When you’re looking for year-round structure, privacy, and low-maintenance beauty, arborvitae trees are a top choice. These versatile evergreens bring form, function, and foliage that lasts through all four seasons. Whether you’re building a natural fence or framing your landscape, arborvitaes are a smart, stylish solution for Zone 5 gardens.

Why Arborvitae Trees Matter

In Chicagoland, we deal with everything from icy winds to humid summers. Arborvitaes thrive here thanks to their cold hardiness, adaptability, and dense evergreen growth. They provide instant impact and long-term privacy, all while staying green through winter when most other plants go bare. Depending on the variety, they can grow anywhere from 2–3 feet tall for compact spaces to towering 40-foot screens, which makes them one of the most versatile evergreens for any landscape.

From narrow, upright varieties like Sting and Emerald Green to broader options like Green Giant, there’s an arborvitae for every space. These versatile evergreens look great in everything from tight property lines and foundation beds to open backyard borders.

Tips for Planting Arborvitaes in Zone 5

• Pick the Right Variety: Choose based on your space and goal. Want a privacy screen? Go tall with Green Giant. Need a compact accent? Try Technito or Linesville.
• Give Them Room: Arborvitaes need good air circulation. Avoid overcrowding and follow spacing guidelines to prevent disease and allow natural shape.
• Any Time Of Year: As long as the ground isn’t frozen. Hire us
• Mulch Around the Base: A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch keeps roots insulated, retains soil moisture, and helps prevent winter burn.
• Water Deeply: Especially during the first few seasons, regular watering supports strong root growth. Arborvitaes don’t like to dry out.

General Care Tips for Arborvitae Trees

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot spells and dry winters. Deep, consistent watering is best.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy, full growth.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Light shaping can be done in early spring or late summer to maintain structure.
• Protection: In windy or exposed areas, consider burlap wrap in winter to prevent desiccation from cold, drying winds. In regions prone to heavy snow, gently tie branches together or use a protective cover to keep snow loads from bending or breaking limbs.
• Watch for Pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites or bagworms, especially during dry periods. Early treatment keeps foliage lush.

From creating a living privacy wall to adding elegant vertical accents, arborvitaes are a must-have for any Illinois garden. Explore our Arborvitae Trees collection to find the right fit for your landscape and enjoy green, effortless beauty all year long.

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