Little Giant Arborvitae Pruning

"Little Giant" Characteristics

• "Little Giant" features scale-like evergreen needles and a nearly spherical growth habit. The foliage is fragrant when crushed. It's deep green, though somewhat lighter on the undersides of the branches, with gray-brown bark and fruit in the form of cones. These are light brown and about 1/2 inch long, with eight to 10 scales per cone. The bush has a dense growth habit; when pruning is needed, it should be done to maintain the natural rounded shape of the shrub.

When and How to Prune

• "Little Giant" and other arborvitaes should be pruned in spring, well before the heat of summer stresses the plants. The shrubs are very susceptible to snow, ice or wind damage, so prune out any branches harmed by winter or early spring storms. If an entire branch must be cut, sever it as close as possible to the main trunk. After removing dead or weakened branches, finish by pruning lightly to shape. Use clean, sharp pruners to prevent the spread of disease.

Caring for the Plant

• The shrubs can be propagated from cuttings taken at spring pruning time, but most gardeners obtain potted specimens of "Little Giant" from garden centers. Its growth rate is slow, at less than 12 inches per year. Arborvitae grow best in rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Once established, they have some drought tolerance, but young plants should be watered regularly until they're established.

Around the Landscape

• You'll find a number of uses around your landscape for "Little Giant," with its slow growth rate, dense foliage and ease of pruning. Grown in large pots, the shrubs can serve as accents flanking an entrance. In-ground and planted relatively close, they might serve as a low hedge. Planted farther apart they could be used in a staggered hedge. "Little Giant's" evergreen nature provides the garden with structure and interest in the winter. You can make the shrub part of a collection of small conifers or a traditional mixed planting scheme.