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Arborvitae hedges are a popular choice for creating natural privacy screens and adding structure to landscapes. When properly trained, these evergreens can reach impressive heights, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional privacy. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to train your arborvitae for maximum height.
Understanding Arborvitae Growth
Arborvitae (Thuja) are fast-growing conifers that can reach heights of 20 to 40 feet or more. Their growth rate depends on the variety, soil quality, climate, and care. To maximize height, it is important to understand their natural growth habits and how to influence them through training and pruning.
Choosing the Right Variety
Select a variety of arborvitae known for its tall growth potential. Some popular tall varieties include:
- Green Giant
- Northern White Cedar
- Emerald Green
Preparing the Site
Ensure your planting site has well-draining soil and receives ample sunlight—ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Proper site preparation promotes healthy growth and makes training easier.
Planting and Initial Care
Plant arborvitae in spring or early fall. Space plants according to their mature width, usually 3 to 4 feet apart. Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots.
Training for Height
To encourage maximum height, follow these training steps:
- Select a central leader: Choose the strongest, upright stem to be the main trunk.
- Prune side branches: Regularly trim lower and side branches to direct growth upward.
- Use staking if necessary: Support the leader with stakes during early growth to prevent bending or breaking.
- Remove competing leaders: If multiple leaders develop, remove all but the strongest to maintain a single, dominant trunk.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning should focus on promoting vertical growth while maintaining plant health. Key tips include:
- Timing: Prune in early spring before new growth begins or in late summer.
- Remove dead or damaged branches: Keeps the plant healthy and directs energy upward.
- Limit lateral pruning: Avoid cutting back side branches excessively, as this can reduce overall height.
Ongoing Maintenance
Consistent care is essential for achieving maximum height. Maintain proper watering, fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer, and monitor for pests and diseases. Regular pruning encourages vertical growth and prevents lateral expansion.
Patience and Expectations
Growing a tall, well-trained arborvitae hedge takes time. With proper training, pruning, and care, your hedge can reach its full height potential in 5 to 10 years. Remember to be patient and consistent in your efforts.
Conclusion
Training arborvitae for maximum height involves selecting the right variety, preparing the site, guiding growth with staking and pruning, and maintaining healthy conditions. With dedication and proper technique, you can create a towering, beautiful hedge that enhances your landscape for years to come.