It is just as popular as a hedge as it is as an impressive specimen plant: the thuja. As an evergreen plant, it is excellent protection from the wind and privacy, but it also looks great as a container plant in front of the house or as a stand-alone tree in the ornamental garden. In order to cultivate the fast-growing, easy-care plants properly, you should consider a few things before planting in order to enjoy the thuja hedge for a long time. The tree of life does not make high demands, we explain here how to find the optimal location and the right distances.
Location
Trees of life are sun worshipers, for this reason alone they are ideal as a hedge plant, because they unfold their full beauty in full sun. So avoid shady locations, your thuja could react by refusing to grow. The soil at the planned location is also important. The trees of life do not like acidic soils, and waterlogging is not tolerated either. Compacted soil, especially on garden paths, should be loosened before planting; in the case of heavy, permanently firm soil, drainage made of gravel and sand is recommended.
- do not plant too close to the paths, keep a distance of 30 to 40 cm
- water a lot after planting so that roots and a firm hold develop quickly
- acidic soil can be upgraded with a lime addition and makes it compatible with the thuja
Choice of plants
There are many different varieties of Thuja Arborvitae, some of which can grow to impressive sizes as solitaires. For example the Thuja occidentalis, which in an optimal location can grow up to 30 meters high over time. Some species grow very narrowly in height, others stay low and are slightly wider. For a hedge planting, the Thuja Brabant is particularly recommended, which grows relatively quickly and soon fills the gaps so that a dense hedge is formed.
- feel free to buy small, young plants, this saves money, they can grow on their own
- When buying, make sure that the root ball is well rooted
Planting time
The classic time to plant trees is autumn. This gives the plant enough time to develop its first firm roots and start growing in spring. This is also useful because the tree of life needs a lot of water in the first few weeks, the abundant rain in autumn in our latitudes then saves watering. Alternatively, spring is a good time. This allows the plants to start sprouting immediately, but they also need to
then a lot of water. Since the container goods mean that planting can be carried out all year round, a thuja hedge can also be planted in the middle of summer, for example when creating a new garden.- pay attention to good, strong roots with container goods
- do not plant in full sun, morning or evening is the best time
- if you mix the excavated material with horn shavings or compost, you do not have to fertilize for the first time
- With potted plants, no roots should stick out of the pot, these thuja have been standing too long
Correct spacing is important
Arborvitae are cypresses, which means that they grow narrow and trapezoidal in height, there is no need to fear width growth and strong overgrowth. However, this also means that smaller distances should be maintained when planting a hedge than with other plants. Usually a distance of 50 cm is recommended for a Thuja Brabant as a hedge, the narrow Korean Thuja only needs about 40 cm. It should not be less, however, because if the trees are planted too densely, water and nutrients are removed, which can lead to the lower branches becoming bare and old. Under certain circumstances, even individual plants die, creating unsightly holes. Those who plant young plants must note that it can take some time until the gaps are closed and a dense hedge is created as a wind and privacy screen. Nevertheless, you should not plant too densely.
- the planting hole should be twice as deep and wide as the root ball
- even if the soil is loose, add some sand to make it easier for roots to form
- Firmly step on the earth so that the tall, slim plants find support
- the top edge of the bottom should end where the soil ended in the pot or container
Recommended varieties
- Thuja Brabant, ideal for hedge planting, fast-growing, is a bit wider
- Thuja occidentalis, stays narrow, is suitable for hedges and solitary plants
- Thuja aurea nana, dwarf huja with a height of about 2.50 m, also ideal as a container plant
- Thuja koraiensis Nakai, broad-growing
Grooming and cutting
The thuja requires little maintenance, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular. If you planted the tree of life as a hedge, it will need a pruning from time to time. It should be noted that if possible, cut in spring and only new shoots are cut. In spring he is happy to receive a slow release fertilizer that is sufficient for the entire summer.
- Do not cut anything into the old wood, these areas can become bald
- all parts of the plant are considered poisonous, work with gloves, skin irritation could occur
- Use sharp hedge trimmers so that no parts of the plant are crushed
- keep the trapezoidal shape when cutting, it is the natural shape of cypress trees
- the hedge can be limited in height by regular cutting
Tip: Thuja branches are ideal to be used in a flower or Advent wreath. Cut the branches in places that have already grown densely. However, be sure to wear gloves even when working. Do not use it for children in the house.
Conclusion
The easy-care evergreen Thuja Arborvitae is an ideal choice for a hedge or as an impressive specimen tree. When planting, the chosen location and the requirements for the plants should be taken into account. With a sunny spot and optimal distances, the arborvitae grows very quickly into a dense hedge, which is particularly suitable as a windbreak. If you choose the right variety for your individual requirements, you can soon look forward to a robust, evergreen hedge that becomes more impressive every year.
