What Are the Benefits of an Arborvitae Hedge?

Growth Rate

• Certain varieties, such as Thuja "Green Giant," grow as much as 2 feet per year. The shrubs fill in an area quickly when you prune the tops, so you need fewer shrubs to form a full hedgerow in a short amount of time. If you prefer a shrub with a slow growth rate for less pruning and maintenance, choose Thuja "Techny," which reaches heights of 15 feet and about 8 feet wide. Prune the arborvitae during the dormant season to keep shrubs at the desired height and width.

Windbreak

• The dense foliage produced by arborvitae shrubs keeps the wind at bay. A line of the shrubs makes an excellent windbreak or snowbreak. Two lines of arborvitae shrubs, with a staggered planting pattern, work even better. Depending on the cultivar, the shrubs can reach heights of 40 feet or more, to form a compact living screen to protect against wildlife and the weather. The hedge adds a sense of privacy to the landscape.

Longevity

• A report published in the Canadian Journal of Botany in 1991 by Peter E. Kelly, who holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario, states that arborvitae shrubs growing in the Niagara Escarpment were studied to determine age. The study, performed by the botany department of the University of Guelph, showed that the shrubs were over 1,000 years old. The standard hedgerow in the U.S. home landscape survives from 50 to 150 years. Under the right conditions, an arborvitae hedge can last for 200 to 400 years. The shrubs are not susceptible to air pollution, so the arborvitae works well in the city landscape.

Easy Maintenance

• The shrubs need little to no maintenance once they are established in the landscape. During the first year, your shrubs need to be watered every two or three days to the depth of the root ball. Root rot sets in when the shrub is planted below the nursery growing line or the planting site is too moist or holds water. Damage may come in the form of deer or bagworms. Pick the worms from the shrubs to prevent damage. To protect against deer, sprinkle human hair or other natural deterrents, such as tallow-based soap, around the shrubs.