Arborvitae are commonly used evergreen shrubs or trees useful in
urban areas where low maintenance and durability is needed. Many
cultivars with forms such as being globed in shape, columnar, or
narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors, and
walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for screens and
buffers that are planted in rows.
These plants fill many basic landscaping needs.
The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending
on the cultivar. Some reach 50,' others only 3.' Most prefer
full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions
should be avoided. A moist, well drained, loamy soil in full
sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae.
These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat
drought and pollution. The most important pest we have is
bagworms which must be controlled to prevent complete
defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which also
prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple
leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady.
Our most popular Arborvitae is the Emerald Green arborvitae.
Many people prefer to spell them Arbor Vitae. It is a bright
light green color and narrow in shape. It makes a distinctive
and impressive natural fence. It is easy to grow, plant, and
keep in shape.
The Hetz Midget arborvitae is a dwarf globe variety. This is a
good choice for along walkways and gardens. This is a tough
plant that is easy to install and not going to cost a lot. It
will maintain its color in the winter and will withstand snow
loads well. We carry these plants in 2 and 3 gal. pots. The
prices on these dwarfs vary from $15 to $30 depending on size
and quantity ordered.
Another small arborvitae that we grow in pots is the Rheingold
arborvitae. This is a small globe shaped plant that has a golden
green cast to it in the summer and a bronze winter color. We
also have the American Arborvita known as "Tiny Tim."This
arborvita grows in zone 2 - 7. Its is a needled evergreen in the
Cupressaceae Family. It will grow in height from a half a foot
to 1 foot tall. Its spread will be about 1 to 1.5 feet. This is
a plant that requires little work. Selecting quality arborvitae
for the home landscape:
When you get to the nursery or garden center where you will
buy your arborvitae, pick out the healthiest, most robust plants
that have no evidence of disease or insect damage. The potting
medium should be moist, but not wet, and the roots should well
dispersed in the medium. Arborvitae that have roots growing from
the drainage holes or circling the top of the pot are less
desirable. Many people choose to buy arbs from a mail order
company, which is perfectly acceptable. However, realize that
most woody plants purchased from mail order catalogs will be
shipped dormant and bare root, that is, without any soil
attached to the root system. Such plants may be smaller in size
because of the expense of shipping. It is important to plant
such material immediately upon arrival. Generally it is best to
purchase one-year-old material from mail order companies since
this material is more vigorous and will transplant better. The
larger material that is offered is often composed of the less
vigorous plants held over from previous years. Most large sized
arbs are balled and burlaped. Don't buy any arbs bare rooted
over 3' tall. Any plant larger should be balled and burlaped.
These are just afew of the arborvitae and trees that we raise
on our Doylestown Pa. farm. We are pleased to show you these in
the field and discuss their habits and help you determine the
best plants to help you improve your landscape. Visit our other
web sites at
http://www.seedlingsrus.com and
http://www.highlandhillfarm.com
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