Dark American Arborvitae

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

20 - 30 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Would you like to transform your backyard into a private garden retreat? No problem! Create a lush privacy screen with the Dark American Arborvitae. This evergreen conifer, also known as Thuja occidentalis Nigra, features fragrant, flat, emerald fans that turn chartreuse in the winter. Rust-colored bark provides additional texture. This low-maintenance tree reaches 20-30 feet high, making it useful as a windscreen in exposed sites.

Native to the coasts of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, Dark American Arborvitae is cold hardy in zones 3 to 8. This ornamental has a pyramidal form and grows narrow, dense, and upright. In addition to its usefulness in hedges or privacy screens, this showy tree also works well as a specimen in foundation plantings. A fast-growing conifer, it supports local wildlife, including songbirds. Add to cottage, woodland, and prairie gardens, and listen to the birds sing! 

Dark American Arborvitae Care

Plant this arborvitae during spring or autumn in full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole about the same size as the root mass. Ensure the soil is moist, rich, neutral to slightly alkaline, and well draining. Ensure the top of the root ball is flush with the ground. Backfill and apply a three-inch mulch ring, leaving 3 inches of space between the tree’s trunk and the mulch. During spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer. If a juvenile tree does not get at least six hours of sunlight, stake it to ensure it grows straight.

To maintain its excellent pyramidal shape, prune during the spring and fall. Shear hedges annually. Trim dead, diseased, damaged, and crossed branches to maintain health and improve aeration. Wrap young trees with burlap to prevent winter burn in colder climates. 

Dark American Arborvitae Spacing

Space Dark American Arborvitaes about 6 to 8 feet apart. Pair with boxwoods, dogwoods, and hostas in foundation plantings and garden beds. Maintain 50 feet from power lines.