Levensboom

Thuja occidentalis

Engels: Arborvitae

treeCupressaceaeWintergroen

Levensboom (Thuja occidentalis) is a evergreen tree from the Cupressaceae family that grows up to 500cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires low maintenance. Attracts birds.

Hoogte

200–500 cm

Breedte

80–200 cm

Zonligging

full sun, partial shade

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, clay soil, sandy soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Ecologische waarde

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Care tips

Planting

Arborvitae thrives in full sun or partial shade, though plants grown in full sun develop denser, more compact foliage. It tolerates a wide range of soil types—loam, clay, and sandy soils all suit it—provided drainage is reasonable. Avoid waterlogged ground, which can lead to root rot. Plant container-grown arborvitae in March, April, May, September, or October. Autumn planting is often ideal because cooler, wetter weather helps roots establish without the stress of summer heat. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball but no deeper; the top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil. Break up compacted soil at the base and sides of the hole to encourage roots to spread. If you're planting a hedge, space plants 40 cm apart for a dense screen. For specimen trees, allow at least 80–100 cm between plants to accommodate their mature spread. After positioning the plant, backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch—bark chips or well-rotted compost—around the base, keeping it a few centimetres clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds while roots establish. Newly planted arborvitae benefit from regular watering during their first growing season, especially in dry spells. Check soil moisture weekly and water deeply if the top few centimetres feel dry. Staking is rarely necessary unless planting in an exposed, windy site.

Pruning

Arborvitae requires minimal pruning, but regular light trimming keeps hedges tidy and encourages dense growth. Prune in May, June, or September—avoid cutting during frosty weather or high summer heat. Late spring and early autumn are ideal because the plant is actively growing and will recover quickly. Use sharp bypass secateurs or hedge shears. For formal hedges, trim back new growth by about one-third, cutting just above green foliage. Never cut into old, brown wood; arborvitae does not regenerate readily from bare stems, and you risk leaving permanent gaps. Always leave some green growth on every branch. If you're maintaining an established hedge, a light trim once or twice a year—typically in late May and again in September—is sufficient. For specimen trees, pruning is largely unnecessary. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them, cutting back to healthy wood or the main trunk. If a leader (main central stem) is damaged, select a strong lateral shoot, tie it vertically to a cane, and train it as the new leader. Thin out any crossing or rubbing branches to maintain good air circulation and an attractive shape. Avoid heavy pruning or drastic reshaping. Arborvitae responds poorly to hard cutbacks, and recovery is slow. If a hedge has become overgrown and bare at the base, it's often better to replace it than attempt renovation. Light, regular attention from an early age is far more effective than infrequent severe cuts.

Maintenance

Arborvitae has moderate water needs. During the growing season, water established plants during prolonged dry spells—roughly once a week if there's no significant rain. Newly planted specimens need more frequent watering in their first year. In winter, evergreen foliage continues to lose moisture, so water occasionally during dry winters, especially if plants are in containers or sheltered spots that don't catch rain. Feed in March or April with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a general-purpose granular feed (such as Growmore) scattered around the base at the manufacturer's recommended rate. Alternatively, apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or manure in early spring; this feeds the soil and helps retain moisture. Avoid feeding after late spring, as soft new growth produced in summer is more vulnerable to frost damage. Arborvitae is exceptionally hardy (zone 3a–8b) and requires no special winter protection in temperate Europe. Evergreen foliage may bronze slightly in cold weather, particularly in exposed sites, but this is normal and green colour returns in spring. Heavy snow can splay branches outwards; gently brush off accumulations to prevent damage. Pests are rarely serious. Aphids occasionally cluster on new growth in spring; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them, or use an insecticidal soap if necessary. Conifer aphids can cause yellowing foliage. Fungal issues such as leaf blight (Didymascella thujina) may appear in damp conditions, causing browning foliage; improve air circulation and remove affected material. Root rot can occur in waterlogged soil, so ensure good drainage from the outset. Maintenance is low overall—mulch annually, water in dry spells, and keep hedges lightly trimmed.