Spring Grove Western Arborvitae (Thuja)
Best low-maintenance evergreen for homeowners seeking quick, deer-resistant privacy screens.
The Spring Grove Western Arborvitae is a fast-growing, cold-hardy evergreen shrub that offers year-round beauty and privacy. It naturally maintains a dense, pyramidal shape, minimizing the need for pruning. Its fragrant, native foliage stays glossy green even in winter and is resistant to deer. This low-maintenance Nativar selection is ideal for creating living privacy fences, hedges, or as a striking specimen. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, making it a durable and adaptable choice for various garden settings, providing structure and appeal throughout the seasons.
$24.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
857
/ 2598
#857 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Botanical name
Thuja plicata 'Grovepli'
/ Thuja plicata 'Grovepli'
Who it's for
- Homeowners needing quick privacy from neighbors
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance landscaping
- Designers seeking year-round vibrant greenery
Who should skip it
- Residents living in areas with high deer populations
- Gardeners in regions prone to extreme heat or drought
- Owners of small yards with limited planting space
Performance breakdown
Privacy Screening Speed
Rapid growth habit establishes dense, tall barriers in record time.
Maintenance Requirements
Natural pyramidal form eliminates the need for frequent, tedious pruning.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters browsing animals, protecting your investment from common garden pests.
Climate Adaptability
Robust hardiness ensures survival across a wide range of USDA zones.
Year-Round Aesthetics
Glossy, dark green foliage maintains vibrant color throughout the winter months.
Landscape Versatility
Functions equally well as a structural specimen or a uniform hedge.
Key Specs
Botanical name
Thuja plicata 'Grovepli'
Common name
Arborvitae - Western
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 - 9
Mature Height
25-30 feet
Mature Width
12-15 feet
Growth Rate
Fast
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type
Well-draining, loamy
Features
- Fast-growing evergreen for quick privacy.
- Naturally maintains a tight pyramidal shape.
- Fragrant foliage adds year-round appeal.
- Native and cold-tolerant Western Arborvitae.
- Deer resistant for worry-free landscaping.
- Low maintenance, requires minimal pruning.
- Provides dense, tall evergreen screening.
- Excellent dark green winter color.
What customers say
Customers highly recommend the Spring Grove Arborvitae for its superior performance in creating fast, dense evergreen privacy screens. A major highlight is its exceptional winter color retention; it stays a vibrant deep green when other varieties bronze. Reviewers consistently praise the plant's robust health and resilience once established. While the initial purchase price is higher, most users agree the premium quality and speed of growth justify the investment. Success hinges on proper initial watering, ensuring the plant thrives spectacularly. Overall, this cultivar delivers reliably on its promise of beautiful, high-speed screening, making it a top choice for landscape quality.
Know before you buy
This is a fast-growing variety, making it an excellent choice for establishing a privacy screen quickly. While exact growth speed depends on your local climate and soil conditions, you can expect it to reach its mature height of 25 to 30 feet relatively efficiently compared to slower-growing evergreens.
No, pruning is generally not required. The Spring Grove naturally maintains a dense, tight pyramidal shape on its own, which helps minimize maintenance while keeping your landscape looking clean.
Yes, this variety is noted for its deer resistance. While no plant is completely deer-proof, especially if food sources are scarce, this arborvitae is much less likely to be targeted by deer than many other evergreen species.
While it is container-friendly, keep in mind its significant mature size of 25 to 30 feet. If you choose to use it in a container, ensure the pot is large enough to support its root system and provide adequate drainage, though it will perform best when planted directly in the ground for long-term growth.
This arborvitae prefers well-draining, loamy soil and performs best in locations that receive full sun to partial shade. Ensuring the soil drains well is key to preventing root issues and keeping the foliage healthy and glossy year-round.
To create a dense, continuous privacy screen, you should space them 12 to 15 feet apart. This spacing allows each tree enough room to reach its mature width of 12 to 15 feet without overcrowding.
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