North Pole® Arborvitae

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3-4 ft

$165.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

SUNLIGHT
Grows best in full sun to partial shade with approximately 4–6+ hours of direct sunlight per day. Fuller sun generally encourages the densest growth.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 3–8. North Pole® is exceptionally cold hardy and performs particularly well in cool and temperate climates. Its resistance to winter burn and ability to maintain dark green winter foliage make it especially useful in areas with cold winters.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

North Pole® Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis 'Art Boe', is a narrow, upright evergreen prized for its dense green foliage and space-saving columnar shape. Growing much taller than it does wide, it provides year-round structure and privacy without taking up excessive landscape space. Its naturally tidy form makes it an excellent choice for narrow privacy screens, property lines, entryways, foundation plantings, and evergreen accents.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 10–15 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

North Pole® Arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade, receiving at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun generally encourages the densest growth, while some partial shade is tolerated.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
North Pole® naturally grows in a narrow, upright shape, so regular pruning is usually unnecessary. If needed, lightly trim the plant to maintain your desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if needed. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.

WINTER PROTECTION
North Pole® is very cold hardy and has good resistance to winter burn, so established plants generally require little winter protection within Zones 3–8. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Remove the nursery pot or any wrapping around the root ball and gently loosen tightly bound or circling roots. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill using only the native soil removed from the planting hole without adding compost, peat moss, sand, rock, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil and water slowly and deeply throughout the root ball and surrounding soil. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

For individual plants, space North Pole® Arborvitae approximately 3–5 feet apart. For a privacy screen, plants can be positioned closer together depending on how quickly you want them to visually fill in. Proven Winners lists a spacing range of 3–5 feet.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 3-8

North Pole® Arborvitae grows best in USDA Zones 3–8 and is particularly well suited to cold and temperate climates. It has excellent cold hardiness and was selected in part for its ability to maintain attractive dark green foliage through winter while resisting winter burn. It can also handle warmer conditions within its recommended range when provided with adequate moisture, but it is not an ideal choice for extremely hot, dry climates. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil for the healthiest, densest growth.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does North Pole® Arborvitae get?

North Pole® Arborvitae reaches approximately 10–15 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide at maturity. Its narrow, columnar shape provides substantial height without taking up as much horizontal space as many other arborvitae varieties.

How fast does North Pole® Arborvitae grow?

North Pole® Arborvitae has a moderate growth rate and can typically grow approximately 12–18 inches per year once established under favorable growing conditions. Growth rate varies depending on sunlight, climate, soil, moisture, and overall plant health.

Where is the best place to plant North Pole® Arborvitae?

Plant North Pole® in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Its narrow growth habit makes it particularly useful along property lines, beside driveways, near entryways, in mixed borders, and anywhere you want evergreen height or privacy without sacrificing substantial yard space.

How far apart should I plant North Pole® Arborvitae?

Space North Pole® Arborvitae approximately 3–5 feet apart, depending on the finished look you want. For a privacy screen, planting toward the closer end of that range will create a denser appearance as the plants mature.

Is North Pole® Arborvitae good for privacy?

Yes. North Pole® is an excellent privacy screening evergreen, particularly for areas where planting space is limited. It grows approximately 10–15 feet tall but only 3–5 feet wide, creating a tall screen without the broad footprint of many larger evergreens.

Does North Pole® Arborvitae need full sun?

No. North Pole® grows in full sun to partial shade and can grow with approximately 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. However, providing more sunlight generally encourages denser, fuller growth.

Does North Pole® Arborvitae need to be pruned?

Usually not. North Pole® naturally develops a narrow, upright columnar shape, so regular pruning is unnecessary. If desired, it can be lightly shaped to maintain a more formal appearance.

Is North Pole® Arborvitae cold hardy?

Yes. North Pole® is hardy in Zones 3–8 and was specifically selected for excellent cold hardiness and resistance to winter burn.

Can North Pole® Arborvitae grow in a container?

North Pole® can grow in a large outdoor container while young, but because it can eventually reach 10–15 feet tall, planting it in the ground is generally the better long-term option. Container-grown arborvitae also require closer attention to watering and winter root protection.

Why is my North Pole® Arborvitae turning brown?

Browning can have several causes, but soil moisture is one of the first things to check. Both an overly dry root ball and consistently saturated soil can stress arborvitae and cause foliage discoloration. Check the soil 1–2 inches within the root ball before watering rather than following a fixed schedule.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.