Tree Planting and Care

How to Care for Arborvitae, the tree of life

By James R. Fazio | June 3, 2010

Arborvitae is truly the “tree of life.”  To the early Indians, and the first French explorers with whom they shared their knowledge of natural medicines, arborvitae meant vitamin C and a cure for scurvy.  To the new home owner today, it is a quick hedge and a foundation planting to soften the corners of houses.                               

For a tree like this, what could be more appropriate than the name arborvitae, a Latin form of the French, “l’arbre de vie,” or “tree of life”?  Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who assigned the Latin name to this species, picked up on other traits.  The genus name, Thuja, is from a Greek word for perfume.  Squeezing the evergreen leaves releases an aroma that is nothing less than nature’s perfume.

The native North American tree, America Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), was useful in early canoes and medicines and became the first North American tree to be introduced to Europe.   The specific name, occidentalis, means “west,” the direction from Sweden where this tree was discovered.     

Tree Care Tips

Arborvitae is a tough and versatile tree – an urban survivor.  It can withstand compaction, most common kinds of air pollution, and a range of soils.  It can be planted in tight, narrow spaces in a landscape where height is needed, and adapts well to shearing and shaping.  However, for a good to fast growing tree of up to 2 feet per year, it is necessary to plant this species within its preferred range of conditions.

Conditions to Maximize Tree Growth Rate

  • Soil that is moist, rich and deep, but well drained; loam or sandy loam 
  • pH of 6.0 (slightly acidic) to 8.0 (alkaline)
  • Full sun if rapid growth is important, but will tolerate shade
  • Geographic regions with high humidity

Potential Problems

  • In times of drought, tree watering is important.
  • Young landscape trees will need protection from deer in many areas.
  • Pest and Disease Problems: Bagworms are sometimes attracted to this species, but can be removed by hand in winter, or controlled with a biological pesticide.
  • In forest or land development situations, large openings can lead to windthrow due to its shallow root system.
  • Protection from fire is a ‘must’ except from very old trees.

Share, Ask, and Plant

  • Share your photos with us on how you have incorporated arborvitaes in your landscape design. 
  • Do you have more Tree Care Questions related to arborvitae; please feel free to ask them in the comments section.
  • Plant an Arborvitae in your yard

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  • Treeeees February 27, 2018 at 6:52 am

    You planted the wrong variety. Arborvitae species can go from a 1 ft tall ground covering to a 120 ft tall behemoth. Try the emerald green if you want an arborvitae species that averages between 10ft and 15ft. Some species average 25-30ft and many are much taller. Emerald greens do not grow as quickly as the taller species, however.

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  • MaryAnn April 30, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    I bought about 30 emerald green 6 foot arborvities, and they were planted by the nursery last September, I also purchased from them 2 soaker hoses which they installed. I recently noticed that there were some brown spots, so the nursery said to fertilize with Holly tone and water them. But I am very concerned about why I have some brown spots. I’m hoping that they don’t die. I put them along side a fence for privacy, etc.

  • Mary August 26, 2018 at 9:03 am

    I have 12 arborvitae trees planted about 31/2 to 4 feet apart in an arc. They have done well except last winter the deer got at them and ate large sections on one side. In shaping them I noticed the insides are full of dead growth. These trees are about 12 years old. My question is should I try to remove the dead growth inside before I trim?

  • Bob Stankiewicz November 4, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    I have a number of the Emerald Green Arborvitae that are going into there frist cold winter and would like to spray them with the product Wilt Stop to reduce the moisture loss in the winter the label did indicate do not spray some Arborvitae but the store I purchase it from mention this shouldn’t be a problem, have you hear of any issue with using this product on them that might harm them come the spring.

  • Gretchen May 17, 2019 at 10:29 am

    Our arborvitae are about 15 years old and the bottom branches are dead and leafless. We haven’t done any pruning. If we prune the bottom dead branches will there be new growth? The trees are green for the top 2/3.

    • Sheereen Othman August 29, 2019 at 8:06 am

      Hi Gretchen,

      It’s good practice to remove dead branches from the tree. There won’t be any new growth where the branches were removed, but it will help improve the tree’s shape and encourage new growth on the rest of the tree.

  • Maria Nedwidek Moore December 9, 2019 at 9:54 am

    I love this tree but my husband climbed it to put on led lights for Christmas yesterday. we just moved in a few months ago. In any case, he broke out in a rash and I would rather leave the lights on year round so we cont have to keep getting exposed to the sap, but don’t want to hurt the tree. There are already some small browning leaves (not a lot) and I can see where branches were lost. I think the tree is 50-70 years old. can I leave the lights on, how do we keep from getting sick from touching it, and how do we continue to care for it. Is it safe to prune it in small amounts? My friend says the branches do not re grow.

  • Diane H Hoyt February 17, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    7 ft arborvitae planted in sheltered spot 30 years ago is dropping browned foliage from one side of the bottom half, leaving bare branches and a hollowed out shape. The rest of the tree seems healthy,T he Rhododendron next to it, same vintage, has been dying since last summer and is down to a few stumps.

  • Lara April 6, 2020 at 9:25 am

    We have established large arborvitae link g our property. Last year I raked out tons of leaves and needles that had probably been there for many years. This year, they appear to be dying. Could I have injured the trees in taking out the debris? If they look like they are dying, can they be “brought back to life?” Anything other than pests that can kill these old trees? Please help!!

    • Sheereen Othman April 22, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Lara, a number of things could affect the tree’s health including nutrients, sunlight, moisture, or possibly, old age. The needles that were under the trees may have been providing nutrients to the soil. If your area has experienced unusual weather patterns it could be affecting the trees. Hard to say what is causing it, but it may be a good idea to call a certified arborist if none of the mentioned factors have changed.

  • Terry April 20, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Can sun lamps be used to provide more sunlight for arborvitaes

  • Terry April 20, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    Can sun lamps be used to provide more sunlight for arborvitaes

  • Rachelle McConaghie May 28, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    I have three two year old, about 5 ft tall Arborvitae. This spring they got brown “cones” or pods on them. They haven’t fallen off. They are pretty by themselves but make the try appear that is is dying. I also have some flagging on the tips of a few branches. I really want to save them. Fertilize? Pick off the dead buds?

    • Sheereen Othman June 8, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      If the limbs are dying you can prune them, it will keep the tree safe and healthy.

  • Ann September 13, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    I have lots of very old Arborvitae in our yard. This late summer I have noticed that two started dropping their pods at an enormous rate. I thought it was pine squirrels but so much dropped it’s hard to believe an animal that small could fall so many seeds. I don’t remember this happening before. Does it mean a hard winter? Do you think squirrels are the culprit? The trees look old but still healthy. Thank you.