Arborvitaes of Many Sorts – Green Giant, Emerald Green, Techny, Yellow Ribbon

Have you ever thought about how leaving a tree in inheritance to your grandchildren would be a worthy thing to leave? In fact, it would be better than all the monetary assets combined. The question arises as to if there is such a tree that would last long enough? This is where arborvitaes come into frame. These thick, dense foliage can last as long as a hundred years and sometimes even more. Even after completing their life, their bark and wood are a source of great use. Therefore, arborvitaes are a great option to have in your backyard. There are arborvitaes of many sorts, with different shapes, sizes, and leaves. If you think that they are random evergreen trees, you are wrong. This compilation of all the basic information regarding arborvitaes, their types, and requirements covers everything for you.

What are Arborvitaes? How are they different from the rest?

Arborvitaes are a lifesaver when you do not have enough time to maintain your garden or backyard. They give you a lush, green hedge for both privacy and decorative purposes. Arborvitaes are evergreen plants that require minimal care and give you a long service. You can find both low-lying shrubs as well as large trees, arborvitae that grows in full sun and shade. The shape of the leaves also depends on the species you choose. If you go to an in-depth analysis of their name, they mean “tree of life.” You might want to know the contextual meaning of this interesting name. Well, years before, people thought that the bark of this tree could treat scurvy, and hence the name. Arborvitaes stay green all year long, with scaly leaves and cones. Perhaps, the best highlight of these trees is their ability to survive in all kinds of conditions. They can be planted any time but thrive best when planted in fall or after frost.

How to care for Arborvitaes?

Although arborvitaes require very little maintenance, you still need to fulfill the basic requirements. These evergreen trees can grow in both full sun and partial shade. You need to take care of the watering diligently for the first few months only, after which they will grow on their own. However, this does not mean that you should water it all the time. This poses a severe threat of overwatering that, in turn, does more damage than good. Only water when you feel like the soil is moist and not wet. The soil should also be good in drainage; otherwise, the roots will get soggy. An adequate layer of mulch around the tree and diluted sprays of fertilizer help arborvitaes to grow more healthy. You will feel a difference in the growth yourself once you start supplying it with necessary nutrients through fertilizers.

Arborvitaes of Many Sorts:

1. Green Giant

The green giant is the most common sort of arborvitae that you must have seen at least once. As the name suggests, this species is a literal giant with an average growth of 3 feet per year. This means that you can expect it to grow to a massive height of 60 feet and 20 feet in width. You cannot plant it without proper planning since it needs a huge area for proper growth. The conical shape makes it the most obvious example of the conifers. Green giants are a robust variety, withstanding extreme frost and rains. It needs a minimum of 4 hours of daily sunlight. There is no hard and fast rule for full or partial sun. You can observe green cones in the summer season. The rapid growth makes them best suited for areas requiring dense growth for privacy reasons.

2. Emerald Green:

This arborvitae is known for its characteristic emerald green leaves. Like most of the other arborvitaes, they also work as a dense growth used as a cover. They do not grow as large as the Giant Green, but the 15 feet length is still tall enough. They grow with a natural conical shape that does not require any trimming. You can leave them as it is and find a beautiful, tall pyramid-shaped tree at your disposal. It can also grow in all conditions, but fall suits it the best. Emerald green arborvitae is usually used as a screen to cover fronts, but they can also be used for topiaries. The thick growth works like a charm in sculpting beautiful, green foliage statues. The soil type should be well-draining; otherwise, it adversely affects the roots.

3. Techny:

Techny arborvitaes are the easiest and fastest-growing arborvitae among all. They grow to their full size in approximately 2 to 3 years of time, which is great given the intense cover they provide. The height is the average 20 feet tall, but the width is relatively less with a total of 6 feet. They grow well in areas with harsh winters, which shows their strong nature. Techny arborvitaes can survive all conditions, however harsh they might be. They live up to more than 100 years, ensuring a long life of shade and cover. The minimal maintenance is another reason to endorse this species. The overall shape of the tree slightly conical, with condensed growth on the bottom and lesser on the top.

4. Yellow Ribbon:

Yellow leaves are not only a sign of dry, withered foliage. In fact, arborvitaes like the yellow ribbon give a new definition to yellow-shaded leaves. Unlike the other arborvitaes, they do not grow more than 10 feet in height giving rise to a proportionate piece. The reasonable size also gives the flexibility of location. Although it is a slow grower, it serves as a wonderful ornamental tree. The rich golden colored leaves are a great source of attraction. The light requirements are not strict. You can grow them in both full sun as well as partial shade. They work great as a hedge or decorative plant. If the slow growth is not an issue for you, yellow ribbon arborvitae would be a great option with their delicate, golden leaves.

Conclusion:

Arborvitaes are an amazing option to turn to, whether it is a hedge or an ornamental tree you want in your garden. The fact that there are arborvitaes of many sorts makes it easier for you to choose one. The low maintenance and rapid thick growth add to their beauty.