26 named cultivars

treeN. America Native

Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Thuja occidentalis

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Eastern Arborvitae, is an evergreen tree known for its dense, columnar growth habit.

It is highly prized for its use as a privacy screen or windbreak due to its ornamental evergreen foliage and tolerance to various soil types.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round greenery and visual appeal in landscape design.

Serves as an effective windbreak and privacy hedge.

Supports local bird populations by offering shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested in large quantities

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Pro Tip

Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially in hot climates.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape
Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
Fertilize with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not prune heavily in late summer or fall
Never plant in poorly drained soil
Avoid exposing to harsh winter winds

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen screen for privacyFormal hedge with lush green foliageFoundation planting for architecture

Companion Plants

Juniper Boxwood Yew Holly Lavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar questions

What zones can Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar grow in?

Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

Does Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar need full sun?

Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Eastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.