Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra' aka Dark American is a hardy, fast-growing evergreen valued for its deep green foliage that holds its color well through winter. Growing 20–30 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide, it is an excellent choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and large hedges. Its dense branching creates a thick wall of year-round greenery, making it ideal for property borders and screening unwanted views. Nigra Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soils, making it a reliable, low-maintenance option for both residential and commercial landscapes.
More About Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra'
- Hardy, evergreen tree
- Vigorous growth is perfect for privacy screen
- Foliage is a dark green
- Pleasantly fragrant
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Planting: Plant in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun per day will produce the densest growth and richest green color. Prefers well-drained soil. Arborvitae do not like standing water, so avoid low areas where water collects. If soil is heavy clay, loosen the soil around the planting hole to improve drainage. Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball height. The top of the root ball should sit slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent settling and root rot. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. In windy areas, winter burn can occur. Keeping plants well-watered in fall and using mulch helps protect roots through winter.
Watering: For the first month after planting, water your tree every other day with a generous soak with the hose at the base of the tree. For the next 6 months, water the same way once a week unless it is dry and hot.
Fertilizing: Feed your arborvitae at the beginning of each spring with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.
Pruning: If your tree has space to maintain its naturally elegant pyramid shape, no pruning is necessary. However, if you are growing them closely together as a hedge, you can shear them annually after the last frost.
Height: 20-30 Feet
Spread: 6-10 Feet
Spacing: 5-6' (for privacy fence)
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra' Characteristics
-
Exposure: Full Sun
-
Critter Resistance: Deer will be attracted to this variety
-
Soil Moisture: Average Water
-
Attributes: Specimen, Drought Tolerant, Mass Planting, Cold Tolerant, Evergreen, slow- moderate Growing, Great Foliage, Low Maintenance
-
Foliage Color: Dark Green, Green
-
Habit: Upright
