Benefits Of Installing Arborvitaes On Your Property
Would you like to grow the tree of life in your yard?
Arborvitae trees, from the Latin words meaning “the tree of life”, are an excellent choice to bring life to your landscaping. Their evergreen boughs and dense growth make them useful not only as ornamental plants but also for practical reasons, as we’ll see in a minute.
Fast-Growing Plants
Arborvitae trees grow very fast and are useful when you want to install landscaping and have it fill out quickly.
How fast is fast?
It depends on the species, but some of them can grow about 3 feet in a year. At that rate, you can plant young plants and still expect mature-looking shrubbery within just a few months.
Some varieties top out at around 15-20 feet tall. However, the fast-growing ones can often reach 50-60 feet in height. You can trim them, of course, but keep this in mind when choosing the type that best fits your needs.
Natural Windbreak
As evergreen trees, arborvitaes sport thick gorgeous green foliage all year long. A group of arborvitae together makes an excellent natural windbreak. Keep in mind, however, that individual branches of an arborvitae tree are susceptible to breakage if exposed to high winds without the support of several trees together.
Privacy Fence
Their fast growth makes them ideal to use as a privacy fence. Usually, once people realize they need one, they want their privacy fence to be actively blocking the view as soon as possible.
Of course, building a solid fence that your neighbors can’t see through is the fastest way to put up a privacy fence. However, using arborvitae instead of manmade materials is far more appealing and gives your landscaping a natural look.
Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Arborvitae trees are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, though most will naturally take on a pyramid shape. You can let them grow naturally how they please, or you may decide to form them into specific shapes by pruning.
Pruning Is Easy
Pruning arborvitae is relatively easy and straightforward, though you should stick to a few guidelines. For example, the best time to prune is late fall or early winter. Summer pruning may leave the tips brown and unkempt. Limit pruning to once a year for best results.
Plus, always remember to not get too excited and over prune. Trees don’t do well if you take off more than a quarter of their crown each season.
Easy Maintenance
Aside from a simple pruning process, arborvitae trees are relatively easy to care for in general. You can pretty much just plant the trees in a sunny space large enough to accommodate its mature size and let them do their thing. As long as the soil is moist and properly irrigated, they are mildly resistant to drought and don’t require fertilizer or other help to survive.
You should, however, prepare the plot beforehand. They prefer moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. They thrive in the sun but can tolerate partial shade as well.
Inexpensive
Landscaping professionals love to use arborvitae in their designs. They add a regal air to the landscaping, can serve a practical purpose such as a windbreak or privacy fence, and don’t cost very much. Homeowners love both the look and the price!
Pest Resistant
Arborvitae trees are resistant to most pests, particularly when they are healthy and strong. They do have a weakness to bagworms, so if this pest is a problem in your area, be sure to keep an eye out for them.
Home for Animals
While few pests love them, many woodland creatures enjoy them. Their dense foliage that stays thick and green year-round provides a lovely home for many types of birds, squirrels, and other small creatures.
Some types also produce seeds that little critters will eat as well. Part of being a part of the solution to a greener world is to choose plants and landscaping decor that help nature instead of hindering it.
Elevating Your Landscaping with Classic Arborvitae Trees
Looking to add a privacy fence, windbreak, or just want to add an interesting new texture to your landscaping? Arborvitae trees are a fantastic way to do all those things!Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help with all your landscaping and lawn care needs.