Dealing with nosy neighbors or noisy roads? You need a privacy screen, stat! Creating a hedge or “screen” has many different uses in your landscape: from protecting from the wind to reducing noise pollution to simply providing a beautiful backdrop to your landscape.
Arborvitae, or “Tree Of Life,” is a popular pyramidal evergreen that makes a wonderful privacy screen when planted in a row due to its dense, green foliage.
There are many different varieties of Arborvitae, from the tall and narrow tree to the short and stout shrub.
While specific care needs vary by variety, Arborvitae tend to thrive in partially shaded areas with constantly moist, yet well-draining soil. Take care to amend clay-heavy soils, as Arborvitae love water, but do not like soggy feet. We recommend a drip irrigation system to deliver a deep, consistent watering throughout the plant’s establishment.
To create a privacy hedge or “screen,” plant your Arborvitae 3-4 feet apart to allow for growth. Planting your Arborvitae in a staggered “zig-zag” pattern will create a more natural look and give the plant more room to grow over time.
Over winter, apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of your Arborvitae, leaving space around the trunk. This mulch will help protect your plant from winter damage by reducing moisture loss and insulating the roots from the harsh winter temperatures. Winter watering is crucial for Arborvitae, with many varieties needing an inch of water at least once a week. Some browning and needle dropping during the winter is normal and should be expected.
