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Arborvitae - A Multi Use Plant
The arborvita is a plant that has many forms, colors, and uses
that it is used in almost every type of landscape. One of its
major uses is in wind breaks and barriers. Yet it is also used
in foundation plantings or as a stand alone specimen in the
landscape. Arborvitae are commonly used evergreen shrubs or
trees useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durability
is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed in
shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings,
doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for
screens and buffers that are planted in rows. With so many
cultivatrs available it seldom appears as over used in an area.
The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on
the cultivar. Some reach 50', others only 3'. Most prefer full
sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions should be
avoided. A moist , well drained, loamy soil in full sunlight are
ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae. These plants
will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat drought and
pollution. The most important pest we have is bagworms which
must be controlled to prevent complete defoliation. Some
cultivars have multiple leaders which also prove to be a
detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple leaders in some
cultivars is a simple remeady. Our most popular Arborvitae is
the Emerald Green arborvitae. Many people prefer to spell them
Arbor Vitae . It is a bright light green color and narrow in
shape. It makes a distinctive and impressive natural fence. It
is easy to grow ,plant, and keep in shape.
The Hetz Midget arborvitae is a dwarf globe variety. This is a
good choice for along walkways and gardens. This is a tough
plant that is easy to install and not going to cost a lot. It
will maintain its color in the winter and will withstand snow
loads well. We carry these plants in 2 and 3 gal. pots. The
prices on these dwarfs vary from $15 to $30 depending on size
and quanity ordered.
Another small arborvitae that we grow in pots is the Rheingold
arborvitae. This is a small globe shaped plant that has a golden
green cast to it in the summer and a bronze winter color.
We also have the American Arborvita known as "Tiny Tim".This
arborvita grows in zone 2 - 7. Its is a needled evergreen in the
Cupressaceae Family. It will grow in height from a half a foot
to 1 foot tall. Its spread will be about 1 to 1.5 feet. This is
a plant that requires little work. Selecting
quality arborvitae
for the home landscape :
When you get to the nursery or garden center where you will buy
your arborvitae, pick out the healthiest, most robust plants
that have no evidence of disease or insect damage. The potting
medium should be moist, but not wet, and the roots should well
dispersed in the medium. Arborvitae that have roots growing from
the drainage holes or circling the top of the pot are less
desirable. Many people choose to buy arbs from a mail order
company, which is perfectly acceptable. However, realize that
most woody plants purchased from mail order catalogs will be
shipped dormant and bare root, that is, without any soil
attached to the root system. Such plants may be smaller in size
because of the expense of shipping. It is important to plant
such material immediately upon arrival. Generally it is best to
purchase one-year-old material from mail order companies since
this material is more vigorous and will transplant better. The
larger material that is offered is often composed of the less
vigorous plants held over from previous years. Most large sized
arbs are balled and burlaped. Don't buy any arbs bare rooted
over 3' tall. Any plant larger should be balled and burlaped.
Some of the common varieties available at Highland Hill Farm
(not all listed):
Globe Arborvitae
Arborvitae 'Danica'
Arborvitae 'Holmstrup'
Emerald Green Thuja Orientalis 'Blue Cone' Techny American Green
Giant Nigra Wintergreen Elegantissma
We have thousands of arbs and always have hundreds ready for you
to pickup. From 2' to 15' we have inventory balled and burlaped.
Don't worry about driving long distances to get to us. We are
easy to get to near Phila., on a major road, Rt. 313 in
Fountainville Pa.. We want to move our stock and will make sure
that you go home a happy camper. If you are coming from a long
distance, we will give away free inventory that is surplus to
our needs. One of our fields is being converted into ball and
soccer fields and work will begin Nov. 25 2005. Stock in this
field will go cheap. We will stay open til the last dog dies or
we sell out. I think we have more stock than what we possibly
can sell. You can visit our web sites at
http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.zone5trees.com amd
http://www.highlandhillfarm.com
About the author:
Bill grows many types of arborvitae on his 200+ acre farm in
Dopylestown Pa. 25 miles North of Philadelphia.
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