Arborvitaes…10 Years Later What I Wished I Knew Earlier!

[@AMG-on-2nd]

I never thought the day would come when I would be watching gardening videos and getting really excited. This is wonderful! You hit on so many of the exact features I'm looking for in a privacy hedge. I'm new to this world but I love what I'm learning.

[@DaruDhillon]

You have an amazing attitude and an appreciation for learning! That’s a great place to start. Gardening can bring so much joy and appreciation. Go plant that hedge! 💚

[@mr2ferrari]

​@@DaruDhillonthanks for the video and information! I'm in zone 7 and planted 12" tall emerald arborvitae along our drive.. my question, as I see varying answers online, should I cover these for the cold snaps we get (like now 5*F)?? I know they're cold hardy, but these being so young... I've staked around them and slipped pillow cases over the stakes hoping to save them! Any info/ advice would be appreciated!

[@maggiecrysler]

if you learned how to have sex this gardening fetish would never have happened.

[@Cluless02]

Absolutely gorgeous, like a mini paradise. Well done!!☮️

[@DaruDhillon]

Thank-you! It was a labor of love for my family. 💚💕

[@robertsimmons5575]

we have trees for 20 years now ,the deer never touch them. they are now about 16 to 18 feet tall we love them

[@Unit1001InDistress]

Seems like it would have been a good idea to mention what zones that cedar grows in best and what zones it won't grow in at all. Maybe even mention what kind of soil I likes.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks for the suggestion. That’s a good idea!

[@mj8495]

One thing I wish I knew about arborvitae is that deer LOVE to eat them. We bought 30 at our last house and with 3-4 years the deer had eaten them bare up to about 5 feet. We love the look bit we will never use them for landscaping again in New England

[@DaruDhillon]

I'm sorry you had to go though that but I appreciate you sharing your story. Even ones that are advertised as Deer Resistant are hit or miss depending on how hungry/picky your deer are. Hope you're enjoying your spring in New England, it's beautiful part of the country!

[@ilblues]

Nor on the north Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. Ours look like an hour glass - the only prevention is to fence the hedge. Every once in awhile though, a deer gets its head stuck in the fence while taking a nibble.

[@kristenalmonte1110]

😱

[@davidbuche]

Our thuja green giants remain untouched after 6 years. We do live next to a park with a lot of deer and food options

[@nicola4789]

Same here in Nova Scotia....

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Good hedges make good neighbors ~Robert Frost

[@DaruDhillon]

I love this sentiment. It’s new to me. I appreciate you sharing it. Thanks!

[@richardespiritu4342]

We were thinking of what to add to our bare fence and my wife across your video. You've inspired her to go this route. She loves the way it looks.

[@CilVine]

Thanks. Nice, short, concise video.

[@DaruDhillon]

Glad you liked it thanks!

[@MinionAtTheGate]

Your hedges look great. Thanks for sharing. It's my understanding though that the White Cedars have a slow growth rate, not really, really fast like you said.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks. I currently have two white cedar hedge rows at 15 feet. I personally consider a growth rate of up to 13”-24” a year excellent! Although technically classified as moderate. I’m also purchasing these because they are ridiculously inexpensive. If you have access to other varieties go with that! You can’t go wrong with any fast growing hedge once you’ve decided on hedge height.

[@tg_ny]

In CT and NY, arborvitae is a delicacy for deer. Once the deer discover it, they devour the lower four feet of each tree. The same is true with azaleas and some rhododendrons and hostas. It’s too bad, because they are all good looking plants and shrubs.

[@mianaomipost9885]

Oooohhh so glad I found your channel! Sooo beautiful and great explanation! 🌲🌲🌲💚💚💚

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks so much! I love it too, it completely transformed the garden! 💚🌲

[@louisromagnoli4994]

May 15 2024.....Hi Dara....i followed all your planting tips to the T when I planted 20 Arborvitae Thujas along my neighbors fence. I did space them 3 feet apart which I read is industry standard, plus because of the cost here in south Florida. I can't wait until a year from now...Lou

[@DaruDhillon]

Happy growing! 💚🌿

[@zumeraaa]

How long did it take from planting to this hedge-like look? Not the full 10 years, I imagine? It's beautiful!

[@DaruDhillon]

It usually takes at least 3 years for Emeralds to get really good growth.

[@nikkihorn3852]

She said they were bought at 6 and 10 feet to start with. Arboratives grow around a foot a year.

[@iyanla647]

Amazing beautiful hedge! 😍 Don't you have brown dried needles inside the hedge in fall? Do you ever clean your Emeralds inside? Thanks.

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes, they turn brown naturally in the fall. I gently take them out to allow for air flow, more sunlight and to allow for new growth.

[@internationaltraveler1057]

😇 very helpful and clear, bought a house with a love privacy fence and was sure how I should maintain it thanks

[@DaruDhillon]

Congratulations on your new home with built-in privacy! How nice. 💚

[@Jdhhdd]

Thank you for the great video. We made a pool in the backyard and our intention was to grow hedges. We already have a 6ft tall wood fence but we like to increase privacy. After a lot of researches, we find out that we invite more mosquitos and bugs in our backyard. My friend says rather close the pool if you go with hedges. Now, it's been past 1 year and we still haven't figure out how to manage to add to our privacy. I see that the is a seating area in your backyard. How is your experience in this matter? Any help would be appreciated.

[@Notmyhandler]

If you want a faster growing hedge (3 years) look into cold hardy clumping bamboo. It’s also an evergreen and produces the same results in a shorter time.

[@DaruDhillon]

You’re giving me ideas!!! Good one, thanks! ❤️

[@pekoe46]

isn't bamboo considered invasive because it grows so fast and takes over everything and is extremely hard to get rid of?

[@Notmyhandler]

@@pekoe46 you’re talking about “running bamboo”. The one I’m talking about is “clumping bamboo” which doesn’t send out runners in random places and isn’t invasive.

[@groovychik601]

@@pekoe46 not clumping, running bamboo are. The clumping ones can be more easily controlled

[@Eastbaypisces]

​@@Notmyhandlerwhat kind u get? I got some myself. Weavers bamboo

[@WhiskeyTreeAlpha]

Such a good and informative video. Why didn’t you decide to go with the white cedar all around vs planting arborvitae+white cedar? Love your energy! Keep these coming *New Subscriber*

[@DaruDhillon]

Welcome Vincent thanks for subscribing, I appreciate the compliment! The Emeralds are really thick when planted while the whites are thin and wiry to start. I wanted instant privacy around the lower deck so that’s why I made that choice. The whites filled in really well after a couple years. Patience pays off with hedges. Happy planting!

[@bettye444]

Where I live we have a native cedar. They come up in my yard all the time and I usually pull them up, but since removing several large growth Pampas Grass plants I am going to transplant some of these cedars as replacements. This is in a narrow space between my fence and the street.

[@DaruDhillon]

That sounds great! If you have them native they should do well. Where I grew up we call those little guys that pop-up volunteers. Good idea to make use of what nature gives you! 🌲

[@bettye444]

@@DaruDhillon yeah, we call them volunteers. At the price of plants I have to use what’s available in the yard as much as possible. I have loads of oxalis which I am trans planting for borders. I also have a large growth of monkey grass in a back corner. That’s gold!

[@DaruDhillon]

@@bettye444 that’s awesome! Transplanting is the way to go and you’ve got some stunners to work with! 🪴

[@maggieg5719]

Betty, I just had a guy come out with something similar to a skid loader with a bucket plus another curved piece that grabbed my overgrown, very large pampas grass out of the ground! Never again will I grow them! Every year they were a pain to maintain! The blades were so sharp, I had to wear long pants, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts to trim them!

[@LisaLoberg]

Hi Daru, love the video - so informative and lovely hedges you have! We bought a house last year that has many of these - the more informal I would say and they have grown wild. I would like to trim them back, but I'm afraid once I do all that will be left is the brown dead looking inside. There are 2 of these on either side of our front porch and they are overtaking the porch. Too wide and too tall and my husband is afraid I will kill them if I trim them back like I would like to. Thanks in advance, I will 100% be following you from now on!!! This yard is OUT of control!!

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Lisa, thanks so much! It really depends on how big your trees are. If they are tall but the growth can be trimmed with a small hedger you are usually ok. It will take a little time to fill in. If your tree is wide with a big trunk and you have to use a saw it gets problematic. In that case the cut can wound the tree causing it to rot. The branches might also fall apart so your husband has good advice. Good luck with your yard! You’ve got it! 🌲

[@alexbraunshteyn3527]

Hi Daru, I want to plant thuja green giants along my fence to create privacy for our pool build. In your video you showed you can plant them relatively close to the fence, how far out from the fence would be ok to plant and is it ok to trim them so they don't grow out far INTO the patio? The trees will be behind the pool patio, I would not want them brushing up against us lol.

[@DaruDhillon]

You can plant them as far away as you want. If you have room they can be further away. See what works best for you before planting to give you the clearance you need.

[@mariharsan3196]

Thank you for such a wonderful video! I was wondering what your thoughts are about planting 3 feet apart. Will they still grow into a hedge? Thank you!!

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes you can plant at a wider distance. Patience will get you a beautiful hedge.

Daru rocks. Thinking of a Blue Prince Holly or Viburnum hedge. Our current thujas are just too thirsty and burn too easily for our new world, sadly. The most gorgeous woman on the web!

[@DaruDhillon]

Great idea! It’s a good idea to go with nature and what will work in your area. Beautiful choices, thanks!

[@savingmayberry387]

Great video! These Arborvitaes look amazing. So do you trim the top every year as well , or do you wait until it's got to the final height that you want and then start trimming the top annually?

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks! I don't trim the tops until they reach the height I want. Once they do, you can trim the tops once a year, or more it's up to you. I usually do it annually.

[@jaandel1]

​@@DaruDhillon do this plant will survive on winter season?

[@DaruDhillon]

@@jaandel1 I’m in Toronto, Canada where these hedges have experienced extreme cold 🥶 snow and hot and humid summers. When dealing with heavy snow I’d always remove the snow with my snow shovel so they keep their shape.

[@maggieg5719]

@@jaandel1I live in south central Pennsylvania. Some winters are harsher than others. Six or seven years ago, we got 34” of snow in one storm. We’ve hardly had any rain this summer. Mine have held up perfectly well. The snow, wind, or dryness has never damaged them.

[@TommyVercetti6969]

If you do trim the top, Does that mean I am stuck at that height? We planted about 100 ontario eastern white cedars last year and we would like them to grow tall but are debating on should we trim the top or wait a few years. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@hattrick-df4bo]

Beautiful look, great ideas and tips!!

[@scottsrcshop]

When did you start cutting the tops of them flat after planting them? Awesome yard !

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks! Once they reached the height I wanted with the Emeralds I was able to use a hedge trimmer, cut straight in a couple years or so. The big hedge I trimmed flat once the leader (top part of the tree) had a lot of growth. 💚

[@TheNotoriousNemo]

your back yard looks awesome

[@DaruDhillon]

Love it too! 🌲Thanks! 💕

[@Carolina.S.N.Gaviota]

Thank you very much!!! Did you plant them yourself? I need to ask you about your recommendation... I want to put it in front of the house😬😬😬 to have some patio since my patio is in front of the patio.

[@michelle.a.clairmont]

What zone are these in? Need something that will be happy, green & thriving in cold weather

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Excellent tutorial, thank you!

[@DaruDhillon]

You're very welcome!

[@victoriasnell4453]

What is the fastest growing evergreen for privacy. I need something bad between our house and a highway recently widend

[@DavidHarvey-qs8ig]

Hello Victoria how are you

[@sabrinajones6473]

Evergreen arborvitae

[@YIKES615]

Darn…went through the questions and replies but did not see whether an arborvitae that has not been trimmed for many years (like your neighbors) can be cut back hard. Will the tops looked chopped off for ever after? Something makes me think that the top will not sprout new growth. Thanks Tim

[@DaruDhillon]

Excellent question Tim. Topping trees is not recommended as it can put the tree under stress and creates an open wound at the top of the tree that can rot and can cause the tree to fall apart.. Some people do it and get lucky for awhile. Thanks for asking!

[@Ryan-fc7cq]

Great video! How far away from the property line/ fence did you plant the hedges? I'm looking to plant these next to a chain link fence that separates my property from my neighbour's... but don't want to plant too close and potentially interfere with the hedges healthy growth. Any advice would help - thank you!

[@DaruDhillon]

For me it would depend on how much space you have in your yard. For large gardens I’d plant them further away so they could grow full on all sides. I’m working in small gardens so the trunks are about 10” from the fence. The trees in this video also hide a chain link fence planted 16” apart. I’m working on a video now where they are 2 feet apart. They look lovely but will take longer to fill in. Hope you love them as much as I do! 🌲

[@Ryan-fc7cq]

@@DaruDhillon Thank you very much for your help! Looking forward to planting them!

[@laurelsuttles9334]

Your hedges are beautiful but did you know that Emerald Green Arborvitaes are also one of the most flammable hedge you can have? In the area where I live there have been several people who have either lost their home or almost lost their home when stray sparks from barbeques started them on fire. Our extension agency recommends keeping shrubs (like Emerald Greens) and trees in zone 3 which is 30 to 100 feet back from your home.

[@DaruDhillon]

That’s incredibly interesting. I imagine you must live in a dry region or an area prone to heat waves. It’s a good point you should never have barbecues next to a hedge for obvious reasons and it will cause them to develop a bald spot. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

[@laurelsuttles9334]

@@DaruDhillon No, I live by Puget Sound, near the border in Washington state.

[@DaruDhillon]

@@laurelsuttles9334 wow. That’s surprising. You have so many indigenous cedars. There are everywhere in that area. I’m from just north of you in Victoria, BC. Thanks for responding.

[@alexvech]

so beautifully dense and healthy

[@nicolefiocco4516]

Are the White Cedars good at sound-proofing/noise-canceling? That's an extremely important detail I'm looking for in a hedge, along with visual privacy. Thanks so much.

[@DaruDhillon]

@@nicolefiocco4516. The density of the hedge and how thick you can get it would be a factor. Whites are not as dense as Emerald or green giants. Thicker the better for sound.

[@nicolefiocco4516]

Thank you!

[@GuyBucktastik]

I'm here because the video is 4:20 and about trees.

[@darkshadowsx5949]

i have about 10 dead trees in my front lawn that died shortly after being planted. probably from a bad heat wave and little water. this hedge tree would be a great replacement. the low maintenance aspect is perfect.

[@DaruDhillon]

Those heat waves are hard on new trees. After first couple of years they become more tolerant of the heat ☀️

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Don't plant them too close to the road if you live where they salt!!!

[@allisonranusch9145]

can you do a video on you pruning the tops? I have 15 foot tall arborvitae that I would love to top to about 2 feet

[@DaruDhillon]

That’s a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@sabrinajones6473]

Looks good.

[@issamoussa9057]

Hi. Is it good to trim this kind of trees from the bottom? Thank you.

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes you can trim this with a hedge trimmer from the bottom to the top. 👍🏽

[@davidmotyka2708]

Beautiful yes exactly what I want.Thanks.

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks David, great to hear from you. 🌲👋🏽

[@zacspeidel4982]

Thanks so much for your informative video. You mention watering each with a garden hose for about 1 minute. How frequently do you water? Also how should one water their arborvitae if planted in clay-like soil? Thanks🙏

[@DaruDhillon]

You’ll want to water it less for clay soil. It’s always good to do a water test with your soil to see how long you should water and how often. Then establish your own schedule.

[@williamforrest8658]

It looks beautiful, but what about the roots over the years don't they spread as the grow too?

[@DaruDhillon]

That’s the beauty of cedars they have shallow roots that don’t interfere or spread as far as other trees. They are quite compact. You see them often framing driveways and pathways. Select your variety carefully because some, none featured here can grow into trees worthy of a forrest. 🌲

[@maggarlion]

I love my hedges but I have been ignoring them for yrs and some of them died on me because of English Ivy. This thing can be deadly if you are not careful and I wasn't. I have since cleaned out all the English Ivy and now I am on a replanting and fertilizing program on my hedges. I have primarily Forsythia but I am mixing it up this time with Arbovitae and others.

[@DaruDhillon]

@@maggarlion you’re on it! Sounds like a comeback in the making.

[@catchemalive]

I know you said to use slow release fertilizer but what exactly do I need to be looking for? There are so many different types available I’m not sure which to use? What brand or number of fertilizer you using?? Thanks so much. Mine are Green Giant trees.

[@DaruDhillon]

I have a link in the description that works well for me.

[@catchemalive]

Ok thank you very much!!!

[@EA-ee9qc]

if we miss trimming and fertilizing in April can we trim and fertilize in June?

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes you can. 🌱

[@drywallsurgeon]

I love it, beautiful Daru ❤

[@DaruDhillon]

I'm glad you like it! 💚

[@zeenatmohammed2608]

Hi there.i cut my hedge too short. Will the stems grow back again

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes. It happens to the best of us. Good news it will encourage growth and be full in time.

[@timbixbi9938]

Thanks for the video...is 2 feet spacing also good?

[@grahamclarke1591]

I have cedars around my property in Victoria . This is helpful . Not sure how I found this but I think we went to school together (highschool )

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Graham, good to hear from you! Victoria is a great place to grow cedars. As you know! I went to Lambrick and Vic High how about you?

[@grahamclarke1591]

@@DaruDhillon Lambrick too , grad 93 ! Long time ago . Nice channel you have !

[@DaruDhillon]

@@grahamclarke1591 Go Lions! Thanks Graham 💕

[@joemomma707]

Subbed and liked. Amazing video. I’m buying a home that has vinyl fencing and I have neighbors on three sides. Back and side to side. I have to maintain them at 8 feet height. How do I trim them so that it doesn’t get on my neighbors side? Will it push against the vinyl fencing and mess it up?

[@DaruDhillon]

You can plant them away from the fence if you have room.

[@zstrizzel]

Pro tip: eventually some disease comes around for super popular tree -- so diversify the species you grow if your climate / space can support it!

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes, thanks for the tip! Diversity is good for a healthy garden and planet. 🌎 💚

[@NatureRUsLandscaping]

Hi thank you for the great tips in this video. How can I revive neglected white Ceders looking yellowish and brownish dead leaves? I want to use Pur Gro 18-3-10 9-kg Cedar Hedge Fertilizer.

[@DaruDhillon]

I’d get them on a watering schedule, fertilize and check that they are getting enough sun. You can also check your soil conditions. ☀️

[@NatureRUsLandscaping]

@@DaruDhillonAwesome! Ok that's the approach I have in mind. Water them well twice a week, fertilize, trim, and Black mulch. Thanks

[@jaykelley9881]

Going to plant American Pillars, but they will only get full sun in the summer.. Partial sun in fall and winter.. Hope this works

[@royfrye333]

I planted 6’ tall Arborvitae’s on each side of my house along the property lines. That was 30 years ago and I made a big mistake by never trimming them. They are now at least 20 feet tall and the heavy, wet snow has broken the tops off of several of them. I have enjoyed the privacy but if you decide to plant them, don’t make the mistake I made. Keep them trimmed.

[@DaruDhillon]

Good point Roy. Snow loads are heavy on limbs and important to keep in mind.

[@maggieg5719]

Roy, I’ve done the same thing! I planted 1’ high arborvitae 34 years ago and have never trimmed them! Mine are now 25’ high. They provide a lot of privacy but are overgrown. I’d like to get someone in who knows what they’re doing to trim them back. It might take a few years to get them cut back just right.

[@shelly9369]

I'm having the same problem 😢

[@nickbrown8485]

Thanks for the info. What’s the best tool to prune green giants ? I want wider but not too much height

[@DaruDhillon]

Hand pruners work well for small pruning and when trees are young. A battery powered hedge trimmer is useful and efficient when you want to shape or trim a hedge. My go-to for yearly pruning and for a fast growing hedge. Good luck 🌲

[@nickbrown8485]

@@DaruDhillon thank you!

[@noesaravia1103]

Awesome video. Regarding watering . What is the recommended schedule with a seeper hose? thank you

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Noe, it depends on your soil type and the size of your hose. It's a good idea to run it for a set time then dig down with a shovel to see far down the water has saturated your soil and how long the soil holds water and to see how many days it takes to dry out. Once you have that figured out, you can establish a watering program on a timer. Clay soil won't need as much water and will hold moisture longer so overwatering can be an issue. Knowing your soil type/conditions will be helpful to know for all your plantings. Where I am the soil is sandy, it doesn't hold moisture well so I run it for 45 minutes, 3 days a week for the first summer. Thanks for the question and good luck!

[@karenkelly380]

What type of slow release fertilizer do you use on the arborvitae’s?

[@DaruDhillon]

I use a multi-purpose slow release. You can also buy specialty fertilizer for cedars. The one I use is linked in the description. Thanks!

[@gilcortezdfw]

I'm sorry but I didn't catch a thing you said you're beauty took all my attention... keep up the great work. Bye. Gil from Grand Prairie Texas

[@Luckingsworth]

I am about to plant 80 arborvitae in a hedge, and am opting to try to create a tight formal hedge like you showed here. How agressive do you prune then when first trying to shape the hedge? And how straight/vertical/plum are the trees in this video (its hard to tell)? Are they still sloped like a triangle or have they been trimmed to be straight-up?

[@DaruDhillon]

I don’t trim the hedges in height until they reach the hedge height I want. I start trimming the fronts or backs end of year two or start of three. It just depends on how quickly they are growing. Ultimately it about establishing and maintaining the look you want and that’s entirely up to you. You can plant them further apart at 24” or as directed on the tag. 💚🌲

[@Luckingsworth]

@@DaruDhillon Thank you! Mine are a little smaller than the ones you planted so it sounds like I can safely wait the 3 years before trying to shape the hedge to be more flat and even. Yours is the only video I could find that actually talked about and showed a real hedge with arborvitae so thank you so much! I am also probably going to follow your deck video too to make a small wood deck. Love your channel.

[@DaruDhillon]

@@Luckingsworth thanks! Good to hear that you are planting! Hedges grow in no time. Nature takes care of everything. The patience makes it worthwhile and beautiful. Enjoy your projects ahead.

[@greentea7539]

Will the inside turn brown and if so is that ok? We planted some two feet apart last year.

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes, that’s ok. Inside doesn’t get the sun so it goes brown. I gently rake it out with gloves on. Most people don’t.

[@greentea7539]

@@DaruDhillon thank you!

[@javaTL]

Your video mentioned watering newly planted trees for 30 seconds at a time- how frequently should I be doing this for a new 7ft tree?

[@DaruDhillon]

It really depends on your soil and weather but generally I’d start at 3 days a week and adjust if needed.

[@compactinfinity]

So how close do you have those emerald green and white cedar against the fence?

[@DaruDhillon]

They are quite close. If you have more room you can give them more room and space to spread out.

[@yuvgotubekidding]

Cedars, very nice Hair, beautiful 😊

[@DaruDhillon]

😊 thank you

[@Shotbyobey]

What's the difference between these and the Leyland cypress? I need a fast growing hedge, which one do you recommend?

[@emmanuelreyes5153]

Can I plant these close to a pool ?

[@bernardzupanc6841]

How far apart did you plant the white cedars (center to center) and do u think placing them 4 feet apart could work given more time ?

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes you can plant them further apart. Patience pays off with trees and helps with the budget. The mature look may look like a line of trees instead of a tight hedge. It just depends on the look you prefer. Fast growing green giants may also be an option too.

[@bernardzupanc6841]

@@DaruDhillon thanks.

[@tray-j]

Do you have a photo of when you planted them at 5 feet high? Will the leaves merge together into other trees even if they are already grown so that the hedge looks like 1 and not separated into sections?

[@DaruDhillon]

I don't have a photo to post but cedars will grow into each other when planted close together. Once they reach the desired thickness and width you like you can trim them as tight as you like. The tighter you trim they will will maintain a single solid line hedge. I personally love that look. Once established you could trim them twice a year to encourage the tight dense look.

[@PurplemedPurplemed]

Whats the tip too merge them together as ive planted 60 thuja brabant occidentals and i want to make a hedge like yours For privacy . I planted at 2.5 foot tall 2 years ago now their about 4 foot 8 in hight roughly so i need them to grow faster and i want them to merge together any tips please.

[@DaruDhillon]

The planting distance will determine when it forms at hedge. As long as your cedars are getting sun, water and fertilizer you’re doing the best for them. The rest is patience. They grow the most in the third year and beyond! They should really start to take off in growth now.

[@da324]

Do those white cedars grow good on the central west coast of Florida (Clearwater)? If not, do similar cedars that get at least 10 feet grow here? Thanks!

[@DaruDhillon]

White cedars grow best in northern areas. There are varieties that grow in Florida like Southern Red Cedars (Florida red cedar). I'm not from the south so I would check with your local nurseries to see what native trees are available. Nurseries usually have an arborist. They will be well informed on what trees thrive in your area. I would select a native tree that you love, plant and enjoy. They'll have some great options for you!

[@da324]

@DaruDhillon I'll do that...thanks!

[@AmandaSmith-mk7il]

Did you space the white cedar the same distance as the emerald green?

[@DaruDhillon]

I believe I planted those at 24”

[@caradechanguito9215]

Hi'Daru... I would like to plant a privacy fence with cypresses in small backyard but I don't know the type you mention at minute 1:00 to 1:12, when you show the fence.Thank you We love you videos

[@DaruDhillon]

Thanks Cara! Cypress are a hardy and lovely choice! The first hedge is an Emerald Cedar. Good luck with your planting! 💚

[@caradechanguito9215]

@@DaruDhillon Thanks 😊😊😊😊

[@Starseed-24]

My deck is 2.5 ft off the ground. I want to put in a hedge, and extend the deck like yours. How much space should I account for between the fence and deck(width of hedge) for tree maintenance?

[@DaruDhillon]

You can account for as much space as you can. This yard is narrow so the distance is about 4 feet. I would tie my ladder to the hedge when trimming because it’s tight. Always nice to have more room but it worked out.

[@Starseed-24]

@@DaruDhillon My yard is on a slope and the narrowness of the yard and how beautiful you designed your yard is exactly my inspiration! My yard is on a slope. Looking to extend the deck to the fence accounting for an emerald cedar hedge. Can the trees thrive if I build in an open bottom raised bed or is it in better in the ground and covering the initial 2.5 feet?

[@DaruDhillon]

I grew up planting Yellow and Red Cedars with my family in B.C. where these plants are native, along with Emerald Cedars and other varieties. After moving East, I've still been planting Emeralds but have added White Cedars to the mix, which locally we call Swamp Cedars. If you have any questions about Arborvitaes please let me know! Thanks for watching. Join the conversation below. 🪴Watch NEXT: How to Build RAISED GARDEN BEDS + 3 Ways to connect your Beds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naeXf3t8aa9qoLM

[@zilly1]

I am not finding White Cedars in B.C. is this only available in Ontario?

[@DaruDhillon]

@@zilly1 Hi I'm from BC you have lots of native options available. I'd check local nurseries to see what they recommend. Yes, whites are grown out east but you can get a similar look with BC native cedars.

[@wisetiger2548]

​@@DaruDhilloncan you please make a video about how do you trim cedar hedge after the 1st year of planting with some tips. Thank you 😊

[@DaruDhillon]

@@wisetiger2548 Excellent idea! Thanks for the suggestion 👍🏽

[@gurimehta5428]

Thanks so much for your videos. I'm in California. What would you recommend for USDA Zone 10a?

[@mmcdon16nova]

I have a question - can I do something like this with green giant trees? Those can grow to massive heights, so I'd want to prune them, but I'd ideally like to use them for their deer resistance. The last owner of my house had other cedars that the deer tore through unfortunately.

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes you can! Green giants make a beautiful hedge. Spacing should be a little wider since they are fast growing. Sorry to hear about your hedges. Deers can be a challenge. They should avoid them if there are other food sources available. 🍃

[@Feedfront]

Do you still need to water them after 10 years? I thought they were less maintenance after roots are established

[@DaruDhillon]

@@Feedfront the first summer/fall is the most critical. Second year water during heat waves, dry spells. After that they are established and low maintenance. Good question. Thanks!

[@ube4856]

Once you trim the top, do you have to keep trimming the top? Or will it continue to grow up. It'd be nice if it would stunt the growth so I wouldn't have to trim the top all the time.

[@DaruDhillon]

That’s the beauty of cedars. Most people will only trim them once a year. Once you’ve chosen the height you like. Thanks for the question and happy planting! 🌲

[@logmeindangit]

Yes you have to keep trimming the top. New growth will branch out and rise upward, too.

[@DaruDhillon]

@@logmeindangit You know it! :)

[@kylewaggoner6267]

So do the neighbors cut the other side? Doesn’t it get intrusive on their side if they don’t?

[@DaruDhillon]

@@kylewaggoner6267 you can trim them or they can. I would often do it because it was easy and something I enjoyed.

[@MrsB_734]

Are those big white cedars known as "Green Giant Arborvitae"?

[@DaruDhillon]

These are not green giants but giants are a lovely tree.

[@angeltrudo]

@DaruDhillon We love in Florida and are looking for an option for privacy hedges that are low maintenance. We do have deer in the preserve behind our pond tho. Do these work for Florida? We’re Lakewood Ranch area. Ty in advance.

[@jackspencer8290]

Nice video. My question would be which variety of arborvitae are they? Emerald green can be planted closely like that. Techny arborvitae need to be much further. Yes, these are not the scientific names, but they’re the names people know when buying.

[@dennisgundlach87]

beautiful

[@mattpatrick2564]

Is that a wood or vinyl fence? If wood, any issues staining or maintaining it? Thanks, looks amazing 😀

[@DaruDhillon]

The fence is wood, is a poorly built and not mine. So I’ve never maintained it. Would be a little tricky to do but possible.

[@loretodalimonte8062]

how far away from a fence should the Arborvitaes be planted to create a privacy hedge?

[@DaruDhillon]

If you have a bigger garden you can plant them further away from the fence. These were planted close to it. They have lots of sun and air flow. I have a video on planting these hedges next to a fence that shows you how.

[@davidc-l9174]

Beautiful! What an area that doesn’t get 6+ hours of sun per day? Also, what if you have deer?

[@DaruDhillon]

In my experience deer eat them. Even ones that are resistant.

[@CVenza]

Great information! I love Arborvitae. Can they be planted in large pots? Are there Arborvitae with shorter heights?

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi! You can purchase them as short as 24” inches high. Smaller ones can be in planted in pots that are watered regularly but larger ones don’t do as well as planters as they can dry out. They are a beautiful and a lovely addition to a garden. 💚

[@1weirdfishes]

Do you think these would grow well in Edmonton?

[@DaruDhillon]

Emeralds wouldn’t be prairie-hardy for your winters but varieties of white cedars are available like Techny. Or Skybound.

[@TheSonsOfIreland]

My dog likes to eat berries off of hedges which is not good for the dog. Does the Arborvitaes (Cedar) have berries?

[@DaruDhillon]

No berries and pet safe.

[@zerihunamha]

Hello Do cedars grow in humid and hot climates?

[@DaruDhillon]

There are so many varieties of cedars that grow around the world in the hot areas like the Mediterranean etc. I’d recommend talking to a local nursery to see what types work best where you live. It’s best to choose something hardy that is suited to your climate so it will thrive.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

Plant the hedge on the outside so the neiborhood can enjoy the beautiful look Ask the neibor if they could ditch the old fence to replace with the hedge.

[@DaruDhillon]

The original neighbor was the reason for the hedge. Weeds 4ft high in the summer over the entire yard. Sweet couple moved in years later and made it a lovely home. ❤️

[@askjeevescosby2928]

@@DaruDhillon well then time to let them see the beautiful hedge 🤣

[@elizabethcuevas-neunder6158]

I’m in Florida and I need about 35 five feet Arborvitae cider’s. Where can I purchase them?

[@DaruDhillon]

Hi Elizabeth, your local garden store or nursery should be able to help you out. 🌲

[@Annie-px5ni]

Can the same be done with pyramidal arborvitae

[@DaruDhillon]

Yes. You can do this with most arborvitae and it will look stunning.

[@tanyakathy5987]

How far apart did you plant the eastern whites? Thanks.

[@DaruDhillon]

The eastern whites are about 20”. These trees were very wiry to start. If they are fuller you can plant them further apart too. Hope that helps Tanya! 👍🏽

[@katieferguson5844]

Would these work good with the heat in the Deep South with the heat? I can’t tell where you are…

[@DaruDhillon]

These can grow in US Growing Zones 3-8. If you have prolonged periods of intense heat and drought these would not be the best choice as they like a well watered soil in the hot summer months for the first two years until they are established. I’m in Toronto. Hello from your neighbor to the North 🇺🇸

[@ygtbr]

Wish I planted my Emeralds 10 years ago.

[@DaruDhillon]

I hope you are enjoying them now. 🌲

[@EufemiaCarbajal]

How do you keep birds out of them?? We have a small yard similar to these and previous owners did not trim them so they are huge now! We want to trim them but don’t know if that will kill them and also will trimming them help keep birds away??? HELP

[@DaruDhillon]

You can trim them back as long as you’re cutting green. If you cut back to any brown areas those areas are unlikely to regrow. Haven’t had any issues with birds. Hope you find a solution that works. :)

[@ivanxyz1]

But wait until maintenance time. My neighbor planted his arborvitae all along his property for all the reasons you mentioned in your video. 10 years later, he said, if he had known what he knows now, he would not have planted the arborvitaes. He said life is too short. So what do you wish you knew earlier? You never said.

[@handytbutler7380]

i live in rochester new york, not sure about trees but want to put some of these around the deck in our backyard would they hold up in the northeast like here? your houses where you live are tied in like new york city, grew up like that and now have 2 acres and love it.. look forward to your feedback, love your channel....

[@DaruDhillon]

Hello Rochester! 🇺🇸 I’m north of you in Toronto so arborvitaes/cedars in your area should do well. Keep in mind deer may enjoy them too if that’s an issue. 👍🏽

[@handytbutler7380]

@@DaruDhillon well they did enjoy the apple trees i tried to grow lol. Thanks for the reply

[@DaruDhillon]

@@handytbutler7380 anytime ❤️

[@lot5953]

Can we grow this in Seattle Washington State?

[@DaruDhillon]

You have lots of great options for arborvitaes/cedars in your area. Your local nurseries will have them on hand. They do well in that environment. I cared for lots of hedges like when I lived just north of your beautiful state on Vancouver Island. Good luck with your gardening!

[@shelly9369]

My arbies are 30 ft tall. I have 10 that are adjacent to my driveway. I never trimmed them. Im soooo attached. They are soft and beautiful but are way too big. I might have to remove them and let them go. Up late searching for resolutions. 😢

[@DaruDhillon]

I hope you find a solution and thanks for sharing your story. Someone can find it helpful.

[@shelly9369]

@DaruDhillon Thank you! 😊