Arborvitae - A Multi Use Plant
By B Hirst, Tue Jan 10th
The arborvita is a plant that has many forms, colors, and usesthat it is used in almost every type of landscape. One of itsmajor uses is in wind breaks and barriers. Yet it is also usedin foundation plantings or as a stand alone specimen in thelandscape. Arborvitae are commonly used evergreen shrubs ortrees useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durabilityis needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed inshape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings,doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used forscreens and buffers that are planted in rows. With so manycultivatrs available it seldom appears as over used in an area.The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending onthe cultivar. Some reach 50', others only 3'. Most prefer fullsun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions should beavoided. A moist , well drained, loamy soil in full sunlight areideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae. These plantswill tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat drought andpollution. The most important pest we have is bagworms whichmust be controlled to prevent complete defoliation. Somecultivars have multiple leaders which also prove to be adetraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple leaders in somecultivars is a simple remeady. Our most popular Arborvitae isthe Emerald Green arborvitae. Many people prefer to spell themArbor Vitae . It is a bright light green color and narrow inshape. It makes a distinctive and impressive natural fence. Itis easy to grow ,plant, and keep in shape. The Hetz Midget arborvitae is a dwarf globe variety. This is agood choice for along walkways and gardens. This is a toughplant
that is easy to install and not going to cost a lot. Itwill maintain its color in the winter and will withstand snowloads well. We carry these plants in 2 and 3 gal. pots. Theprices on these dwarfs vary from $15 to $30 depending on sizeand quanity ordered. Another small arborvitae that we grow in pots is the Rheingoldarborvitae. This is a small globe shaped plant that has a goldengreen cast to it in the summer and a bronze winter color.
We also have the American Arborvita known as "Tiny Tim".Thisarborvita grows in zone 2 - 7. Its is a needled evergreen in theCupressaceae Family. It will grow in height from a half a footto 1 foot tall. Its spread will be about 1 to 1.5 feet. This isa plant that requires little work. Selecting quality arborvitaefor the home landscape : When you get to the nursery or garden center where you will buyyour arborvitae, pick out the healthiest, most robust plantsthat have no evidence of disease or insect damage. The pottingmedium should be moist, but not wet, and the roots should welldispersed in the medium. Arborvitae that have roots growing fromthe drainage holes or circling the top of the pot are lessdesirable. Many people choose to buy arbs from a mail ordercompany, which is perfectly acceptable. However, realize thatmost woody plants purchased from mail order catalogs will beshipped dormant and bare root, that is, without any soilattached to the root system. Such plants may be smaller in sizebecause of the expense of shipping. It is important to plantsuch material immediately upon arrival. Generally it is best topurchase one-year-old material from mail order companies sincethis material is more vigorous and will transplant better. Thelarger material that is offered is often composed of the lessvigorous plants held over from previous years. Most large sizedarbs are balled and burlaped. Don't buy any arbs bare rootedover 3' tall. Any plant larger should be balled and burlaped. Some of the common varieties available at Highland Hill Farm(not all listed): Globe Arborvitae Arborvitae 'Danica' Arborvitae 'Holmstrup' Emerald Green Thuja Orientalis 'Blue Cone' Techny American GreenGiant Nigra Wintergreen Elegantissma We have thousands of arbs and always have hundreds ready for youto pickup. From 2' to 15' we have inventory balled and burlaped.Don't worry about driving long distances to get to us. We areeasy to get to near Phila., on a major road, Rt. 313 inFountainville Pa.. We want to move our stock and will make surethat you go home a happy camper. If you are coming from a longdistance, we will give away free inventory that is surplus toour needs. One of our fields is being converted into ball andsoccer fields and work will begin Nov. 25 2005. Stock in thisfield will go cheap. We will stay open til the last dog dies orwe sell out. I think we have more stock than what we possiblycan sell. You can visit our web sites athttp://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.zone5trees.com amdhttp://www.highlandhillfarm.com
About the author:Bill grows many types of arborvitae on his 200+ acre farm inDopylestown Pa. 25 miles North of Philadelphia. |
