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How to plant an arborvitae hedge is easier than you might think, as long as you follow a few key steps.
When you set out to plant an arborvitae hedge, your planning and preparation will directly affect how thick and healthy your hedge grows.
Planting an arborvitae hedge is a fantastic way to create privacy, block wind, or define your property line with a living green wall.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plant an arborvitae hedge successfully, from choosing the right varieties to spacing and ongoing care.
Let’s get started on how to plant an arborvitae hedge that thrives for years.
How to Plant an Arborvitae Hedge: Preparation and Planning
Before you dig any holes, it’s essential to prepare for how to plant an arborvitae hedge the right way.
Planting an arborvitae hedge starts long before the plants go in the ground, and careful planning will save you headaches later.
An arborvitae hedge planting project requires you to think about sun exposure, soil quality, and the eventual size of the plants.
Let’s look at the critical steps for preparing to plant an arborvitae hedge.
1. Choose the Right Arborvitae Variety
The first decision in how to plant an arborvitae hedge is selecting the right variety for your needs.
Common choices include Emerald Green arborvitae for a narrow, formal hedge or Green Giant for a fast-growing, tall screen.
When you plant an arborvitae hedge, you must consider how tall and wide you want the mature hedge to be.
Dwarf varieties are perfect for low borders, while towering ones create tall privacy screens.
If you plant the wrong variety, your hedge may outgrow its space or never fill in properly.
Always check the mature dimensions before you commit to planting an arborvitae hedge.
2. Determine Proper Spacing for Your Hedge
Spacing is one of the most crucial aspects of how to plant an arborvitae hedge.
How to plant an arborvitae hedge with correct spacing means giving each plant enough room to grow without crowding.
For a dense, solid hedge, space Emerald Green arborvitae about 3 to 4 feet apart.
For larger varieties like Green Giant, space them 5 to 6 feet apart.
When you plant an arborvitae hedge too close together, the plants compete for nutrients and may thin out at the base.
If you space them too far apart, the hedge will look patchy for years.
Proper spacing ensures your arborvitae hedge planting results in a beautiful, uniform wall of greenery.
3. Prepare the Soil Correctly
Good soil preparation is a non-negotiable part of how to plant an arborvitae hedge.
Arborvitae prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
Before you plant an arborvitae hedge, test your soil and amend it with organic matter like compost if needed.
Planting an arborvitae hedge in heavy clay or sandy soil requires extra amendments to improve drainage and fertility.
Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches across the entire planting area, not just in individual holes.
This gives the roots a friendly environment to spread out and establish quickly.
How to Plant an Arborvitae Hedge Step by Step
Now that you’ve prepared, it’s time to get into the actual process of how to plant an arborvitae hedge.
Following these steps carefully will help you plant an arborvitae hedge that roots deeply and grows vigorously.
Here is the step-by-step method for planting an arborvitae hedge from start to finish.
1. Dig the Holes at the Right Depth
When you plant an arborvitae hedge, the hole depth matters more than you might think.
Dig each hole only as deep as the root ball but two to three times as wide.
If you plant an arborvitae hedge too deep, the trunk can rot and the plant may die.
The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Wide holes allow the roots to spread easily, which is a key trick in how to plant an arborvitae hedge successfully.
2. Place the Arborvitae in the Hole
Carefully remove each arborvitae from its container and place it in the center of the hole.
When you plant an arborvitae hedge, handle the root ball gently to avoid breaking it apart.
If the roots are circling the pot, gently tease them outward before setting it in the hole.
The plant should stand straight and face the direction you want your hedge to look its best.
This step in how to plant an arborvitae hedge sets the foundation for its future shape.
3. Backfill and Water Thoroughly
Once the arborvitae is positioned, backfill the hole with the original soil mixed with compost.
Tamp the soil down gently to remove air pockets, but don’t pack it too tightly.
Water each plant deeply right after you plant an arborvitae hedge to settle the soil around the roots.
For the first few weeks, watering is critical when you set out to plant an arborvitae hedge.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
A slow trickle from a hose for 30 minutes per plant is ideal immediately after planting.
How to Care for Your Arborvitae Hedge After Planting
After you plant an arborvitae hedge, proper aftercare will ensure it fills in quickly and stays healthy.
Maintaining your arborvitae hedge after planting is just as important as the initial steps.
Here’s how to care for your hedge once you’ve completed planting an arborvitae hedge.
1. Watering Schedule for New Hedges
In the first growing season, watering is the most critical part of how to plant an arborvitae hedge successfully.
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil drainage.
A deep soak encourages roots to grow downward, making your arborvitae hedge more drought-tolerant later.
During hot, dry spells, you may need to water every three days after you plant an arborvitae hedge.
Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the root zone without wetting the foliage too much.
2. Mulching to Retain Moisture
Mulch is your best friend when you plant an arborvitae hedge.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch like wood chips or bark around the base of each plant.
Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds that compete with your hedge.
This simple step after you plant an arborvitae hedge pays off big time in the long run.
3. Pruning and Shaping for Density
Pruning is an ongoing part of how to plant an arborvitae hedge for maximum density.
Wait until the second year to prune your hedge for shape.
When you prune an arborvitae hedge, always trim the green growth and avoid cutting into the brown, leafless wood.
Arborvitae do not regenerate from old wood, so pruning incorrectly can create permanent bare spots.
Lightly shear the sides and top each spring to encourage thick, bushy growth.
This gradual shaping helps you perfect how to plant an arborvitae hedge that looks professionally managed.
So, How to Plant an Arborvitae Hedge Successfully?
How to plant an arborvitae hedge is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps.
Planting an arborvitae hedge starts with choosing the right variety, spacing it correctly, and preparing your soil well.
You then dig proper holes, set the plants in place, backfill, and water deeply.
After you plant an arborvitae hedge, consistent watering, mulching, and gentle pruning keep it thriving.
With these guidelines, you now know exactly how to plant an arborvitae hedge that will give you years of beauty and privacy.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to plant an arborvitae hedge with confidence.