American Arborvitae plant profile
Thuja occidentalis
A perennial tree for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant American Arborvitae
Plant this conifer in early spring, before new growth begins, or in early fall. Extension guidance rates those two windows as best because roots can establish before summer heat or a hard freeze; container or balled-and-burlapped stock goes in during these cooler, low-stress periods.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open American Arborvitae in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 6 to 8.5
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 120 to 180 in apart
- Hardiness
- Zones 3a to 7bFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: bagworms, winter burn, deer browse.
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Thuja occidentalis (American Arborvitae)
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Is Fall for Planting?
Penn State Extension. Supports planting reference. Checked 2026-06-18.