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Thuja Trees

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About Thuja Trees

Thuja Trees

What are Thuja Trees?

Thuja trees, also known as arborvitae, are versatile evergreens that offer dense foliage and an elegant form. These trees excel in garden design and landscaping, whether used as stand-alone specimens, in rows for hedging, or as landscaping accents. With varieties like Thuja Brabant, Thuja Smaragd, and Thuja Plicata, these trees thrive in the UK climate, providing year-round greenery and structure.

Why Choose Thuja?

Gardeners favour Thuja trees for their many appealing characteristics. These trees grow quickly, forming dense, lush plants that provide excellent privacy screens. Their evergreen nature ensures a vibrant garden throughout the year. Additionally, Thujas are low-maintenance and resist pests and diseases, simplifying their care. They thrive in various soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil is well-drained. Furthermore, their foliage is low in toxicity, making them a safer choice for gardens with children and pets.

Popular Varieties of Thuja

Several Thuja varieties suit different landscaping needs perfectly. For instance, Thuja Brabant is known for its rapid growth and robust structure, making it ideal for creating tall, dense hedges or impressive stand-alone trees. Its bright green foliage remains vibrant all year, ensuring a lush appearance. Meanwhile, Thuja Smaragd, or Emerald Thuja, is prized for its elegant, conical shape and slower growth rate, which requires less frequent trimming. This variety is perfect for formal gardens or as a refined landscape accent. On the other hand, Thuja Plicata, also known as Western Red Cedar, is notable for its aromatic foliage and impressive height, making it suitable for creating majestic rows or windbreaks.

Using Thuja Trees in Your Garden

Thuja trees offer flexibility in garden design. Planting them as stand-alone trees provides a striking focal point in your landscape. When planted in rows, they form dense, attractive hedges that offer privacy and wind protection. Thujas also define garden boundaries or serve as a backdrop for flower beds and other ornamental plants. Their dense foliage makes them excellent for noise reduction, creating a serene garden environment.

Planting and Caring for Thuja

Planting Thuja trees is straightforward, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. To start, choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Space the plants according to the desired hedge density, typically 60-90 cm apart. Water the plants regularly during the first year to help establish their roots. Additionally, adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Thujas benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage bushy growth. Pruning should occur in late spring or early summer, avoiding late autumn trimming to prevent frost damage.

Taxonomy and Botanical Information

Thujas belong to the Cupressaceae family within the genus Thuja, which includes five species native to North America and eastern Asia. The most commonly used species in the UK for landscaping are Thuja occidentalis (American Arborvitae) and Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar). These coniferous evergreens feature scale-like leaves and a dense, pyramidal growth habit. They produce small, inconspicuous cones that mature in autumn.

Examples in Renowned Gardens

You can see Thuja trees featured in some of the most famous gardens across the UK and Europe. For instance, the gardens at Versailles in France showcase meticulously crafted rows and standalone Thujas, highlighting their elegance and precision. Closer to home, the formal gardens of Hampton Court Palace display stunning examples of Thuja trees used to enhance the garden’s grandeur. Similarly, the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall include beautiful Thujas, demonstrating their versatility and charm in various landscape settings.

Conclusion

Thuja trees from Harrod Outdoors provide a beautiful and practical solution for enhancing your garden or landscape. Whether you choose the rapid-growing Thuja Brabant, the elegant Thuja Smaragd, or the towering Thuja Plicata, these trees offer beauty, structure, and year-round greenery. Explore our selection of Thuja trees and transform your outdoor space with their timeless elegance and robust presence.

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