How to Grow DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae
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DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'DeGroot's Spire'
treeDeGroot's Spire is a narrow, columnar evergreen conifer with dense, vibrant green foliage that maintains its color throughout winter. This cultivar is prized for its compact, upright growth habit and ornamental appeal in landscaping, making it ideal for small spaces and formal gardens. It typically grows 20-25 feet tall but only 3-4 feet wide at maturity.
When should you plant DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae in your zone?
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Example DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Get my DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 1-2 yearsYoung transplant with compact columnar form, developing root system, vibrant green foliage
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic mulch. Avoid transplanting shock by planting in spring or early fall.
Early Growth
Years 2-5Tree grows upward at 12-24 inches per year, foliage becomes denser and fuller, maintaining narrow columnar shape
Continue consistent watering. Light pruning to maintain shape can be done in early spring. Provide support stakes if in windy locations.
Vegetative Growth
Years 5-15Vigorous upward growth, foliage remains dense and uniformly green from top to bottom, tree reaches most of its mature height
Prune lightly to maintain narrow form and remove any dead interior branches. Reduce watering frequency as tree becomes more established. Monitor for spider mites in dry conditions.
Maturity
Year 15 onwardTree reaches full height of 20-25 feet, foliage is thick and uniform, maintaining attractive columnar silhouette year-round
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or diseased branches only. Reduce supplemental watering except during severe droughts. Can trim lightly to maintain desired width.
Decline (if neglected)
Variable, depends on conditionsInterior browning, thinning foliage, weakened structure if stressed by poor drainage or severe neglect
Improve drainage if waterlogged. Prune out dead wood. Consider removing severely declining specimens.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular watering; spray with strong water stream; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate irrigation
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer; prune out infested branches
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Remove infested foliage; apply neem oil in spring; maintain tree health through proper care
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Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; apply insecticidal soap during growing season; remove heavily infested branches
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Improve soil drainage; avoid overwatering; remove tree if severely affected
Uses
Ornamental Screening & Privacy
HouseholdThe narrow columnar form makes DeGroot's Spire ideal for creating tall privacy screens, windbreaks, and living fences without taking up excessive ground space. Multiple trees planted in a row create an elegant, formal green wall. [source]
Foundation & Focal Point Planting
HouseholdPerfect for highlighting architectural features, framing entryways, or adding vertical interest to garden designs. The year-round green color provides structure and definition to residential landscapes. [source]
Urban & Small Space Gardening
HouseholdThe compact width (3-4 feet) allows this tree to thrive in tight spaces, small yards, and containerized settings where traditional shade trees would be impractical. [source]
Holiday Decorations
CraftBranches can be harvested sustainably to create greenery for holiday wreaths, garlands, and festive floral arrangements with authentic natural evergreen character. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeDense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small animals year-round, while offering protection from predators and harsh winter weather. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable; this is an ornamental tree grown for foliage. Branches can be cut for seasonal holiday arrangements or decoration during the growing season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeGroot's Spire is a cultivar of Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), a native North American tree that has been cultivated as ornamentals for over 400 years and was one of the first North American plants brought to Europe by explorer Jacques Cartier.
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, reflecting historical beliefs about the tree's medicinal properties and cultural significance to Native Americans, who used it for various remedies.
- 🌱 DeGroot's Spire retains its vibrant green color even in harsh winters and harsh sun, unlike some evergreens that turn bronze or dull; this is due to the cultivar's exceptional cold-hardiness and UV tolerance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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