SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'

COMMON NAME: Degroot's Spire Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 20 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow (up to 6 inches per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 3-8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun (6 or more hours of sun per day, ideally light afternoon shade)

WATER & SOIL: Average, well-drained soil; will need additional water in times of drought

HABIT (FORM): Upright, Columnar Conifer

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Dense, Dark green scale-like needles that take on a twisted, tight texture

PLANT ORIGIN: Northeastern United States (including Tennessee)

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning is preferred. Late winter or early summer is best.

TOXICITY: Mildly toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. The aromatic foliage may cause digestive upset, and sap may irritate sensitive skin.

USES: Screens, hedges, and windbreaks