Conifer
Brabant arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant'
A fast-growing, conical evergreen conifer commonly used for tall hedges and year-round screening. It needs regular clipping to stay dense and must not be allowed to dry out or sit in waterlogged soil.
- Size
- 4–8 m high · 2.5–4 m wide
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Allow for a large, fast-growing hedge rather than judging the size of young nursery plants.
- Avoid waterlogged ground and leave access for clipping both sides of a mature hedge.
- Do not create an unbroken dry hedge directly beside combustible structures.
Why choose it
- Forms a dense, tall screen more quickly than many slower conifers.
- Keeps useful green structure throughout the year and tolerates partial shade.
Care
- Water deeply during establishment and through prolonged dry periods.
- Clip regularly to maintain a dense outline, but avoid cutting hard into old brown wood.
- Remove dry dead material from inside the hedge and clear prunings promptly.
Good to know
- Foliage and cut material should not be eaten and may irritate sensitive skin; wear gloves when clipping.