Thuja occidentalis
Eastern arborvitae

Problems include bagworm, mites, scale insects and leaf miner, all of which would require some treatment. Despite this list, when properly sited, problems are typically minimal. Properly selected, pruning is seldom needed. Deer, who enjoy the taste of this species very much, like to do considerable pruning. If deer are a problem in your area, consider using Thuja plicata, a species much less palatable to them. Snow and ice loads can cause a permanent bending of the leader or leaders, often resulting in the need for plant removal. This problem is most acute on the cultivars with multiple leaders. Once a plant is so damaged, it is virtually impossible to return the leader to straight growth. Avoid shearing tree forms when young as this encourages multiple trunk formation. Competing leaders can be successfully removed when plants are still young.

Usage: The narrow habit and tolerance of this evergreen to shearing has made it a popular choice for screens and large sheared hedges. With the variety of cultivars that mature at differing sizes, the need for pruning and shearing can be eliminated. Although it can be used for hedging, other species are often a better choice. The smaller forms are useful in the shrub border, rock garden and even as specimen plants. Cultivars include very narrow and wide forms, broad-rounded small shrubs, variegated selections and cultivars with blue-green color. The native Americans used the wood for ribs in their birch-bark canoes and early settlers used the highly rot resistant wood for shingles.