Tall Guy Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Tall Guy') elevates any garden with its striking, upright silhouette and rich green foliage that stays lush throughout the year. Reaching heights of 8 to 12 feet and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide, this arborvitae provides a commanding presence without overwhelming smaller spaces. Its dense, columnar form ensures a polished and structured look, making it an excellent alternative to traditional, more sprawling arborvitae varieties. The consistent bright green color enhances both formal and informal garden designs, offering a reliable evergreen foundation for your landscape.
This versatile evergreen shrub thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8. Native to Northeast North America, Tall Guy Arborvitae is built to withstand diverse environmental conditions, including resistance to Passalora/Cercospora needle blight. Its sturdy, single-leader growth habit eliminates gaps, ensuring a uniform appearance ideal for hedges and screens. Whether planted in mass for a lush privacy barrier, as individual accents in mixed borders, or in planters for urban gardens, Tall Guy Arborvitae adapts seamlessly to various landscaping needs with minimal maintenance.
Tall Guy Arborvitae Care
Position Tall Guy Arborvitae in areas that receive full sunlight to maximize its bright green foliage. Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic material to support healthy growth. During the initial growing season, maintain regular watering to help establish a strong root system, gradually reducing frequency as the plant matures. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer each spring to promote robust growth and sustained color. Mulching around the base not only conserves moisture but also helps regulate soil temperature and suppresses weed growth, contributing to the overall vitality of the shrub.
Maintaining the neat, columnar shape of Tall Guy Arborvitae requires minimal pruning. Conduct light trimming in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to refine the plant’s form if necessary. Avoid extensive pruning, as this can disrupt the natural growth pattern and reduce the plant’s density. In regions with harsh winters, consider providing wind protection to prevent damage to the branches and foliage. Regular inspections for any signs of disease or pest infestation will help keep your arborvitae healthy and thriving.
Tall Guy Arborvitae Spacing
When planting Tall Guy Arborvitae as a hedge, space each shrub approximately five feet apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure a dense, uninterrupted screen. For use in mixed borders or as standalone accents, provide about six feet between plants to accommodate their upright growth and maintain proper air circulation. If opting for container planting, select pots that are at least 18 to 24 inches in diameter to give the roots ample room to expand and support the shrub’s vertical structure.
- SKU:
- 1231020471-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.