Arborvitae Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire' , False White Cedar

Description of Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire' Arborvitae (False White Cedar)

Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire,' commonly known as DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae or False White Cedar, is a distinctive cultivar of the native Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), prized for its narrow, columnar growth habit and lush, evergreen foliage. This slow-growing, upright conifer typically reaches heights of 15 to 20 feet with a slender width of about 3 to 5 feet, making it an excellent choice for compact spaces. Its dense, rich green, scale-like foliage has a slightly twisted, scalloped appearance, adding texture and visual interest to landscapes. The foliage remains vibrant year-round, providing consistent color even in winter. Native to North America, particularly the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, this cultivar thrives in cool, moist environments and is known for its adaptability and low-maintenance nature. Its unique form and hardy characteristics make it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers for creating vertical accents, privacy screens, or specimen plantings.

Why Plant DeGroot's Spire in a Landscaping Project?

1. Vertical Accent and Space Efficiency: Its narrow, columnar shape makes DeGroot's Spire ideal for small urban lots, tight spaces between buildings, or narrow strips along fences and walkways. It provides height without taking up much ground space, adding elegance and structure to garden designs.
2. Year-Round Beauty: As an evergreen, it offers consistent color and texture throughout the seasons, enhancing landscapes in winter when deciduous plants are bare.
3. Privacy and Screening: The dense foliage is perfect for creating natural privacy screens, hedges, or windbreaks, offering coverage for songbirds and game birds while blocking views from neighbors or roads.
4. Low Maintenance: DeGroot's Spire requires minimal pruning and is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, making it an easy-care option for homeowners.
5. Wildlife Support: While not as beneficial as the native species, it still provides habitat and food for wildlife, including deer, snowshoe hares, porcupines, and birds like woodpeckers and warblers that feed on associated insects.
6. Versatility: It can be used as a specimen plant, in group plantings for hedges, or as a focal point in mixed borders, offering flexibility in landscape design.

Grow Zone Information

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, from cold northern regions to milder southern areas. It thrives in areas with cooler summers (typical July temperatures of 61 to 72°F) and can tolerate the harsh winters of zones like the Great Lakes region or southern Canada. However, it may struggle in extremely hot, dry climates or areas with poor drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal density). In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade can prevent foliage burn.
2. Ensure the site has well-drained, moist soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It tolerates clay soils but does not thrive in standing water or overly dry conditions.
3. Spacing: For hedges or screens, plant seedlings 3 to 5 feet apart to allow for tight growth. For individual specimens, space at least 4 to 5 feet from other plants to accommodate mature width.

Planting:

1. Timing: Plant in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before extreme heat or cold.
2. Preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Amend soil with compost if drainage is poor.
3. Placement: Place the tree in the hole so the root ball’s top is level with the ground. Backfill with soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

Care After Planting:

1. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially for young plants. Water regularly during dry periods, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely in fall to prevent winter foliage burn.
2. Mulching: Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base (keeping it away from the trunk) to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
3. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
4. Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Trim only new growth in spring to maintain shape or remove dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve the natural for
5. Protection: Protect young plants from drying winds and heavy snow or ice, which can cause stem breakage. Use burlap wraps in exposed areas if necessary.
6. Pest and Disease Management:
7. Monitor for pests like bagworms and spider mites, which can defoliate the tree. Treat infestations early with appropriate controls (e.g., insecticidal soap for spider mites).
8. Watch for cedar-apple rust, which can affect nearby apple trees. Remove any affected foliage to limit spread.

Additional Notes:

• DeGroot's Spire is susceptible to deer browsing, so consider protective fencing in areas with high deer populations if wildlife feeding is not desired.
• Avoid planting under power lines due to its mature height, and ensure proper clearance from structures.
• For best results, consult a local nursery or professional landscaper to assess site-specific conditions, as soil and climate can vary.

By following these guidelines, DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae can thrive, adding beauty, privacy, and ecological value to your landscape for years to come.