Dark Green Arborvitae  

Thuja occidentalis 'nigra' | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Dark Green Arborvitae can be planted for screening or as a landscape tree.  It has dense needles that retain their dark green color through-out the winter months.  Mature size is around 18-20’ tall and 7-10’ wide.

Emerald Green Arborvitae  

Thuja occidentalis 'smaragd' | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is an excellent low-maintenance choice for a privacy hedge or around your yard.  Smaller than the Dark Green Arborvitae, this variety maxes out at 10-15’ tall and 3-4’ wide.  A very hardy evergreen that performs better in colder regions than most other cedars.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniper)

Juniperus virginiana | Zones 2-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

These cold-hardy, adaptable evergreen trees serve many purposes in the landscape, especially in sites that are dry, alkaline or windy. The foliage of scale-like needles is attractive but prickly. In late summer and fall, many junipers have blue-green berry-like fruits, actually modified cones, that attract birds. Because they are quite salt-tolerant, they can be used near roads, driveways, and sidewalks.

Green Giant Thuja Arborvitae  

Thuja plicata 'green giant' | Zones 5-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Green Giant is the fastest growing Arborvitae available. It grows to a height of 50-60’ and a spread of 10-15’ at maturity. Very rapid grower – 3’ per year or more.  Provides nesting sites for a wide range of birds and small animals.   More resistant to deer browsing than other arborvitae. Note:   This is a zone 5 tree. There are many instances of it growing in zone 4, but it is not recommended for Central WI or north.

Green Splendor Arborvitae  

Thuja plicata 'green splendor' | Zones 5-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

A very fast growing arborvitae.  Growth habit is somewhat similar to Green Giant, but tends to be more slender & columnar. Also holds good green color slightly better than Green Giant through winter months.  Makes an excellent privacy screen, border, or windbreak.

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Juniperus scopulorum | Zones 3-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Closely related to Eastern Red Cedar.   Wildlife eat the “berries” when ripe.   Mature height is 30-40’ which it reaches with one or two main leaders.   These trees prefer sun, but can do well in partial shade also.

Techny Arborvitae  

Thuja occidentalis 'techny' | Zones 4-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable 

Techny is an excellent windbreak or hedge choice.    Hardy and drought resistant, it grows to 15’ tall with a spread of 6-10’.  Great for creating a living fence because it holds its deep green color all year long.   Typical spacing is 8-10’ apart for single rows.

White Cedar (American Arborvitae)  

Thuja occidentalis | Zones 2-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

 The White Cedar is often called the American Arborvitae. This cedar can be planted for hedges (it shears well) or as individual trees.  The Northern White Cedar is adaptable to most soil types and is somewhat shade tolerant. This cedar will grow in average moisture conditions, but will also do well in those wetter or swampy areas of your property.  This grows taller – it will get to 45-65’ when fully grown!