Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Arborvitae is a versatile evergreen shrub, prized for its dense foliage, which makes it a popular choice for landscaping. Whether you’re looking to create privacy, add structure, or enhance curb appeal, arborvitae can be incorporated into your outdoor space in numerous creative ways.
Below are some interesting arborvitae landscaping ideas to inspire your landscaping with these hardy, low-maintenance plants.
1. Construct a Living Privacy Screen
Arborvitae is ideal for creating a natural privacy screen along property boundaries or around patios. Plant them in a straight line with enough space for growth, and within a few years, you’ll have a lush, green barrier that provides privacy. Varieties like Emerald Green and Green Giant are particularly good for this purpose.
To keep moisture and preserve a tidy appearance, place mulch around the base of the trees. Add color and texture to your arborvitae screen by planting blooming shrubs or groundcovers in front. This combination improves both privacy and visual interest, resulting in a relaxing backyard hideaway.
2. Frame the Entryway of Your House
To create a majestic and friendly image, flank your home’s entry with towering arborvitae. These evergreens’ vertical lines provide height and structure, making them great for highlighting entryways or paths. Achieve a classic look by placing items symmetrically.
Plant seasonal flowers or low-maintenance perennials near the arborvitae’s base to add appeal. Consider using lighting choices, like as uplights, to accentuate their form in the evening and increase curb appeal. This strategy ensures that your home’s entrance is visually appealing all year round.
3. Design a Tiered Landscape
Use arborvitae in a tiered garden plan to add depth and character to your environment. Taller arborvitae should be in the back or top tier, with medium-height shrubs and blooming plants in front. This layered approach results in a dynamic and balanced appearance.
Select contrasting leaf colors and textures for the bottom tiers to make the arborvitae stand out. Adding a stone or brick retaining wall can help to define the tiers and provide a solid foundation for planting. This system works especially well on inclined homes, transforming difficult ground into a visually appealing setting.
4. Utilize as a Flower Bed Backdrop
Arborvitae’s lush greenery provides a beautiful backdrop for vivid flower beds. For a stunning contrast, plant a row of arborvitae behind vibrant blossoms such as roses, tulips, or daisies. Their evergreen foliage brightens the blooms’ colors and provides year-round structure.
Use different bloom heights and colors to keep the pattern interesting throughout the seasons. Mulching the flower beds and adding drip irrigation ensures that both the arborvitae and the flowers thrive, resulting in a polished appearance with little effort.
5. Close Off an Outdoor Area or Garden
Arborvitae can serve as a natural fence, enclosing a garden, pool, or lounging area. Their tall and narrow growth pattern helps them to establish a clear border without the use of typical fencing. This living barrier enhances privacy and provides a sense of enclosure.
For a whimsical touch, intertwine climbing vines or create trellises between the arborvitae. This can add layers of texture and seasonal interest to the space while retaining its solitary sense.
6. Establish a Sculptural Centerpiece
Shape arborvitae into unique topiaries or allow them to grow organically into dramatic vertical formations to create a focal point in your yard. Plant them as stand-alone specimens in open areas to capture attention and add beauty to your environment.
To highlight their sculptural quality, surround them with low-growing groundcovers such as creeping thyme or gravel. Adding beautiful stones or other water features nearby can help improve the aesthetics and create a relaxing garden mood.
7. Incorporate With Seasonal Décor
Arborvitae provides a varied backdrop for seasonal decorations, making them both utilitarian and festive additions to your environment. Wrap them in string lights or decorate with ornaments to create living Christmas trees. In the fall, combine them with pumpkins and hay bales to create a warm, rustic effect.
By changing your outdoor decorations yearly, you can keep your environment fresh and engaging all year. This method emphasizes arborvitae’s adaptability and keeps them a focal point in your landscaping.
Arborvitae offers endless possibilities for enhancing your landscape with its lush greenery and versatile growth habits. From creating privacy screens to framing entryways and adding sculptural beauty, these evergreens are a timeless addition to any outdoor space.
Whether you choose formal arrangements or natural groupings, arborvitae adapts to a variety of styles, ensuring your landscape remains both functional and visually appealing. Did you like the article? Leave a comment with your thoughts and make sure to share it with your friends!
