North Pole Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘North Pole’) is a popular evergreen choice for many landscapes. Correct spacing during planting is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic and ensuring the long-term health of these plants. Proper placement supports healthy development and allows the arborvitae to fulfill its intended role, whether as a privacy screen or an individual accent.
Understanding North Pole Arborvitae Characteristics
North Pole Arborvitae is distinct for its naturally slender, columnar form. This cultivar typically reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 feet while maintaining a narrow spread of only 3 to 5 feet. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, often adding 1 to 2 feet in height each year under ideal conditions. Its dense, dark green foliage remains vibrant throughout the year and is notably resistant to winter burn, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, generally hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8.
Optimal Spacing Guidelines
The ideal spacing for North Pole Arborvitae depends on the specific landscaping goal. For creating a dense privacy hedge that quickly fills in, planting them closer, between 2.5 to 3.5 feet apart, is generally recommended. This closer spacing encourages the plants to grow into each other, forming a solid green wall. If the aim is a slightly looser screen or a staggered planting that allows for some individual definition, a spacing of 3 to 4 feet apart is appropriate.
For using North Pole Arborvitae as individual specimen plants, allowing ample room for their mature width is beneficial. Spacing them 4 to 6 feet or more from other plants or structures enables their natural columnar shape to be fully appreciated. Some recommendations for individual specimens suggest even wider distances, such as 10 to 15 feet apart, to ensure they stand as distinct focal points.
Factors Influencing Spacing
Environmental and design factors influence spacing. Sunlight exposure plays a role; these evergreens thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily promoting denser foliage. In areas with less sun, plants might grow less densely, potentially requiring slightly closer spacing to achieve a full screen. Soil quality and drainage are also important; North Pole Arborvitae prefers moist, well-draining soil and can adapt to a range of soil types, including loams, with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Healthy soil promotes robust growth, influencing how quickly plants fill their allotted space.
The desired density and aesthetic of the planting also fine-tune spacing decisions. A tight, formal hedge warrants minimum recommended distances, while a more natural, individual look requires wider spacing. Future maintenance plans, particularly pruning, can also factor in; although North Pole Arborvitae typically requires little pruning due to its natural shape, if regular shaping is intended, plants might be placed slightly closer, understanding that ongoing maintenance will manage their size.
Consequences of Improper Spacing
Planting North Pole Arborvitae too closely can lead to several negative outcomes. Overcrowding reduces air circulation around the plants, increasing susceptibility to fungal diseases. Competition for water and nutrients in the soil can stunt growth, leading to overall plant stress. This stress often manifests as browning foliage or diminished growth on the lower parts of the plant.
Conversely, planting the arborvitae too far apart results in noticeable gaps between plants, especially in the early years. This wider spacing prevents the formation of a cohesive privacy hedge or screen, failing to achieve the desired visual barrier. While the plants may eventually grow to touch, the initial appearance will be less uniform and may take a longer time to fill in.
Practical Planting Tips
Accurate measurement is important when planting North Pole Arborvitae to ensure proper spacing. Measure the distance from the center of one planting hole to the center of the next to maintain consistent gaps. For a denser screen, especially in wider rows, consider staggering in a zig-zag pattern rather than a single straight line.
When digging planting holes, make them as deep as the root ball and at least two to three times wider. This provides ample space for roots to spread into the surrounding soil. After placing the plant, thoroughly water the newly planted arborvitae to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Consistent moisture is important during the initial establishment period to encourage strong root development.