Planting Arborvitae: How Far Apart Should You Space Them?

Are you dreaming of a lush, green privacy screen or a beautifully sculpted hedge? Arborvitae, with their dense foliage and elegant conical shape, are a popular choice for landscaping. But before you get planting, there’s a crucial question to answer: How far apart should you plant arborvitae to achieve your desired effect? Proper spacing is vital for the health, growth, and overall aesthetic of your arborvitae.

Spacing determines not only how quickly your plants fill in but also their long-term health. Planting too closely can lead to overcrowding, disease, and stunted growth. Conversely, planting too far apart may leave gaps in your hedge or privacy screen, defeating the purpose of your planting project. Understanding the factors that influence arborvitae spacing ensures a thriving and visually appealing landscape. This guide will provide you with the essential information you need to successfully plant and maintain your arborvitae.

Understanding Arborvitae and Their Growth Habits

Before diving into the specifics of spacing, it’s essential to understand arborvitae characteristics. These evergreen conifers, belonging to the genus *Thuja*, are known for their resilience and adaptability. They offer a variety of sizes and shapes, making them versatile for various landscaping needs. Arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance once established, but their success hinges on proper planting from the start.

Varieties and Their Mature Sizes

The first step in determining how far apart to plant arborvitae is to identify the specific variety you’re working with. Different cultivars, like ‘Green Giant,’ ‘Emerald Green,’ and ‘Smaragd,’ have different mature sizes. Some varieties, such as the dwarf varieties, only reach a few feet tall and wide, while others can grow to impressive heights and widths. Knowing the mature size allows you to plan for adequate space, preventing overcrowding and ensuring sufficient sunlight and air circulation.

Here’s a table showing common arborvitae varieties and their typical mature sizes:

As you can see, the space needed between each tree will vary greatly depending on the type of arborvitae you select. Always consider the mature size before planting.

Growth Rate and Its Impact on Spacing

The growth rate of arborvitae is another critical factor. Some varieties grow quickly, reaching their mature size within a few years, while others grow more slowly. Fast-growing varieties may require more space initially because they will quickly fill in. Slower-growing varieties might allow for closer spacing, as they will take longer to become overcrowded.

Understanding the growth rate helps you anticipate how quickly your planting will achieve the desired density and privacy. It also helps with long-term planning, as you’ll want to avoid overcrowding as the trees mature. Consider the rate of growth when making your spacing decisions.

Determining the Ideal Spacing for Your Arborvitae

The ideal spacing for your arborvitae depends on your specific goals: Do you want a dense privacy screen, a formal hedge, or individual specimen trees? The desired effect dictates the spacing. Consider both the mature size of your chosen variety and your desired aesthetic when making your decision.

Spacing for Privacy Screens

For a dense privacy screen, plant arborvitae relatively close together. This will encourage the plants to grow together and fill in the gaps quickly. The specific spacing will depend on the variety and how quickly you want to achieve full privacy. (See Also: How Many Zucchini Per Plant)

Here’s a general guide for spacing arborvitae for privacy screens:

• Fast-growing varieties like Green Giant: Space these 6-8 feet apart. This spacing allows for some growth before the trees begin to touch, creating a thick screen.
• Medium-growing varieties like Emerald Green: Space these 2-3 feet apart. This closer spacing encourages faster filling in and a denser screen.
• Slower-growing varieties: Space these 1.5-2 feet apart. The closer spacing helps these varieties achieve a full screen more quickly.

Remember that closer spacing results in faster filling but also requires more frequent pruning to maintain the desired shape and prevent overcrowding. It is critical to consider how your arborvitae will fill the space over the years.

Spacing for Hedges

For a more formal hedge, you’ll want a slightly more precise spacing. This promotes a uniform appearance and allows for easier shaping and pruning. The spacing will depend on the width you want the hedge to be and the variety of arborvitae.

Here are some guidelines:

• For Emerald Green: Space 2-3 feet apart. This spacing allows the trees to grow together while maintaining a relatively narrow hedge.
• For Techny Arborvitae: Space 3-4 feet apart. This spacing creates a slightly wider hedge.
• For other varieties: Refer to the mature width of your chosen variety and space accordingly. The goal is for the plants to touch but not overcrowd.

Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and density of a formal hedge. Pruning also helps manage the space the trees take up.

Spacing for Individual Specimen Trees

If you’re planting arborvitae as individual specimen trees, the spacing should be much wider. This allows each tree to develop its natural shape and allows for ample sunlight and air circulation. The spacing should be at least half the mature width of the tree.

For example, if a variety grows to 10 feet wide, space the trees at least 5 feet apart. This will give them room to grow without touching and prevent overcrowding. Consider the mature size when planning the spacing for specimen trees.

The Importance of Proper Planting Techniques

Proper planting techniques are just as important as spacing. These techniques promote the health and growth of your arborvitae. Correct planting helps the trees establish quickly and thrive in their new environment.

Soil Preparation

Before planting, prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Arborvitae prefer well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Soil preparation improves drainage and provides essential nutrients for the trees. This step greatly improves the health of your trees. (See Also: how to plant butterfly bush seeds)

Digging the Hole

Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and grow. The wider hole allows the roots to expand easily. This is crucial for healthy root development.

Planting the Arborvitae

Carefully remove the arborvitae from its container and gently loosen any circling roots. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently tamping it around the roots.

Watering and Mulching

Water the newly planted arborvitae thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture for the roots. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. These techniques help to establish the tree and foster its growth.

Long-Term Maintenance and Spacing Considerations

Even with proper spacing and planting, ongoing maintenance is crucial for the health and appearance of your arborvitae. Regular care ensures the trees thrive and maintain the desired aesthetic.

Pruning

Pruning is essential, especially for hedges and privacy screens. Prune your arborvitae annually to maintain their shape, density, and prevent overcrowding. Pruning also removes dead or diseased branches, promoting overall health. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Watering

Water your arborvitae regularly, especially during dry periods. Arborvitae need consistent moisture, especially when they are young and newly planted. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow watering. This encourages deep root growth and increases the tree’s resilience.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your arborvitae in early spring with a balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. Fertilizing provides essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth. This helps the trees grow to their full potential.

Addressing Potential Problems

Be vigilant for signs of pests or diseases. Common problems include spider mites, bagworms, and fungal diseases. Inspect your trees regularly and take action promptly if you notice any issues. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious damage. This proactive approach helps to keep your arborvitae healthy.

Common Questions About Arborvitae Spacing

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about spacing arborvitae: (See Also: how much to water large snake plant)

What Happens If I Plant Arborvitae Too Close Together?

Planting arborvitae too close together can lead to several problems. Overcrowding can restrict sunlight and air circulation, increasing the risk of diseases like fungal infections. The trees may also compete for nutrients and water, resulting in stunted growth. Overcrowding may also cause the lower branches to die off.

Can I Plant Arborvitae in a Row?

Yes, arborvitae are commonly planted in rows to create hedges or privacy screens. The spacing between the trees in the row will determine the density of the screen. Consider your desired outcome when selecting the spacing.

How Far From a Fence Should I Plant Arborvitae?

The distance from a fence depends on the mature size of your arborvitae and any local regulations. As a general rule, plant them at least half the mature width of the tree away from the fence to allow for growth and prevent damage to the fence. Checking with your local authorities can help you avoid any future issues.

How Do I Know If My Arborvitae Are Planted Too Close Together?

Signs of overcrowding include stunted growth, sparse foliage, and an increased incidence of diseases. If the branches of your arborvitae are touching or overlapping significantly, they may be planted too close together. This also includes the lower branches turning brown and dying.

Can I Move Arborvitae That Are Planted Too Close Together?

Yes, you can move arborvitae, but it’s best to do so when they are young and before they become too established. Transplanting larger trees can be challenging and may require professional assistance. The best time to transplant is during the dormant season.

Conclusion

Successfully planting arborvitae is an investment in your landscape’s beauty and functionality. Knowing how far apart to plant arborvitae is a key factor in their long-term health and appearance. By considering the variety, desired effect, and following proper planting and maintenance techniques, you can create a thriving and visually appealing landscape feature. Careful planning and consistent care will ensure your arborvitae flourish for years to come. Remember to always consider the mature size of your chosen variety and your desired aesthetic when making spacing decisions. With the right approach, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these versatile evergreens.

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