Common Name: North Pole® Arborvitae
Bloom Time: Evergreen (year-round interest)
USDA Zones: 3–7 (exceptionally hardy in Southeastern Wisconsin)
Mature Size: 10–15 ft. tall × 3–5 ft. wide
Habit: Narrow, columnar evergreen
Foliage: Dense, dark green, holds color through winter
Introduction
For homeowners in Southeastern Wisconsin who want a slim, space-saving evergreen with year-round presence, the North Pole® Arborvitae is hard to beat. With its tall, columnar habit and rich green foliage, this selection of American arborvitae is perfect for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or elegant vertical accents in the landscape. Unlike broader arborvitae cultivars, North Pole® maintains a narrow footprint while reaching 10–15 feet in height, making it ideal for smaller lots or tight planting areas.
Find the Thuja occidentalis ‘North Pole’ at Heritage Hill Nursery here:
👉 Shop North Pole® Arborvitae
Origins & Description
The American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is native to North America, thriving naturally in the upper Midwest and Northeast. Over time, plant breeders have developed cultivars to suit modern landscapes. North Pole® is a Proven Winners® selection prized for its dense, upright growth and cold hardiness.
The foliage is lush, dark green, and retains its color throughout winter, even in Wisconsin’s cold, snowy conditions where some evergreens may bronze. Its natural columnar form means it typically needs little to no pruning to stay neat and narrow. This makes it a fantastic option for low-maintenance hedges, natural fences, or focal-point plantings.
Ideal Growing Conditions (Southeast Wisconsin Focus)
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Light: Full sun to part sun. Grows best with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
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Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates clay and sandy conditions with adequate care.
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Moisture: Consistent moisture is important, especially in the first 1–2 years. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant.
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pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are ideal.
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Hardiness: Extremely cold-hardy, thriving in Zone 3 winters. Perfectly suited to Wisconsin’s climate.
Planting & Establishment
When to Plant:
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Spring (April–May): Gives roots the longest time to settle before winter.
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Early Fall (September): Also effective, as roots will continue to grow while the soil is warm.
How to Plant:
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Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
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Place the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
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Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
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Apply a 2–3 inch mulch ring around the base to conserve moisture, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
Spacing: For privacy screens, plant 3–5 feet apart. For stand-alone specimens, allow full width (about 5 feet) to let the natural shape shine.
Care & Maintenance
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Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two years. Established plants can handle some drought, but occasional deep watering keeps them healthiest.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring for optimal growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
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Pruning: Minimal. Naturally narrow, but can be lightly trimmed in late spring if needed. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
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Winter Care: In windy or exposed sites, burlap wraps can prevent winter burn in the first few years. Avoid piling snow directly against plants.
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Longevity: With proper care, North Pole® can thrive for decades as a structural anchor in the landscape.
Landscape Uses & Companions
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Privacy Screens: Narrow footprint makes it excellent for hedges along property lines.
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Windbreaks: Plant in rows to reduce wind around patios or gardens.
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Focal Points: Use as vertical accents in mixed borders or near entryways.
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Foundation Plantings: Adds evergreen structure without overwhelming smaller homes.
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Companions: Pair with ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, spirea, or flowering perennials for seasonal contrast.
Seasonal Calendar (Wisconsin Care)
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Spring: Plant new specimens, fertilize, and water deeply.
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Summer: Maintain consistent watering in hot, dry stretches.
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Fall: Planting window remains open until the ground freezes. Water well before winter.
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Winter: Monitor for snow or ice damage; brush off heavy snow loads to prevent branch breakage.
Troubleshooting
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Browning Foliage: Often caused by drought stress or winter burn. Water regularly in fall before freeze-up, and protect young plants in exposed sites.
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Sparse Growth: Insufficient sunlight may cause legginess; plant in full sun whenever possible.
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Deer Damage: Arborvitae are often browsed by deer. In areas with heavy deer pressure, consider fencing or repellents.
Ecological & Garden Value
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Wildlife Shelter: Provides cover for birds year-round.
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Air Quality: Evergreens like arborvitae filter air and reduce noise pollution.
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Sustainable Screening: Offers a natural alternative to fences, with added aesthetic and ecological benefits.
Ready to Plant?
If you’re seeking an upright, narrow evergreen that thrives in Wisconsin’s climate, North Pole® Arborvitae is an outstanding choice. Low-maintenance, cold-hardy, and space-saving, it’s equally at home as a privacy hedge, windbreak, or specimen planting.