Evergreen privacy screens become design anchors when you pair them with contrasting ornamental grasses and flowering shrubs. If you are looking for arborvitae landscaping ideas, you have come to the right place because these versatile trees do so much more than just block the neighbors view. They can frame a doorway, soften a fence line, or even act as a living sculpture in a minimalist yard.
Arborvitaes are popular because they are low-maintenance and grow quickly. But planting a straight row of them can look boring if you don’t plan the surrounding area. You need to think about texture, color, and height to make your landscape feel intentional.
In this guide, you will learn practical ways to use these evergreens. We will cover everything from foundation planting to creating a secret garden. You will also get tips on spacing and companion plants that make your yard look professionally designed.
Arborvitae Landscaping Ideas
When you start planning, you should first decide what role the arborvitae will play. Are you hiding a utility box? Do you want to reduce road noise? Or do you simply want a green backdrop for your flower beds? Your goal will determine the variety and the placement.
Here are the most effective ways to use them in your yard.
Create A Living Privacy Fence
The most common use is a privacy screen. Instead of building a wooden fence, you can plant a row of ‘Emerald Green’ or ‘Green Giant’ arborvitaes. They create a soft, living wall that moves with the wind.
- Space them 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense hedge.
- Space them 6 to 8 feet apart if you want to see the trunks.
- Plant them 4 feet away from property lines to avoid root issues.
Do not plant them too close to a sidewalk. The branches will spread and force people to walk into the street. You should also check the mature width of the specific cultivar you buy. Some get 12 feet wide, which is too big for a small lot.
For a faster screen, choose ‘Green Giant’. They can grow 3 feet per year. For a shorter, tighter hedge, ‘North Pole’ works well because it stays narrow.
Frame Your Front Door
You can use arborvitaes to draw the eye to your entrance. Plant one on each side of the front door. This creates a formal, symmetrical look that feels welcoming. Choose a columnar variety like ‘Smaragd’ that does not get too wide.
- Measure the width of your door frame.
- Select pots or planting spots that are 18 inches away from the siding.
- Keep the top of the tree below the roofline to avoid damage.
Do not let them touch the house. Branches that rub against siding can cause moisture damage. You also want to ensure they do not block your windows. If the tree grows too tall, you will have to prune the top, which ruins the natural shape.
This is one of the simplest arborvitae landscaping ideas for curb appeal. It adds value without requiring a lot of work.
Use Them As A Windbreak
If you live in a windy area, a row of arborvitaes can protect your patio. They slow down the wind and create a warmer microclimate. This lets you enjoy your outdoor space earlier in the spring and later in the fall.
Plant them on the side of your yard where the wind comes from. A double row, staggered, works best for heavy winds. The trees will also catch blowing snow, keeping your driveway clearer.
Remember that arborvitaes can suffer from winter burn. The wind dries out the needles. To prevent this, you can wrap them in burlap for the first two winters. Or you can spray them with an anti-desiccant in late fall.
Mix With Ornamental Grasses
To make your yard look less rigid, mix the evergreens with soft, flowing grasses. The stiff, vertical lines of the arborvitae contrast beautifully with the arching blades of maiden grass or switchgrass. This adds movement and sound to your garden.
Plant the grasses in front of the arborvitaes, not between them. This creates a layered look. You can also add some low-growing sedum or creeping juniper at the base to cover the bare soil.
- Use ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass for a vertical accent.
- Use ‘Blue Fescue’ for a low, blue-toned mound.
- Use ‘Miscanthus’ for a tall, dramatic backdrop.
This combination is very drought-tolerant once established. It also attracts birds and beneficial insects. The grasses will turn golden in the fall, providing a nice contrast to the dark green of the arborvitae.
Create A Curved Border
Straight lines are not your only option. You can plant arborvitaes in a gentle curve to define a garden bed. This softens the landscape and guides the eye around the yard. It feels more natural than a rigid row.
To do this, lay a garden hose on the ground to mark the curve. Then, dig your holes along that line. Step back and look at the curve from different angles to make sure it flows well.
This works great for separating the lawn from a play area or a vegetable garden. The curve adds depth and makes the yard feel larger than it is. You can underplant with spring bulbs like daffodils for early color.
Plant In Containers
You do not need a big yard to enjoy these trees. Arborvitaes grow well in large pots. This is perfect for patios, balconies, or entryways. You can move them around to change the look of your space.
Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches deep and wide. Make sure it has drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil. Garden soil will compact in a pot and suffocate the roots.
Container plants need more water than ground plants. Check the soil every few days. In the winter, you need to protect the roots from freezing. You can wrap the pot in burlap or move it into an unheated garage.
This is a great option if you are renting. You can take your trees with you when you move. Just remember that they will not get as tall in a pot as they would in the ground.
Create A Secret Garden Nook
Use tall arborvitaes to enclose a small seating area. This creates a private outdoor room. You can place a bench or a couple of chairs inside the circle of trees. It is a quiet place to read or drink coffee.
Plant them in a horseshoe shape, leaving the front open. This blocks the view from the street and from your neighbors windows. You can add a small water feature or a birdbath in the center for ambiance.
Inside the nook, use shade-loving plants like hostas or ferns. The arborvitaes will cast a lot of shade, so choose plants that do not need full sun. Add a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and cool.
Use As A Backdrop For Flower Beds
Arborvitaes make an excellent dark green backdrop for colorful flowers. The evergreen color makes pinks, purples, and yellows pop. This is one of the easiest arborvitae landscaping ideas to implement.
Plant the arborvitaes in a row at the back of the bed. Then, plant your perennials in front of them. Good choices include coneflowers, hydrangeas, and daylilies. These will bloom at different times, giving you color all season.
Make sure the flowers are not too tall. You want to see the flowers, not have them hide the arborvitae. You can also add some ornamental grasses for texture. This layering creates a rich, full look.
Define A Driveway Or Walkway
Line your driveway with arborvitaes to create a grand entrance. This adds structure and formality to your property. It also helps to guide visitors to your front door.
Plant them at least 5 feet away from the edge of the pavement. This gives the roots room to grow and prevents the branches from scratching cars. Choose a narrow variety so they do not take over the entire driveway.
You can also use them to line a walkway. Use smaller varieties like ‘Hetz Midget’ or ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ for a low border. These stay small and rounded, creating a neat edge.
Hide Unsightly Areas
Use arborvitaes to screen off things you do not want to see. This includes air conditioning units, garbage cans, or compost bins. A small cluster of trees can hide these eyesores effectively.
Plant them close together to form a tight screen. You can also plant a single large specimen to block a specific view. This is a practical solution that adds beauty at the same time.
Make sure you leave enough space for maintenance. You need to be able to access the AC unit for repairs. Do not plant them so close that the technician cannot get to the equipment.
Companion Plants That Work Well
Choosing the right companions is key to a successful design. You want plants that have different textures and colors. This prevents the area from looking monotonous.
- Hydrangeas: They add big, round flowers that contrast with the vertical arborvitae.
- Boxwoods: These provide a different shade of green and a finer texture.
- Ornamental grasses: They add movement and a soft, airy feel.
- Daylilies: These offer bright, trumpet-shaped flowers in summer.
- Coral Bells: These provide colorful foliage in shades of purple, red, and lime.
You should also consider the soil conditions. Arborvitaes like well-drained soil. Make sure your companion plants have similar needs. Do not plant them with water-loving plants like willows or irises.
Spacing And Maintenance Tips
Spacing is the most critical factor. If you plant them too close, they will compete for nutrients and light. The lower branches will die off, leaving bare trunks. If you plant them too far apart, you will have gaps in your screen.
Always check the mature width of the cultivar. ‘Emerald Green’ gets about 4 feet wide. ‘Green Giant’ gets 12 feet wide. Space them accordingly. For a hedge, you can plant them slightly closer than the mature width, but not too much.
Water deeply and regularly for the first two years. This helps the roots establish. After that, they are quite drought-tolerant. You should also apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Do not prune the top of the tree. This will stop upward growth and make the tree look stubby. If you need to control the height, choose a smaller variety from the start. You can trim the sides lightly in early spring to keep them tidy.
Winter Care
Arborvitaes can suffer from winter burn, especially in exposed areas. The combination of cold wind and bright sun dries out the foliage. The needles turn brown or yellow, which is unsightly.
To prevent this, water them well before the ground freezes. This ensures they are hydrated going into winter. You can also wrap them in burlap or use a windbreak. This is especially important for young trees.
In areas with heavy snow, you might need to brush the snow off the branches. Heavy snow can bend or break the limbs. Use a broom to gently knock the snow off after a storm. Do not shake the branches, as this can cause ice to crack them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should I plant arborvitaes for a privacy screen?
For a dense screen, plant them 3 to 4 feet apart for smaller varieties like ‘Emerald Green’. For larger varieties like ‘Green Giant’, space them 5 to 6 feet apart. This will allow them to grow together without competing too much.
Can arborvitaes grow in full shade?
No, they prefer full sun to partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In too much shade, they will become sparse and leggy. The foliage will be thin, and they will be more susceptible to disease.
What is the best time to plant arborvitaes?
Early fall is the best time. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth. Spring is the second best time. Avoid planting in the heat of summer, as the stress can kill the tree.
Why are my arborvitaes turning brown?
This could be due to winter burn, overwatering, or a fungal disease. Check the soil moisture first. If the soil is soggy, you are watering too much. If it is dry, you need to water more. Winter burn usually appears in late winter or early spring.
Can I keep arborvitaes small by pruning?
You can trim the sides, but you should not cut the top. Cutting the top will stop vertical growth and ruin the shape. It is better to choose a dwarf variety that naturally stays small.
Arborvitae landscaping ideas are not just about planting a row of trees. They are about creating structure, privacy, and beauty in your yard. Whether you use them to frame your door or hide a utility box, they are a reliable and attractive choice. With a little planning and the right companions, you can have a landscape that looks great all year round. Start with a plan, measure your space, and choose the right variety for your needs. Your yard will thank you for it.