evergreen tree
Arborvitae: pruning, storm risk and removal
Thuja occidentalis. Also called eastern arborvitae, northern white cedar, white cedar, thuja.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Arborvitae at a glance
| Height | 20-40 ft; many garden varieties stay 10-20 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 10-15 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 2-7 |
| Lifespan | Typically 50-150 years in landscapes; wild trees can live much longer |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region, often in moist or limestone-rich soils |
| Roots | Shallow and fibrous, and they like steady moisture. |
| Wood | Light, soft and very rot-resistant. It has been used for fence posts, shingles and rails, and it is not a major firewood. |
| Storm risk | mediumHeavy snow and ice can bend or split the tall, narrow stems. Trees that are crowded or on shallow soil can also lean or tip in strong wind. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a arborvitae
Best time to prune
Late spring to midsummer, after new growth has started. Light shaping of the green growth is fine.
Avoid pruning
Avoid cutting into bare, needle-free wood, which typically will not regrow. Avoid heavy shearing late in the season.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Water new plants deeply and often for the first year or two. They dislike dry soil.
- Tie or wrap upright varieties before winter if heavy snow is common in your area.
- Check for small spindle-shaped bags hanging from branches. Bagworms can strip foliage in summer.
- Deer love to eat arborvitae. Use fencing or repellents if deer are common where you live.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on arborvitae
- 1Snow-bent stems are under tension. Cut carefully and expect them to spring back.
- 2Rows near fences often lack a good drop zone. Plan to section from the top down.
- 3Bagworm bags can hide in dense foliage. Wear eye protection and bag the brush if you can.
- 4Sort the brush. It is fine for chipping but very light and bulky to haul.
Removal notes
Arborvitae are often planted in rows near fences, driveways and property lines, so access is tight. Multiple stems may lean or have snow damage. Branches can be dense, and most jobs produce a lot of brush. Roots are usually shallow, so stump grinding is typically easy.
Wood
Light, soft and very rot-resistant. It has been used for fence posts, shingles and rails, and it is not a major firewood.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for arborvitae
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where arborvitae grows
Native range: Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region, often in moist or limestone-rich soils
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Arborvitae: common questions
Why is my arborvitae turning brown?
Common causes are winter burn, drought, deer browsing, bagworms and root rot. Brown in the inner foliage in fall can be normal needle drop. If whole branches are brown, have a local pro check the tree.
How fast does arborvitae grow?
It depends on the variety. Eastern arborvitae typically grows about 1 foot a year. Some hybrid varieties grow faster, up to 2-3 feet a year.
Is arborvitae the same as cedar?
No, not a true cedar. It is in the cypress family. One of its common names is northern white cedar, which causes confusion.
Can I prune arborvitae to make it shorter?
You can trim the green outer growth lightly. Do not cut into bare brown wood, and avoid topping. A tree that is far too tall for its spot is often better replaced.
Why do deer keep eating my arborvitae?
It is one of their favorite winter foods. Fencing, tall burlap screens or repellents can help. A local nursery can suggest more deer-resistant plants.
How far from the house should I plant arborvitae?
Plant based on the mature width, not the size you buy. As a starting point, leave several feet from the house for air flow and room, and ask a local nursery for the right distance for your variety.
More trees in the same regions
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