Thuja occidentalis
evergreenZones 3–7nativeVersatile native evergreen with soft, flat sprays of foliage. Narrow columnar form makes it one of the most popular privacy screen plants. Extremely cold-hardy.
Check for snow/ice damage. Gently tie splayed branches back together. Prune broken branches.
Apply slow-release evergreen fertilizer only if growth is pale or sparse.
Shear new growth only to maintain formal shape. Never cut into bare wood -- it will not regrow.
Thorough fall watering prevents winter burn from desiccation.
Tie up columnar varieties with soft rope or wrap with burlap to prevent snow/ice from splaying branches.
Native northern evergreen providing crucial winter shelter for birds and small mammals. Dense foliage protects roosting birds from wind, cold, and predators.
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