Pyramidal Arborvitae Information

Pyramidal arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a type of American arborvitae or white cedar. It belongs to a family of evergreen shrubs and trees that can grow as tall as 30 to 60 feet, depending on the variety. It has fragrant, green foliage and a dense, cone-shaped growth habit that makes it well-suited for use as a hedge or as a natural privacy screen when several are grouped together.


Although there is one variety that is named for its shape, there are actually several varieties of pyramid-shaped arborvitae. Pyramidal arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis "Pyramidalis") grows quickly and reaches heights of 12 to 25 feet tall with a 3- to 6-foot spread. Other varieties, such as Degroot's Spire (Thuja occidentalis "Degroot's Spire), grow slowly. Degroot's Spire is a narrow pyramidal arborvitae that grows up to 20 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Moderate-growth varieties include Emerald arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis "Emerald"), a narrow pyramidal type that reaches heights of 15 feet with a 3- to 4-foot spread. Pyramidal arborvitae varieties are generally hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8.

Planting Information

Pyramidal arborvitae thrives in areas with full to partial sun exposure. Offering some afternoon shade is helpful in warmer regions, although growing arborvitae in dense shade gives it an open, loose growth habit. Choose a planting area with well-drained, nutrient rich soil. The National Gardening Association recommends planting arborvitae in a hole that is two to three times wider than and as deep as the plant's root ball. Amending the soil is not necessary unless your garden soil is poor. Once you plant the arborvitae, create a ridge that is about 1 inch high around the outer edge of the hole. This ridge will help hold water in the planting area. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to the planting area, keeping the mulch an inch or two away from the arborvitae's trunk.

Watering/Fertilizing Needs

During the first season after planting a pyramidal arborvitae, regular watering is crucial to encourage the plant to develop a strong root system. After planting, the National Gardening Association recommends allowing the top several inches of the soil to dry out before watering it again. After the first water, follow a regular watering schedule, adding at least 1 inch of water weekly. Fertilize pyramidal arborvitae annually in late winter or early spring, before any new growth emerges. Use a general purpose fertilizer such as a 12-12-12 formula.


Most varieties of pyramidal arborvitae will keep their shape, even without pruning. Annual shearing, uniformly cutting off the plant's new growth, lets the plant keep its shape and keeps its size in check.

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