American Arborvitae (White Cedar)

American Arborvitae is indispensible for reliable screening and structure. This classic evergreen conifer is highly valued for its dense, naturally narrow, and pyramidal habit, typically grown for landscaping to a height of 15 to 40 feet. Its flat, fan-like sprays of aromatic, bright-green scales hold their color well throughout the year, grows thick, and requires very little pruning to maintain a tidy shape, making it excellent for hedging, privacy screens or windbreaks. American Arborvitae is one of the hardiest and most cold-tolerant evergreens available and offers a pleasant, freshly aromatic scent when brushed against. It is an economical choice for planting large, continuous hedges. This tree grows and establishes quickly for immediate seclusion and architectural interest to your property.

Also Known As: Thuja Occidentalis, Eastern Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Eastern White Cedar, White Cedar, Swamp Cedar, Tree of Life, New Brunswick Cedar, Thuya Occidental, American Thuja.

Plant Name:	Arboritavae, American
Latin Name:	Thuja occidentalis
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	3 - 10 Years
Years to Fruit:	5 - 7 Years
Plant Height:	15 - 40 Feet
Spread:	6 - 12 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-7
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 10 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require a short cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To prepare, soak seeds 24 hours in room-temperature tap water. To cold-stratify, Roll seeds in a damp paper towel or mix with moist sand and place in a resealable bag and place bags in the refrigerator, keeping the seeds at 35F-40F for 28 days. After the cold stratification period, sow seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and place the pots in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, first soak seeds for 24 hours then cold-stratify for 28 days indoors before planting in spring in a sunny location. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 5-6 feet apart down the rows of raised beds for a screen, or spaced 2-3 feet apart for a hedge. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet for hedge or 5-6 feet for screen
Between-Row Spacing:	10 feet

Care During the Season:

American Arborvitae requires minimal care but can thrive with moisture management and protection. Spring is the time for a quick inspection, pruning any brown, dead, or winter-damaged tips (avoiding old, bare wood), and applying a slow-release, balanced evergreen fertilizer if desired to support the new growth flush. During the Summer, consistent and deep watering is critical, especially during hot, dry spells, as this species is surprisingly not drought-tolerant despite its hardiness; also monitor for pests like bagworms and spider mites. As Fall arrives, stop fertilizing to allow new growth to harden off before winter, but ensure the tree receives thorough, deep watering before the ground freezes solid, which is the best defense against winter burn and desiccation. Winter requires monitoring for heavy snow or ice loads, which can cause branches to split—gently brush them off—and protecting young or exposed plants with a burlap wrap to shield them from drying winds and deer browsing.