Growing Thuja

Pronunciation: thoo'yuh    

Although a small genus of evergreen Conifers native to North America and East Asia, Thuja is important as a source of timber and ornamental trees and shrubs. A great number of varieties are available, selected for unusual form, color, texture, or growth rate, and are useful as specimen trees or in hedges.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Prefers average to moist, well-drained soil.

Watering: The key to getting your new shrub or tree off to a good start is moisture. Water thoroughly after planting, and keep a close eye on the plant over the following week. Then, give it a good soaking once a week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1″ per week). Established plants can generally get by on less water, but most grow best if the soil remains evenly moist.

Fertilizer: We recommend against fertilizing at planting time and during the first growing season in your garden. Plants need time to settle in before being pushed to grow. Most established plants grow best if fertilized with a light hand. Here at the Farm, we fertilize our specimen trees just once—in early spring—with a light but even coverage of a balanced, granular fertilizer.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any browned growth. Heavy pruning is seldom needed.