Thuja occidentalis North Pole® (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis North Pole® is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a tall, slender evergreen with low maintenance needs. Its unique shape and vibrant green foliage make it a standout plant for a variety of landscaping purposes.

Thuja occidentalis North Pole®: An In-depth Look

North Pole® is a unique Arborvitae cultivar notable for its tall, narrow, and columnar growth habit. It’s a visually appealing plant with a natural upright form.

Native: Thuja occidentalis is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.

Plant Type and Habit: This evergreen conifer is characterized by its vertical growth and dense branching. It’s ideal for creating vertical accents in landscapes without occupying much horizontal space.

Size: Slow-growing, North Pole® grows to a significant height of about 10-15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) while maintaining a narrow spread of around 3-5 feet (90-150 cm), making it an excellent choice for tight spaces.

Foliage: The foliage is a rich, dark green color, which remains vibrant throughout the year and is resistant to winter burn. The leaves are small, scale-like, and densely packed, giving the plant a lush appearance.

Bark: The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.

Uses: Perfect for use in narrow spaces, as a privacy screen, or as a vertical element in garden beds. It’s also ideal for creating formal hedges or as a stand-alone specimen in smaller gardens.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: Provides limited shelter for small wildlife.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbit: May suffer some damage from deer and rabbits, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.

Benefits: North Pole® offers several benefits including its resistance to winter burn, its narrow, space-saving form, and its year-round visual appeal. It’s also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care.

American Arborvitae Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure leads to denser foliage growth. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Protect from drying winds, especially when young.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates clay soils.

Water: Regular watering is important, especially for young plants and in dry conditions. Avoid extreme dry soil in the fall, which can cause the evergreen foliage to dry out in winter.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow the recommended rates.

Pruning: Little to no pruning is required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning.

Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.