Topiary Arborvitae: The Art of Shaping Evergreens

Oleh Holly Harris June 09, 2023 Post a Comment

Topiary arborvitae is a versatile and beautiful way to add a touch of artistry to your garden. It involves trimming and shaping evergreen trees or shrubs into decorative shapes, such as animals, spirals, or geometric figures. This ancient horticultural practice requires patience, skill, and creativity, but it can result in stunning and unique landscape designs that will impress your guests and inspire your neighbors.

In this blog post, we will explore the world of topiary arborvitae, from its history and techniques to its benefits and challenges. We will also provide some tips and ideas for beginners and enthusiasts who want to try their hand at this fascinating art form. So, let's dive into the world of topiary arborvitae and discover its secrets!

Topiary arborvitae has been around since ancient times, when people used it to create living sculptures and symbols of power and prestige. The Greeks and Romans were particularly fond of this art form, and they created impressive topiary gardens that included labyrinths, animals, and mythological creatures. Later on, during the Renaissance, topiary arborvitae became fashionable again, and it was used to enhance the beauty of palaces, villas, and public parks.

Today, topiary arborvitae is still popular among gardeners and landscapers, who appreciate its aesthetic and practical values. Topiary trees and shrubs can be used to create focal points, boundaries, screens, and accents, and they can be adapted to different styles, from formal to informal, from classic to contemporary. Moreover, topiary arborvitae can be enjoyed all year round, as evergreens retain their foliage and shape even in winter.

However, topiary arborvitae is not an easy task, and it requires some knowledge and skills to achieve good results. You need to choose the right plants, tools, and techniques, and you need to be patient, consistent, and creative. In the following sections, we will guide you through the main aspects of topiary arborvitae, from selecting the right plants to pruning them correctly.

1. Choosing the Right Arborvitae

The first step in creating a topiary arborvitae is to select the right tree or shrub for your purpose. Not all arborvitaes are suitable for topiary, as some varieties have a natural growth habit that is difficult to control or shape. Therefore, you should look for the following characteristics when choosing your plants:

Compactness: Arborvitaes that have a dense and bushy growth habit are easier to shape than those with an open or loose habit. Look for cultivars that have been selected for their compactness, such as "Emerald Green", "Holmstrup", or "Rheingold".
Symmetry: Arborvitaes that have a symmetrical shape or branching pattern are more suitable for geometric or formal designs than those with irregular or asymmetrical shapes. Look for plants that have a central leader and evenly spaced lateral branches, such as "Smaragd" or "Techny".
Size and age: Arborvitaes that are young and small are easier to shape than those that are mature and large. Look for plants that are less than 5 feet tall and less than 3 years old, as they are more flexible and responsive to pruning.
Health and vigor: Arborvitaes that are healthy and vigorous are more resilient and adaptable to topiary than those that are stressed or diseased. Look for plants that have no signs of pests or diseases, and that are well-watered and fertilized.

Once you have selected your arborvitaes, you should prepare them for topiary by pruning them lightly and shaping them into a basic form. This will help them develop a strong framework and encourage the growth of new shoots that can be trained later on.

2. Pruning Techniques

Pruning is the most important aspect of topiary arborvitae, as it determines the shape, size, and density of the plant. Pruning involves cutting off or pinching back unwanted or excess growth, and promoting the growth of desired branches and foliage. There are several techniques that you can use to prune your arborvitaes, depending on the style and complexity of your design:

Shearing: Shearing is the most common and straightforward technique of pruning topiary arborvitae. It involves using sharp hedge shears to cut the tips of the branches in a straight line, following the outline of the desired shape. Shearing is best suited for geometric shapes, such as cones, spheres, or spirals, as it creates a uniform and smooth surface.
Pinching: Pinching is a more delicate and selective technique of pruning topiary arborvitae. It involves using your fingers or pruners to pinch off the tips of the new growth, leaving a small stub that will stimulate the growth of lateral buds. Pinching is best suited for detailed and intricate designs, such as animals, letters, or numbers, as it allows you to control the direction and length of the branches.
Wiring: Wiring is a more advanced and artistic technique of pruning topiary arborvitae. It involves wrapping thin wires around the branches and bending them into the desired shape, while keeping them in place until they set. Wiring is best suited for free-form and abstract designs, such as clouds, waves, or flames, as it allows you to create more organic and fluid shapes.

Whatever technique you choose, make sure to prune your arborvitaes regularly and judiciously, as over-pruning or under-pruning can damage or deform the plants. Also, make sure to use sharp and clean tools, and to disinfect them between plants, to avoid spreading diseases.

3. Maintenance and Care

Topiary arborvitae requires some maintenance and care to ensure its health and longevity. Here are some tips on how to care for your topiary arborvitae:

Watering: Arborvitaes need regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Make sure to water your topiary arborvitae deeply and thoroughly, and to mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Fertilizing: Arborvitaes need regular fertilizing, especially in poor or sandy soils. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it according to the instructions.
Pest and disease control: Arborvitaes are susceptible to several pests and diseases, such as spider mites, bagworms, and root rot. Monitor your topiary arborvitae regularly for signs of infestation or infection, and treat them promptly with appropriate pesticides or fungicides.
Winter protection: Arborvitaes are hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, but they may suffer from snow or ice damage if not protected. Wrap your topiary arborvitae with burlap or plastic cloth, or spray them with an anti-desiccant spray, to prevent drying or breaking of the branches.

By following these tips, you can maintain your topiary arborvitae in good condition and enjoy its beauty for many years.

4. Design Ideas

Topiary arborvitae can be used in various ways to enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. Here are some design ideas that you can try:

Formal hedges: Create a classic and elegant look by using topiary arborvitae to form a hedge or a border around your garden or property. You can use simple geometric shapes, such as rectangles, diamonds, or cylinders, or you can create more elaborate designs, such as arches, pyramids, or knot gardens.
Focal points: Create a striking and memorable focal point by placing a topiary arborvitae in a prominent spot, such as a corner, an entrance, or a patio. You can use a single plant or a group of plants, depending on the size and style of your garden.
Accents: Create a dynamic and playful effect by using topiary arborvitae as accents or surprises in your garden. You can place them in unexpected places, such as on top of a wall, in a pond, or on a tree trunk, or you can create whimsical designs, such as animals, birds, or mushrooms.
Screens: Create a private and functional space by using topiary arborvitae as screens or barriers. You can shape them into tall and narrow columns or walls, or you can create a more open and naturalistic effect by shaping them into waves, clouds, or flames.

Whatever design you choose, make sure to harmonize it with the overall style and theme of your garden, and to consider the colors, textures, and proportions of other elements, such as flowers, shrubs, and furniture.

Topiary arborvitae is an art form that combines nature and culture, creativity and skill, tradition and innovation. It offers a wide range of possibilities for enhancing the beauty and functionality of your garden, and it allows you to express your personality and taste through living sculptures. However, it also requires some dedication and knowledge to achieve good results, and it may pose some challenges and risks, such as pests, diseases, or weather conditions.

By following the tips and ideas presented in this blog post, you can your journey into the world of topiary arborvitae and create your own masterpiece. Remember to choose the right plants, tools, and techniques, to prune and care for your topiary arborvitae regularly, and to enjoy the beauty and benefits of your creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Topiary Arborvitae?

Topiary arborvitae is the art of shaping evergreen trees or shrubs into decorative forms, such as animals, spirals, or geometric figures. It involves pruning and training the plants to maintain a desired shape and size, and it requires patience, skill, and creativity.

2. What are the benefits of Topiary Arborvitae?

Topiary arborvitae has several benefits for gardeners and landscapers, such as:

Aesthetic appeal: Topiary arborvitae creates unique and stunning landscape designs that can enhance the beauty and value of any property.
Versatility: Topiary arborvitae can be adapted to different styles, from formal to informal, from classic to contemporary, and it can be used for various purposes, such as focal points, screens, hedges, or accents.
Year-round interest: Topiary arborvitae retains its foliage and shape throughout the year, even in winter, providing a constant source of color and texture.
Educational value: Topiary arborvitae teaches important skills, such as pruning, plant selection, and design, and it encourages creativity and appreciation of nature.

3. What are the challenges of Topiary Arborvitae?

Topiary arborvitae also has some challenges and risks, such as:

Plant selection: Not all arborvitaes are suitable for topiary, and some may have a natural growth habit that is difficult to control or shape.
Pruning techniques: Topiary arborvitae requires precise and judicious pruning, and over-pruning or under-pruning can damage or deform the plants.
Maintenance and care: Topiary arborvitae requires regular watering, fertilizing, pest and disease control, and winter protection, to ensure its health and longevity.
Time and effort: Topiary arborvitae requires patience, dedication, and skill, and it may take several years to achieve a mature and complex design.

4. What tools do I need for Topiary Arborvitae?

You will need several tools for topiary arborvitae, such as:

Hedge shears: Sharp and sturdy hedge shears are essential for shearing and shaping the plants.
Pruners: Small and sharp pruners are useful for pinching and trimming small branches and shoots.
Wire cutters: Thin and strong wire cutters are necessary for wiring and bending the branches into the desired shape.
Gloves: Thick and protective gloves are recommended for handling the plants and the tools, especially if they have thorns or sap.

5. Can I create Topiary Arborvitae myself?

Yes, you can create topiary arborvitae yourself, but it requires some knowledge and skills. You should with simple and basic designs, and gradually progress to more complex and challenging ones. You should also consult gardening books, online tutorials, or professional landscapers, for advice and inspiration.

6. How often should I prune my Topiary Arborvitae?

You should prune your topiary arborvitae regularly, at least once or twice a year, depending on the growth rate and the desired shape. Spring and summer are the best seasons for pruning, as the plants are actively growing and can recover quickly from the cuts.

7. What are the best arborvitaes for Topiary Arborvitae?

The best arborvitaes for topiary arborvitae are those that have a compact and symmetrical growth habit, such as:

"Emerald Green": A dense and uniform cultivar that retains its green color all year round.
"Smaragd": A slender and conical cultivar that has a fine texture and tolerates heat and drought.
"Holmstrup": A globe-shaped and slow-growing cultivar that is suitable for small spaces and containers.
"Rheingold": A colorful and dwarf cultivar that has golden foliage in spring and summer, and bronze foliage in winter.

8. How do I protect my Topiary Arborvitae from pests and diseases?

You can protect your topiary arborvitae from pests and diseases by:

Monitoring the plants regularly for signs of infestation or infection, such as holes, webs, or discoloration.
Removing any affected or dead branches or foliage, and disposing of them properly.
Applying appropriate pesticides or fungicides, according to the instructions and precautions.
Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices, such as disinfecting the tools and avoiding cross-contamination.

9. Can I shape my Topiary Arborvitae into any form?

Yes, you can shape your topiary arborvitae into any form that you like, as long as it is feasible and aesthetically pleasing. However, some forms may be more challenging or risky than others, and may require more skill and experience. You should also consider the size and location of your design, and whether it harmonizes with the surrounding elements.

10. How do I care for my Topiary Arborvitae in winter?

You can care for your topiary arborvitae in winter by:

Watering the plants deeply before the ground freezes, to ensure their hydration.
Mulching around the base with straw or leaves, to insulate them from the cold and retain moisture.
Wrapping the plants with burlap or plastic cloth, to protect them from snow or ice damage.
Spraying the plants with an anti-desiccant spray, to prevent drying or breaking of the branches.