Hi everyone, Susan here! As a gardening enthusiast and advocate for creating beautiful and thriving outdoor spaces, I often get asked about arborvitae. These popular evergreens are a common sight in many landscapes, prized for their fast growth and ability to create lush privacy screens. But are they all they’re cracked up to be?

Today, let’s dive deep into the world of arborvitae, exploring their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your garden.

Arborvitae Advantages: Why They’re a Gardener’s Go-To

There’s no denying that arborvitae have earned their place in countless gardens. Here are some key reasons why:

1. Rapid Growth for Quick Results:

Let’s face it, when we envision a green and secluded haven, we want it sooner rather than later! Arborvitae are famous for their rapid growth rate, often shooting up by an impressive 3 feet or more each year. This makes them ideal for establishing privacy hedges or windbreaks in a relatively short period. Imagine enjoying the seclusion of your own green oasis within just a few growing seasons!

2. Low-Maintenance Care for Busy Gardeners:

We all crave a bit of simplicity in our lives, and arborvitae deliver on that front. Once established, these resilient trees require minimal upkeep. They aren’t fussy about soil conditions, tolerate a range of light levels, and exhibit good drought tolerance once their root systems are established. This makes them a perfect choice for busy gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal effort.

3. Budget-Friendly Beauty for Every Garden:

Creating a stunning landscape doesn’t have to break the bank. Arborvitae are generally very affordable, especially when purchased as young plants. Given their rapid growth, you can start with smaller, less expensive specimens and watch them quickly transform your garden without the hefty price tag.

4. A Haven for Wildlife:

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, arborvitae offer valuable ecological benefits. Their dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and nesting sites for birds, squirrels, and other small creatures. Some varieties even produce cones with seeds that serve as a food source for wildlife, making your garden a welcoming haven for nature’s wonders.

Arborvitae Disadvantages: Considerations Before You Plant

While arborvitae offer a multitude of benefits, it’s essential to weigh the potential drawbacks before you start planting:

1. Sensitivity to Environmental Stress:

While generally low-maintenance, arborvitae can be susceptible to browning and needle drop when exposed to extreme conditions. Drought, harsh winds, winter salt spray, and overly wet soils can all take a toll on their appearance. It’s crucial to provide adequate water during dry spells, especially for newly planted trees, and choose planting locations that offer some protection from harsh elements.

2. Overused and Lacking Visual Interest:

One of the main criticisms leveled at arborvitae is their tendency to be overused in landscaping. This can lead to a monotonous look, especially when planted in long, uniform rows. While their uniformity has its place, consider diversifying your plantings with other evergreen species to create a more visually dynamic and ecologically balanced landscape.

3. Susceptibility to Branch Breakage:

Arborvitae often develop multiple leaders, which can make them prone to splitting or breaking under heavy snow or ice loads. This can be particularly problematic in regions with harsh winters. Selecting sturdier, single-leader varieties and providing support through staking or wrapping during the winter months can help mitigate this issue.

4. Attracting Unwanted Visitors:

While arborvitae offer shelter to beneficial wildlife, they can also become a magnet for less desirable visitors. Deer find their evergreen foliage particularly tempting, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce. Additionally, bagworms, a common pest of arborvitae, can quickly defoliate and disfigure these trees. Implementing deer deterrents and monitoring for bagworm infestations are essential for protecting your investment.

Alternatives to Consider: Expanding Your Evergreen Horizons

If the potential drawbacks of arborvitae have you reconsidering, fear not! A wide array of stunning evergreen alternatives can add beauty, privacy, and texture to your landscape:

• Upright Junipers: These versatile evergreens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering a more diverse look than arborvitae. They’re also highly adaptable to different soil and light conditions.
• Hollies: Known for their glossy foliage and vibrant berries, hollies bring year-round interest to the garden. Choose from upright varieties for formal hedges or spreading types for a more relaxed feel.
• Cypress Trees: These elegant evergreens offer a graceful, pyramidal shape and feathery foliage. They’re well-suited for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as striking specimen plants.

Making Informed Choices for a Thriving Garden

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to plant arborvitae depends on your specific needs, preferences, and local conditions. By carefully weighing the pros and cons and exploring alternative options, you can create a landscape that reflects your unique style and thrives for years to come.

Remember, gardening is a journey of exploration and discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your experiences, and embrace the joy of nurturing a beautiful and thriving outdoor space!

Resources for Further Exploration:

• The Morton Arboretum: https://www.mortonarb.org/ – A wealth of information on tree and shrub selection, care, and identification.
• Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/ – Explore their extensive plant database and find expert gardening advice.
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/ – Discover native plant alternatives for your region and create a wildlife-friendly garden.