Growing a healthy Thuja (also known as Arborvitae) starts with picking the perfect spot, whether you’re planting a single specimen or a full privacy hedge. Let’s dive into what makes a location “just right” for these popular evergreens.
Where should you plant your Thuja?
Thujas absolutely love the sun, but they’re also perfectly happy in partial shade. One thing to avoid, though, is full shade. If they don’t get enough light, they’ll grow thin and sparse, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a dense, private hedge. You should also keep them out of high-wind areas, as young plants can get a bit stressed by heavy gusts. Finally, make sure you give your Thuja enough space from things like:
- Streets and sidewalks
- Patios or pavers
- Property lines
- Other plants in your garden
What kind of soil do they need?
For the most part, Thujas are pretty easygoing and will do just fine in standard garden soil. However, for the best results when planting, you want soil that is:
- Consistently moist
- Well-draining
- Rich in organic matter (humus)
- Not too acidic
Keep in mind that over-fertilizing can actually lead to brown tips over time. I recommend using an organic fertilizer to prep the ground and keep your hedge fed. If your soil is heavy or compacted, mixing in some coarse sand or fine gravel will help loosen it up. If your soil is too acidic, a little lime can help balance things out.
Can you move a Thuja once it’s planted?
Here’s the deal: Thuja roots are pretty sensitive. If the plant is still young, you can usually get away with moving it to a new spot. But once they get older, transplanting becomes a real challenge because they don’t handle root damage well—not to mention they get incredibly heavy!
If you’re dealing with an established hedge, moving it is unfortunately off the table. Because Thujas are shallow-rooted, their root systems eventually grow together into one big mat. It’s nearly impossible to dig them up without causing fatal damage. If a hedge has outgrown its welcome, your best bet is to remove it entirely and start fresh.
