Other Names:  Giant Arborvitae, Western Red Cedar

Description:

A sturdy and beautiful evergreen tree with a narrow, almost columnar shape; takes pruning exceptionally well, a perfect selection for trimmed hedges or as a vertical accent in the yard; more adaptable to tougher conditions than the species

Ornamental Features

Dura Arborvitae is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has forest green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain forest green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Dura Arborvitae is a dense evergreen tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dura Arborvitae is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Dura Arborvitae will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.