The Best Place to Plant Arborvitae Shrubs

Size

• When finding a home for your new shrub, consider the size it will reach at maturity. Planting shrubs too close together can impede their growth when they begin to reach their full potential. Planting large arborvitae close to your house can block your view of the front yard; a smaller shrub can be a better fit for these areas. The largest shrubs include the Thuja occidentalis or American arborvitae, which can reach a height of 45 feet and a width of 30 feet. The Platycladus orientalis or Oriental arborvitae can grow 25 feet high and 15 feet wide. If you want a small-scale arborvitae, your options include the "Bobazam" cultivar of the American arborvitae. It grows 1 to 3 feet high and wide. The "Danica" cultivar of the Thuja occidentalis has a maximum height of 1 1/2 feet.

Moisture and Soil

• In general, arborvitae enjoy medium moisture and well-drained soil. Some types need to be planted in an area where deep soil exists. These include the Thuja occidentalis "Filiformis" or threadleaf arborvitae and the Thuja occidentalis "Sherwood Moss." Don't plant arborvitae shrubs in a spot where they will feel the direct impact of a lawn sprinkler, advises Horticulturist Ron Smith of the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

Zones

• Make sure you know which U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone you live in before selecting an arborvitate. These zones correspond with the weather conditions experienced by various parts of the country and help you determine which shrubs can survive the conditions in your area. Growers offer arborvitae shrubs for USDA zones 2 through 11, but plants usually fit into a narrower range of zones. For example, the Sherwood Moss and threadleaf arborvitae can thrive in zones 3 through 7, while the Oriental arborvitae works in zones 6 through 9.

Sun and Other Factors

• Some arborvitae require full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade. Read plant tags or consult staff at your local nursery to determine the light needs of the cultivars you consider purchasing. Specimens requiring full sun include Danica, Degroot's Spire and threadleaf arborvitae. Those that can handle partial shade include Hetz's midget eastern arborvitae, Little Gem arborvitae and Rheingold arborvitae. If you live in an area frequented by deer, contact your local extension service for a list of deer-resistant shrubs suitable for your area. Deer will devour any arborvitae you plant in your yard.