Tree · Cupressaceae family
eastern arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
In short a 10-second read
Eastern arborvitae (tree) grows to 8–20 m tall and 2.5–4.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 2.5–4.5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy
Soil pH 6–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove overlong shoots (April–August).
Planting
container plant: March, October–November
Winter protection
shelter from wind
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: shelter from wind.
- Shelter from wind
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does eastern arborvitae tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does eastern arborvitae need?
At maturity 2.5–4.5 m wide and 8–20 m tall; recommended spacing 300 cm.
Does eastern arborvitae survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: shelter from wind.
Toxicity
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 19 expert sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (19)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Thuja occidentalis
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Thuja occidentalis
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Thuja occidentalis
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Thuja occidentalis
- EPPO Global Database — Thuja occidentalis
- Polleninformation.at Plantcompass — Cypress family
- Zahradníková E., Rendeková A., Ščevková J. (2023) Temporal variation of allergenic potential in urban parks: a case study from Bratislava, Slovakia. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31: 2026–2041 (doi 10.1007/s11356-023-31137-9) — tabuľka peľového a alergénneho potenciálu drevín
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow conifers
- Tox Info Suisse — Giftige Garten- und Wildpflanzen
- BfR / GIZ — Liste giftiger Pflanzenarten
- Giftzentrale Bonn (GIZ Bonn)
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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