High Quality Thuja Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Thuja Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Cedar trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Thuja, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Thuja

1. What are the disadvantages of Thuja?

Thuja, also known as arborvitae, is a popular evergreen coniferous tree that is often used for landscaping and privacy screening. While Thuja offers many benefits, it also has some disadvantages that should be considered before planting one.

Disadvantages of Thuja:

1. Slow growth rate: Thuja is a relatively slow-growing tree, taking several years to reach maturity. This can be a disadvantage if you are looking for a tree that will provide instant privacy screening.
2. Susceptibility to pests and diseases: Thuja is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale insects, bagworms, and fungal diseases. These pests and diseases can damage the tree and make it look unsightly.
3. High maintenance requirements: Thuja requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. It also needs to be watered regularly, especially during the first few years after planting.
4. Sensitivity to salt: Thuja is sensitive to salt, so it is not a good choice for planting near roads or sidewalks where it may be exposed to salt spray.
5. Potential to become invasive: In some regions, Thuja can become invasive, spreading into natural areas and displacing native plants.
6. Allergenic potential: Thuja pollen can be allergenic to some people, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
7. Fire hazard: Thuja is a flammable tree, so it is important to plant it away from structures and potential fire hazards.
8. Shallow root system: Thuja has a shallow root system, which makes it susceptible to wind damage. It is important to plant Thuja in a protected location away from strong winds.
9. Limited shade provision: Thuja is not a good choice for providing shade, as its branches are spaced far apart. If you are looking for a tree to provide shade, you will need to choose a different species.
10. High cost: Thuja can be a relatively expensive tree to purchase and maintain.

Despite these disadvantages, Thuja is a popular choice for landscaping due to its many benefits, such as its attractive appearance, evergreen foliage, and ability to provide privacy screening. If you are considering planting Thuja, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make sure it is the right choice for you.

2. What are the special features of Thuja?

Thuja, also known as arborvitae, is a popular evergreen coniferous tree that is widely used for landscaping and privacy screening. It is valued for its attractive appearance, adaptability to various conditions, and range of benefits it provides. Here are some of the special features of Thuja:

1. Evergreen Foliage: Thuja retains its green foliage throughout the year, even during winter. This evergreen nature provides year-round greenery and visual interest in gardens and landscapes.
2. Attractive Appearance: Thuja trees have a pyramidal or columnar shape with scale-like leaves arranged in flattened sprays. This unique foliage texture and shape contribute to their aesthetic appeal.
3. Varied Growth Habits: Thuja species exhibit a variety of growth habits, from tall and narrow columns to more rounded or pyramidal forms. This diversity in growth forms allows for versatility in landscaping applications.
4. Adaptability to Various Conditions: Thuja trees are generally adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including well-drained, fertile soils. They can tolerate partial shade but thrive in full sun.
5. Privacy Screening: Thuja's dense foliage and ability to grow tall make it an excellent choice for privacy screening. It can effectively block unwanted views and provide seclusion in gardens and landscapes.
6. Windbreak Protection: Thuja's compact growth habit and dense foliage make it an effective windbreak. It can protect gardens and structures from strong winds, reducing wind damage and erosion.
7. Erosion Control: Thuja's roots can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or hillsides. This makes it a valuable plant for conservation and erosion control projects.
8. Wildlife Habitat: Thuja trees provide nesting sites and shelter for various bird species. Their dense foliage also offers protection for small animals and insects.
9. Air Purification: Thuja trees, like other conifers, play a role in air purification by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They contribute to cleaner air quality and a healthier environment.
10. Low Maintenance: Thuja trees are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal pruning and watering once established. They are generally disease-resistant and adaptable to various conditions.

In summary, Thuja trees offer a combination of aesthetic appeal, practical benefits, and adaptability that make them a popular choice for landscaping and environmental applications. Their evergreen foliage, varied growth habits, and ability to provide privacy screening, wind protection, and erosion control make them valuable additions to gardens, parks, and natural areas.

3. Why is Thuja called the tree of life?

The genus Thuja, which includes a variety of evergreen coniferous trees also known as arborvitae, is often referred to as the "tree of life" for several reasons. These reasons stem from both its symbolic and practical significance.

Symbolic Significance:

1. Evergreen Nature: Thuja's evergreen foliage, remaining green throughout the year, has long been associated with immortality and everlasting life, representing the enduring cycle of nature and the perpetuation of life.
2. Resilience and Longevity: Thuja trees are known for their resilience and longevity, often living for hundreds of years or even longer. This longevity has made them symbols of strength, perseverance, and enduring life force.
3. Cultural Significance: In various cultures, Thuja trees have held symbolic importance, often associated with spirituality, purification, and connection to the natural world. Their presence has been considered a blessing and a representation of life's enduring essence.

Practical Significance:

1. Medicinal Properties: Thuja has a history of use in traditional medicine, with its bark, leaves, and twigs used to treat various ailments. Its medicinal properties have contributed to its symbolic association with healing, rejuvenation, and vitality.
2. Air Purification: Thuja trees, like other conifers, play a role in air purification by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They contribute to cleaner air quality and a healthier environment, further reinforcing their connection to the life-giving aspect of nature.
3. Landscape Enhancement: Thuja's attractive appearance and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a popular choice for landscaping. Its presence in parks, gardens, and natural areas enhances the beauty and vitality of these spaces.

In conclusion, the designation of Thuja as the "tree of life" stems from a combination of its symbolic and practical significance. Its evergreen nature, resilience, and longevity have made it a symbol of everlasting life and vitality, while its medicinal properties and contribution to air purification further reinforce its connection to the life-giving aspects of nature. Thuja's presence in gardens, landscapes, and natural areas serves as a reminder of the enduring power of life and the interconnectedness of all living things.

4. Which Thuja grows fastest?

The fastest-growing Thuja species is the Green Giant Thuja (Thuja standishii x plicata). It can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) per year and reach a height of 40 feet (12 meters) or more.

Here are some other fast-growing Thuja species:

• Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii): This tree can grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) per year and reach a height of 70 feet (21 meters) or more.
• Emerald Green Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'): This tree can grow up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) per year and reach a height of 30 feet (9 meters) or more.
• Golden Globe Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'): This dwarf variety of Thuja can grow up to 1 foot (0.3 meters) per year and reach a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters) or more.
• Rheingold Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'): This tree can grow up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) per year and reach a height of 20 feet (6 meters) or more.

The growth rate of Thuja trees can vary depending on the growing conditions, such as the amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients available. In general, Thuja trees will grow faster in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil.

5. What is the lifespan of a Thuja tree?

The lifespan of a Thuja tree can vary depending on the species, growing conditions, and care. However, in general, Thuja trees are long-lived and can live for hundreds of years or more.

Here are some examples of the lifespan of some common Thuja species:

• Green Giant Thuja (Thuja standishii x plicata): 50-100 years
• Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii): 40-60 years
• Emerald Green Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'): 30-50 years
• Golden Globe Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'): 20-30 years
• Rheingold Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'): 20-30 years

6. How long does Thuja take to grow?

The growth rate of Thuja trees can vary depending on the species, growing conditions, and care. However, in general, Thuja trees are relatively fast-growing conifers. The fastest-growing Thuja species, the Green Giant Thuja (Thuja standishii x plicata), can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) per year and reach a height of 40 feet (12 meters) or more. Other fast-growing Thuja species include the Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii), which can grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) per year, and the Emerald Green Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'), which can grow up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) per year.

7. Which Thuja tree is best?

Determining the "best" Thuja tree depends on your specific needs and preferences. Different Thuja species have varying characteristics and growth habits, making them suitable for different purposes and landscapes. Here's a brief overview of some popular Thuja species and their strengths:

1. Green Giant Thuja (Thuja standishii x plicata): Known for its exceptionally fast growth rate, reaching up to 5 feet (1.6 m) per year, making it ideal for quickly establishing a privacy screen or windbreak.
2. Emerald Green Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'): Valued for its dense, emerald green foliage and pyramidal shape, making it a visually appealing choice for landscaping and privacy screening.
3. Golden Globe Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'): A dwarf variety with a compact, globe-shaped growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens, rock gardens, or containers.
4. Rheingold Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'): Prized for its striking golden-yellow foliage that brightens up landscapes, particularly in partial shade conditions.
5. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii): A fast-growing, tall-growing species, reaching up to 6 feet (2 m) per year, making it an effective privacy screen or windbreak option.

When selecting a Thuja tree, consider factors like growth rate, mature size, desired shape, foliage colour, and tolerance to sun exposure and soil conditions.

8. Is Thuja same as green Giant?

“Thuja” is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), also known as arborvitae. The Green Giant, also known as Green Giant Arborvitae, is a cultivar of the Thuja standishii and Thuja plicata species. So, the Green Giant is a Thuja, but not all Thuja are Green Giants.

9. What is the local or common name for Thuja?

The local name for Thuja varies depending on the region and language. Here are some common local names for Thuja:

• English: Arborvitae, eastern white cedar, northern white cedar, cedar tree
• French: Cèdre blanc, thuya
• German: Lebensbaum, Thuja
• Spanish: Árbol de la vida, thuya
• Italian: Tuia
• Japanese: ネズコ (nezuko)
• Chinese: 西方侧柏 (xīfāng cèbǎi)
• Korean: 서양측백 (seo-yang-cheuk-baek)

In addition to these general names, some regions may have more specific local names for Thuja. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, Thuja plicata is sometimes called "canoe tree" or "red cedar" because it was traditionally used by Native Americans to make canoes.

10. Can Thuja be cut back hard?

Thuja trees can be cut back hard. In fact, they often benefit from hard pruning, which can help to promote new growth and maintain a healthy shape. The best time to prune Thuja trees is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the trees time to heal and recover from the pruning before they put energy into new growth.