How Far Apart to Plant Thuja Trees

Thuja trees, also known as arborvitaes, are some of the most popular evergreens for hedging, privacy screens, and landscaping. These hardy trees are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and versatile, making them a great choice for gardeners and landscapers of all skill levels. However, one of the most important factors to consider when planting Thuja trees is the ideal spacing between each tree. In this article, we will discuss how far apart to plant Thuja trees for optimal growth and health.

Spacing for Thuja Trees

When deciding how far apart to plant Thuja trees, it is important to consider their ultimate size and shape. Thuja trees can grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, but most varieties will stay around 10-20 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. Therefore, depending on how you want to use the trees, you should space them accordingly.

If you are planting Thuja trees for privacy screens or hedges, it is recommended to space them around 3-5 feet apart. This will allow enough room for the trees to grow and fill in without overcrowding each other. If you are planting Thuja trees for landscaping, you may want to space them further apart to give each tree more room to shine. In this case, it is recommended to space them 8-12 feet apart.

Factors to Consider

When determining the spacing for Thuja trees, there are several factors to consider:

Sunlight: Thuja trees should be planted in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. If they are planted in areas with too much shade, they may grow more slowly and not reach their full potential.

Soil: Thuja trees prefer well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If the soil is too wet or too dry, it can affect their growth and health.

Climate: Thuja trees are hardy in zones 3-8 and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. However, they may not thrive in extreme heat or cold.

Maintenance: Thuja trees require minimal maintenance, but pruning and shaping may be necessary to achieve the desired size and shape. Consider the maintenance required when determining the spacing between each tree.

Bonus Tips for Planting Thuja Trees

Here are some additional tips to ensure the optimal growth and health of your Thuja trees:

Plant Thuja trees in the spring or fall to give them time to establish before the heat of summer or cold of winter.

Water Thuja trees regularly for the first year after planting to help them establish their roots.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the trees to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilize Thuja trees once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Conclusion

Thuja trees are a popular and versatile evergreen that can be used for privacy screens, hedges, or landscaping. When determining how far apart to plant Thuja trees, it is important to consider their ultimate size and shape, as well as factors like sunlight, soil, and climate. By spacing them appropriately and providing proper care, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant Thuja trees for years to come.