35+ Arborvitae Landscaping Ideas
Privacy screens, formal hedges, foundation plantings, and decorative accents — with variety guides, spacing charts, and deer-proofing tips.
🌲 Visualize Arborvitae in Your Yard →🔒 Privacy Screen & Hedge Plantings
Green Giant Privacy Wall
Thuja 'Green Giant' planted 5–6 ft apart in a single row. Grows 3–5 ft/year to 40–60 ft tall. Dense year-round privacy. Zones 5–8. Deer-resistant. Most popular privacy arborvitae in the US.
Emerald Green Formal Hedge
Thuja 'Emerald Green' (Smaragd) planted 3–4 ft apart. Naturally narrow columnar form (3–4 ft wide). 12–15 ft mature. Minimal trimming needed. Zones 3–7. Best for tight spaces.
Staggered Double Row
Two rows of arborvitae offset in zigzag pattern, 3 ft between rows. Creates impenetrable visual and wind barrier. Use smaller varieties (Emerald Green) for manageable width.
Mixed Evergreen Privacy Screen
Arborvitae alternated with holly, spruce, or juniper for visual variety and disease resistance. If one species fails, the screen isn't lost. More natural look than monoculture.
Living Fence + Wood Fence Combo
Plant arborvitae 2–3 ft in front of existing fence. Arborvitae grows up and over fence for double privacy. Fence provides instant screening while trees establish.
Property Line Buffer
Green Giant or Emerald Green along entire property boundary. Check local setback requirements (typically 3–5 ft from property line). Blocks noise, wind, and views. Plant in fall for best root establishment.
Noise Barrier Planting
Dense arborvitae hedge reduces noise 3–8 decibels. Wider = more effective (double row or mixed with broadleaf evergreens). Plant at least 6–8 ft tall at install for immediate impact.
🏠 Foundation & Entry Plantings
Flanking Entry Pair
Two matching arborvitae (Emerald Green or Degroot's Spire) flanking front door or garage. Formal symmetrical look. Container or in-ground. Classic curb appeal upgrade.
Foundation Hedge Row
Low-growing arborvitae (Mr. Bowling Ball, Hetz Midget, or Little Giant) along house foundation. 3–4 ft mature height. Evergreen structure year-round. Clean formal look.
Corner Anchor Planting
Tall arborvitae (Green Giant or Techny) at house corners to frame the structure. Softens hard architectural lines. Plant 5+ ft from foundation to avoid root/moisture issues.
Mixed Foundation Bed
Arborvitae as backbone evergreen anchors with flowering shrubs (hydrangea, spirea), perennials, and ground covers layered in front. Evergreen structure + seasonal color.
Front Walk Sentinels
Matched pair of narrow columnar arborvitae (Degroot's Spire, North Pole) at walkway entrance. Frames path without encroaching. Formal welcome. 10–15 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide.
🎨 Accent & Specimen Uses
Spiral Topiary Arborvitae
Emerald Green trained and clipped into spiral form. 5–7 ft tall. Placed at entries, in containers, or as focal points. Requires annual maintenance trimming. $100–$300 pre-formed at nurseries.
Globe/Ball Arborvitae
Naturally rounded varieties: 'Mr. Bowling Ball' (2–3 ft), 'Woodwardii' (4–8 ft), 'Little Giant' (4–6 ft). Low maintenance sphere shapes without trimming. Perfect for formal gardens.
Container Arborvitae
Dwarf varieties in large containers (24+ in) for patios, balconies, or pool areas. 'Tiny Tim', 'Danica', or 'Fire Chief'. Evergreen year-round structure in pots. Water regularly — containers dry faster.
Rock Garden Accent
Dwarf arborvitae (Rheingold golden, Teddy, or Danica) placed as focal points in rock gardens or alpine beds. Contrasts with boulders and low-growing plants. Year-round color anchor.
Golden Arborvitae Feature
Golden varieties (Rheingold, Golden Globe, Yellow Ribbon) add warm color to landscapes. Plant against dark evergreen backdrop for maximum contrast. Brightest gold in full sun.
Weeping Arborvitae Specimen
Thuja 'Filiformis' or 'Whipcord' — pendulous thread-like foliage creates unique weeping form. 4–6 ft tall. Conversation-starting specimen. Unusual texture in mixed borders.
✨ Design Combinations & Styles
Arborvitae + Ornamental Grasses
Formal arborvitae hedge behind informal ornamental grass planting (Karl Foerster, switchgrass, maiden grass). Textural contrast — rigid vertical + flowing motion. Modern naturalistic design.
Arborvitae + Boxwood Layers
Tall arborvitae backdrop, medium boxwood hedge in front, low perennials at base. Three-layer tiered design. Classic formal garden structure. Evergreen year-round.
Arborvitae + Hydrangea Border
Green Giant hedge behind mass planting of Limelight hydrangeas. Year-round green backdrop makes summer blooms pop. Low-maintenance, high-impact combination.
Japanese-Inspired Arborvitae
Cloud-pruned arborvitae mimicking Japanese niwaki technique. Remove lower branches, shape remaining foliage into cloud-like pads. Artistic and unique. Requires skilled annual pruning.
Cottage Garden Backdrop
Arborvitae hedge as windbreak and visual backdrop for cottage-style flower garden. Dark green wall makes pastel flowers (roses, peonies, foxglove) stand out dramatically.
Modern Minimalist Entry
Three identical columnar arborvitae at varying heights beside modern house entry. Gravel mulch, steel edging, single ornamental grass at base. Clean, architectural look.
🔧 Maintenance & Problem-Solving
Deer-Proofing Strategies
Deer love arborvitae. Solutions: deer-resistant varieties (Green Giant is better than Emerald Green), deer netting in winter, Liquid Fence spray monthly, Milorganite fertilizer (deer hate the smell), physical barriers.
Winter Snow Protection
Heavy snow splays arborvitae apart. Wrap with burlap or tie branches loosely with twine before first snow. Remove snow loads gently (upward sweeping). Columnar varieties handle snow better than wide types.
Browning Fix Guide
Common causes: winter burn (wrap with burlap), spider mites (spray water + neem), drought (deep water weekly), bagworms (hand-pick or BT spray), dog urine (flush with water). Brown foliage doesn't regrow — cut back to green.
Spacing & Root Planning
Privacy hedge: plant 3–5 ft apart (center-to-center). Allow mature width (Green Giant 12–18 ft, Emerald Green 3–4 ft). Plant 5+ ft from foundations, 3+ ft from property lines. Roots are non-invasive.
Pruning Best Practices
Never cut into bare brown interior wood — arborvitae won't regrow from old wood. Trim only green growth. Best time: late spring after new growth starts. Shape wider at base than top for light penetration.
🌲 Arborvitae Variety Guide
| Variety | Height | Width | Growth | Zones | Deer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Giant | 40–60 ft | 12–18 ft | 3–5 ft/yr | 5–8 | Good | Privacy screens |
| Emerald Green | 12–15 ft | 3–4 ft | 6–12 in/yr | 3–7 | Poor | Narrow hedges |
| North Pole | 10–15 ft | 3–5 ft | 8–12 in/yr | 3–7 | Moderate | Cold climates |
| Techny | 10–15 ft | 6–8 ft | 6–12 in/yr | 2–7 | Poor | Extreme cold (Zone 2) |
| Mr. Bowling Ball | 2–3 ft | 2–3 ft | 2–4 in/yr | 3–8 | Moderate | Foundation, borders |
| Degroot's Spire | 20–30 ft | 4–5 ft | 12–18 in/yr | 3–7 | Moderate | Narrow columns |
| Fire Chief (Golden) | 3–5 ft | 3–5 ft | 3–6 in/yr | 3–7 | Moderate | Color accent |
❓ Arborvitae FAQs
How far apart should I plant arborvitae for privacy?+
For a solid privacy screen: Green Giant — 5–6 ft apart. Emerald Green — 3–4 ft apart. For a hedge that fills in faster, plant 1 ft closer than recommended. For a looser, more natural screen, add 1–2 ft between each tree. Measure center-to-center.
Are arborvitae deer resistant?+
Most arborvitae are deer MAGNETS, especially Emerald Green. Green Giant has better deer resistance but isn't deer-proof. In heavy deer areas, use physical barriers (netting, fencing) or spray deterrents monthly. Consider deer-resistant alternatives like juniper, holly, or spruce if deer pressure is severe.
Why is my arborvitae turning brown?+
Most common causes: (1) Winter burn from cold drying winds — wrap with burlap in fall. (2) Spider mites — spray foliage with strong water, then neem oil. (3) Drought stress — deep water weekly during dry periods. (4) Bagworms — hand-pick bags in winter or spray BT in June. (5) Root rot from poor drainage. Brown foliage doesn't regenerate — prune it out.
How fast do arborvitae grow?+
Green Giant: 3–5 ft/year (fastest). Spring Grove: 2–3 ft/year. North Pole: 8–12 in/year. Emerald Green: 6–12 in/year. Dwarf varieties: 2–6 in/year. Growth rate depends on sun (full sun = fastest), water, soil quality, and fertilizing.
Can arborvitae grow in shade?+
Arborvitae prefer full sun (6+ hours). They tolerate partial shade (4–6 hours) but become thin and open. In heavy shade (under 4 hours), they'll be sparse and leggy — not useful as a privacy screen. If you need shade-tolerant evergreen screening, consider yew, holly, or hemlock instead.
When is the best time to plant arborvitae?+
Early fall (September–October) is best — roots establish before winter while soil is warm. Spring (April–May) is second best. Avoid planting in summer heat or frozen winter ground. Water deeply at planting and weekly for the first 2 years.
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