Sun or partial sun. Evergreen, with characteristically flattened leaf sprays. Single specimens exhibit a naturally conical form; arborvitae is most commonly used in Texas landscaping as an evergreen hedge for a formal effect. Unlike the Leyland cypress used for similar purposes, it is a long-lived and drought-tolerant species, growing slowly and naturally tolerant of both extreme cold and extreme heat.
Most plants are short enough in stature to plant safely under power lines. Dwarf varieties (3-10 feet tall) are also available. For Texas native options for evergreen screening, see related plants below; most trunk a little more heavily than arborvitae and have a somewhat different “look.”
To maintain it as a screen and prevent excessive thinning in the interior of older plants, prune new growth from hedges either in spring, after the first flush of growth, or in autumn. Avoid cutting into old (brown) wood — it will not grow back.
A slow-growing conifer widely used as in public and residential landscaping.
