Maintenance Landscaping Design

Globe arborvitae is a plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the evergreen family and is often used as a ornamental plant in gardens. The globe arborvitae can grow to be 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has dark green leaves that are needle-like. The globe arborvitae blooms in the springtime and the flowers are white.

Popular name

• American cedar
  
• Northern white cedar
  
• Eastern white cedar
  
• Atlantic white cedar
  
• Thuja occidentalis

Basic info

• Globe arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Globosa') is a dense, slow-growing, evergreen shrub that typically matures to 5-10’ tall and to 6-12’ wide.
  
• It is native to northeastern North America.
  
• It is often used as a living fence, hedge, screen or specimen plant.
  
• Globe arborvitae has a rounded, globe-like form with flattened sides. The scale-like leaves are dark green.
  
• This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
  
• Globe arborvitae is relatively drought tolerant once established.
  
• It is susceptible to damage from deer, rabbits, snow and ice.
  
• Globe arborvitae is not susceptible to many diseases, but can be infested with spider mites, scale, or bagworms.
  
• Pruning is not necessary, but can be done to shape the plant.
  
• Globe arborvitae can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.

Related plant:
Hebe Emerald Green Globe

Planting Process

1. For globe arborvitae, first step is to choose the right location. This evergreen prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
   
2. Once you have chosen the right location, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
3. Remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole.
   
4. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
   
5. Water the tree deeply and cover the root ball with mulch.
   
6. Globe arborvitae will need to be watered regularly during the first growing season.
   
7. Fertilize the tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
8. Globe arborvitae can be pruned to maintain its shape, but it is not necessary.
   
9. This evergreen is relatively pest and disease resistant.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful globe arborvitae for many years to come!

Related plant:
Golden Globe Arborvitae

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, globe arborvitae prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils, but it is quite adaptable to other soil conditions. It does not like overly wet or dry soils. It does best in full sun but tolerates some shade.

Light condition

Like the other arborvitae species, the globe arborvitae requires full sun to partial sun in order to maintain its spherical shape. If planted in an area that doesn't receive enough sun, the globe arborvitae will become leggy and lose its compact form.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that globe arborvitae can tolerate are very broad. They can thrive in either hot or cold weather, as long as they are not exposed to extreme conditions. This makes them a very versatile plant that can be grown in many different climate zones.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are between 40% - 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves of the plant will become dry and brown. If the humidity goes above 60%, the leaves of the plant will become yellow and will eventually drop off.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need a lot. In fact, too much can actually harm the arborvitae. Just a light application in the spring is all that's necessary. As for the roots, they're very shallow. So, you'll want to be careful when you're doing any kind of work around the tree. Be sure not to damage the roots when you're digging or you could end up harming the tree.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of maintaining your globe arborvitae. Pruning should be done in the early spring, before new growth begins. You can prune up to one-third of the plant's height without damaging it. When pruning, be sure to make clean, sharp cuts.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of globe arborvitae is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. They should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. In the wild, they may only grow 1 foot (30 cm) per year. However, in cultivation, they may grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) per year. The secret to the success of these fast-growing globe arborvitae is to plant them in well-drained, moist soil in a sunny location.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are borers, bagworms, canker, and scale. Borers are the larvae of various beetles that tunnel under the bark and feed on the cambium layer, causing the tree to weaken and eventually die. Bagworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the leaves, causing the tree to become defoliated. Canker is a fungal disease that causes the tree's bark to crack and fall off. Scale is an insect that sucks the sap from the tree, causing it to become stressed and weak.

Growing Tips

• If possible, choose a planting site that receives full sun. Globe arborvitae will tolerate partial shade, but they may not grow as densely in these conditions.
  
• Prepare the planting site before bringing your arborvitae home. Globe arborvitae prefer well-drained soil. Amend your soil with organic matter if necessary.
  
• Choose a globe arborvitae that is the right size for your planting site. These plants can reach up to 15 feet tall and wide, so make sure you have enough space.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your arborvitae. The hole should be deep enough so that the root ball is level with the ground.
  
• Remove the arborvitae from its container and loosen the roots.
  
• Place the arborvitae in the hole and backfill with soil.
  
• Water

Substitution

• Arborvitae thuja plicata ' globe '
  
• Globe thistle (Echinops ritro)
  
• Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
  
• Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
  
• Globe amaranth (Gomphrena haageana)
  
• Globe arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'compacta')
  
• Globe cedrus (Cedrus deodora 'Compacta')
  
• Globe cedar (Cedrus deodora 'Globosa Nana')
  
• Globe cedar (Cedrus deodora 'Globosa')
  
• Pygmy Globe arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant')

Source:
Golden Globe Arborvitae - Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'
Arborvitae | Home and Garden Education Center
Arborvitae - University of Connecticut