American Arborvitae Care

Planting Location

• Plant American arborvitae in slightly alkaline soil. If this is not possible, place it in neutral or acidic ground, reports the University of Connecticut Plant Database. Damp, fertile loam is the best soil for this tree, but it handles a range of soil types if necessary. The tree is a suitable option for properties between U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7.

Light Requirements

• Plant American arborvitae where it receives plenty of sunshine throughout the daylight hours. In colder zones, full sun with no shade is best. In the warmer zones where summers can become sweltering, put the tree where it has some degree of afternoon shade. Full-shade situations prevent the American arborvitae's growth.

Cultivar Options

• While American arborvitae tolerates pruning and shearing keeping it in shape, use some of the many cultivars when you use it as a hedge or screen. Their smaller size means little if any pruning. Among cultivars choices are Hetz Midget, which only grows 3 feet high. A larger type that is still manageable in the landscape is Holmstrup, which grows to 5 feet and serves as a hedge plant. Lutea grows to 30 feet high but features yellow foliage. Techny matures to 15 feet, making it a size suitable for privacy screens.

Potential Problems

• In areas where heavy snow and ice are commonplace during the winter, look for accumulations damaging the American arborvitae. The branches and stem are vulnerable to breakage from such conditions. Brush off snowfall as soon as possible. Insect pests, such as leaf miner, scales, mealybugs and bagworms, cause minimal problems for this evergreen. Avoid placing this tree in a windy site, which results in yellowing foliage in cold weather.