Tater Tot Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'TATER TOT'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived, over 40 years
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; may cause skin irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
A coniferous evergreen tree native to eastern North America, known for its scale-like leaves on flat sprays and aromatic foliage when crushed. A very compact, dwarf cultivar with a neat, globe-like habit and fine-textured, fan-like emerald green foliage that requires no pruning to maintain its shape.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into the soil and water thoroughly.
- Maintain consistent moisture during the first year to establish roots.
- Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- Fertilize with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead branches
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tater Tot Arborvitae questions
What zones can Tater Tot Arborvitae grow in?
Tater Tot Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Tater Tot Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Tater Tot Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
Does Tater Tot Arborvitae need full sun?
Tater Tot Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Thuja to compare
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'
Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
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