Most people assume arborvitae require relentless, scorching sun to thrive. In reality, many varieties actually prefer a touch of filtered shade, especially during the harsh afternoon heat of midsummer.
Choosing the Best Arborvitaes for Shade requires balancing your growth speed expectations against the specific light levels in your garden. Let’s examine how these evergreen staples can transform a dark corner into a vibrant, living wall.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize cold hardiness zones that match your local climate to ensure your new hedges survive the winter.
- Check if your chosen variety is a dwarf cultivar or a large specimen to prevent future overcrowding against fences or structures.
- Remember that live plants usually provide an immediate visual result, while seeds require patience and consistent moisture to germinate.
- Assess your available space carefully because even compact varieties need enough airflow to prevent fungal issues.
- Confirm if the stock is container grown or bare root, as this affects the immediate hydration needs during the initial planting phase.
| Best For Propagation Enthusiasts |  |
American Arborvitae Privacy Tree Seeds | Native species hardiness | Dense pyramidal growth | Cost-effective bulk planting | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ideal Dwarf Accent |  |
Proven Winners Tater Tot Arborvitae | Natural globe shape | Compact size | Low maintenance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Privacy Screen |  |
Emerald Green Arborvitae Bare Root | Classic emerald color | Narrow growth habit | Consistent year-round privacy | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Color Contrast |  |
Proven Winners Polar Gold Arborvitae | Unique golden foliage | Compact upright habit | Reliable color retention | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Seedling Protection |  |
Garden Plant Shade Cover | Easy drawstring closure | Breathable fabric material | Protects against harsh sun | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fast Growing Barrier |  |
Thuja Green Giant Starter Trees | Exceptionally fast growth | Massive height potential | Disease resistant | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bulk Landscaping Project |  |
KVITER American Arborvitae Seeds | Large seed quantity | Native genetic profile | High environmental adaptability | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Privacy Hedge |  |
Perfect Plants Green Giant Liners | Uniform sizing for hedges | Rapid height gain | Reliable bulk supply | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Instant Hedge Foundation |  |
DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae Pack | Established root systems | Narrow footprint | Immediate visual impact | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Native Screen |  |
American Arborvitae Live Trees | Reliable native performance | Multi-pack efficiency | Soft, pleasant texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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American Arborvitae Privacy Tree Seeds
If you enjoy the slow, rewarding journey of starting trees from seed, these American Arborvitae seeds are your primary choice. They provide a cost-effective way to cultivate a dense, pyramidal hedge that serves as a natural barrier against noise and wind.
These seeds are untreated and retain their natural hardiness, making them well-suited for gardeners who prefer working with native species. Keep in mind that seeds require patience and consistent moisture to germinate, so be prepared to wait a few seasons before your privacy screen reaches a functional height.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:100 seeds
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Light Preference:Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-8
- Additional Feature:Natural wildlife habitat
- Additional Feature:Untreated premium seeds
- Additional Feature:High density foliage
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Proven Winners Tater Tot Arborvitae
For those with smaller spaces or containers, this compact evergreen shrub is a perfect fit. It maintains a globe shape without needing constant pruning, making it a low-maintenance addition to your shaded patio or foundation beds.
Its slow growth rate ensures it stays small, preventing it from overwhelming delicate garden arrangements. Just remember that it prefers consistent soil moisture, especially during its first year in the ground or a pot.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:1 shrub
- Growth Habit:Globe
- Expected Height:1-2 feet
- Light Preference:Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-8
- Additional Feature:Drought tolerant once established
- Additional Feature:Deer resistant foliage
- Additional Feature:Evergreen year-round color
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Emerald Green Arborvitae Bare Root
These trees are the industry standard for creating a uniform privacy fence. Their deep green color remains vibrant throughout the winter, providing a consistent backdrop for your garden beds even when other plants go dormant.
Because these arrive as bare root specimens, you should plant them immediately upon arrival to ensure the roots stay healthy. They grow at a moderate pace, eventually forming a thick, narrow wall that is perfect for tighter side yards.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:3 plants
- Growth Habit:Narrow pyramidal
- Expected Height:12-15 feet
- Light Preference:Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-8
- Additional Feature:Disease resistant foliage
- Additional Feature:Rapid establishment
- Additional Feature:Ideal for hedging
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Proven Winners Polar Gold Arborvitae
If you want to add a splash of golden yellow foliage to a shady corner, this variety is a standout choice. It offers a unique color profile that breaks up the monotony of darker green evergreens while maintaining the sturdy, upright structure of a classic arborvitae.
This plant is quite versatile, though its color will be most vibrant if it receives at least a few hours of morning sunlight. It stays relatively small, which makes it an excellent choice for a focal point rather than a massive wall.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:1 plant
- Growth Habit:Upright pyramidal
- Expected Height:3-5 feet
- Light Preference:Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-7
- Additional Feature:Winter hardy
- Additional Feature:Requires minimal pruning
- Additional Feature:Year-round visual interest
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Garden Plant Shade Cover
While this is not a tree, it is a vital tool for anyone starting arborvitae or other sensitive plants in an area with harsh direct sunlight. This non-woven cloth acts like a pair of sunglasses for your plants, filtering the light and preventing young foliage from scorching.
The drawstring design makes it incredibly easy to secure over shrubs or seedling beds. It is a simple, effective solution for maintaining the ideal microclimate for your plants until they are established enough to handle the elements.
- Product Count:1 cover
- Light Preference:Sun filtering
- Additional Feature:Light refraction technology
- Additional Feature:Durable non-woven fabric
- Additional Feature:Weather resistant
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Thuja Green Giant Starter Trees
When you need to cover a large property line quickly, the Green Giant is your best friend. These trees are famous for their aggressive growth rate, often adding several feet of height in a single season once they settle into their environment.
These starter trees are small, so keep them protected from deer and rabbits until they have grown large enough to be less vulnerable. With enough space and water, they will form a massive, impenetrable green wall in just a few years.
- Plant Variety:Thuja standishii x plicata
- Product Count:10 trees
- Growth Habit:Conical
- Expected Height:20-40 feet
- Light Preference:Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:5-9
- Additional Feature:Deer resistant
- Additional Feature:Excellent for windbreaks
- Additional Feature:Dense branching
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KVITER American Arborvitae Seeds
Growing your own hedge from seed is a commitment, but these seeds provide the quantity needed for a large-scale landscaping project. They are well-suited for those who want to establish a natural-looking screen at a lower cost than buying individual potted trees.
You will need to account for a germination period and provide consistent care for the seedlings. Once they take off, the resulting trees will have the classic, sturdy structure of the native American Arborvitae.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:150 seeds
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Expected Height:25-40 feet
- Light Preference:Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-8
- Additional Feature:Sustainable gardening option
- Additional Feature:Wildlife friendly
- Additional Feature:Long term privacy solution
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Perfect Plants Green Giant Liners
These liners are a smart choice for serious gardeners planning an extensive hedge project. Buying in an 18-pack ensures your entire row of trees will be the same age and size, which leads to a more uniform look as they mature.
Because they grow so quickly, you should space them correctly to avoid crowding as they reach their full maturity. They are reliable performers that handle a wide range of soil conditions, making them a low-stress addition to your property.
- Plant Variety:Thuja Green Giant
- Product Count:18 plants
- Growth Habit:Dense pyramidal
- Expected Height:30-50 feet
- Light Preference:Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:5-9
- Additional Feature:Fast growing screen
- Additional Feature:Natural fencing alternative
- Additional Feature:Dense evergreen foliage
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DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae Pack
If you want to skip the tiny starter phase, these one to two-foot tall plants offer a great head start. They are already established enough to make a visual impact in your garden shortly after planting.
Emeralds are known for their narrow, columnar shape, which is ideal for tight spaces where you want height without a wide footprint. Ensure they get consistent water in their first year to keep that signature emerald green color vibrant and healthy.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:4 plants
- Growth Habit:Columnar
- Expected Height:10-15 feet
- Light Preference:Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-8
- Additional Feature:Winter color retention
- Additional Feature:Low maintenance habit
- Additional Feature:Ideal for small yards
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American Arborvitae Live Trees
This pack of five live trees provides a solid foundation for a natural privacy barrier. The native American Arborvitae is a reliable performer that thrives in various conditions, providing a classic, soft-textured look to your landscape.
These trees are excellent for filling in gaps or creating a layered garden design. They are easy to manage and respond well to the occasional trim, though they look just as good when allowed to grow into their natural, full shape.
- Plant Variety:Thuja occidentalis
- Product Count:5 trees
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Expected Height:20-30 feet
- Light Preference:Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zone:3-8
- Additional Feature:Hardy and adaptable
- Additional Feature:Wildlife supportive
- Additional Feature:Traditional look
Frequently Asked Questions
Which arborvitae is the best choice for a shady backyard?
The Techny arborvitae is widely regarded as one of the best for shady spots. It maintains a dark green color even when it does not receive direct sunlight all day long.
Will my arborvitae die if it gets no direct sun?
While they might survive for a time, they will likely become thin and lose their vibrant color. Most varieties need at least four hours of filtered light to thrive and maintain their characteristic density.
How fast will these trees actually grow?
Growth speed depends on the variety and the amount of light they receive. Expect an average of 12 to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions.
Do I need to prune my trees to keep them healthy?
Arborvitaes generally maintain a nice shape on their own, so heavy pruning is rarely necessary. You should only remove dead or damaged branches in the early spring to keep the tree looking tidy.
Are these trees resistant to deer?
Unfortunately, arborvitaes are a favorite snack for hungry deer. If you have a high deer population, you may need to use protective netting or a reliable repellent spray during the winter months.
