Gold® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Polar Gold')

Light: Plant in full sun to light shade. Best golden foliage develops with at least 6 hours of sun daily.

• Dig the hole: Make the hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
• Plant: Remove the container, gently loosen circling roots, place the shrub in the hole, and backfill with the original soil. Firm the soil lightly to remove air pockets.
• Water thoroughly: Immediately soak the root ball and surrounding soil. For the first 2 weeks, water every 2–3 days if there is no significant rainfall. For the next 2–3 months, water deeply once or twice a week. After establishment (about 1 year), water during extended dry periods.
• Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Fertilize: Wait until the following spring to apply a slow-release balanced shrub fertilizer unless your soil is very poor.
• Pruning: Little pruning is needed. Remove dead or damaged branches in early spring and lightly shape if desired. Avoid cutting into old wood.

Pollination: No pollinator is needed. Arborvitae produce cones naturally but are grown primarily for their evergreen foliage.

Container Planting: Use a large container (at least 20–24 inches wide) with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Water more frequently than in-ground plants, as containers dry out faster, and protect the roots from severe winter cold if you live in a cold climate.

Polar Gold® Arborvitae FAQs

• How tall and wide does Polar Gold® Arborvitae grow?
  Polar Gold® Arborvitae grows with a naturally narrow, upright habit, making it an excellent choice for tight spaces. It reaches approximately 12 to 15 feet tall and just 4 to 6 feet wide, providing privacy without taking over your yard.
• Does Polar Gold® Arborvitae keep its color all year?
  Yes. Bright golden new growth adds vibrant color in spring, while the evergreen foliage maintains attractive golden-green tones through summer, fall, and winter. It provides year-round interest when many other plants have gone dormant.
• Can I use Polar Gold® Arborvitae as a privacy screen?
  Absolutely. Its dense evergreen foliage and naturally columnar shape make it an excellent choice for privacy screens, living fences, and property borders. It creates year-round coverage while fitting into areas where wider arborvitae may be too large.
• What growing conditions does Polar Gold® Arborvitae prefer?
  This hardy arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates partial shade better than many evergreen varieties and is exceptionally cold hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 7.
• Does Polar Gold® Arborvitae need another plant for pollination?
  No. Arborvitae are grown for their attractive evergreen foliage rather than edible fruit, so pollination is not needed for landscape performance. There is no harvesting required, making this an easy-care choice for year-round beauty.