Trees

Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'

Degroot's Spire arborvitae

Young Degroot's Spire arborvitae in nursery rows; not current Reminiscent stock or mature landscape form. Bizon Nursery Co. watermark retained. Photo: Mark Bolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Degroot's Spire is a narrow, upright arborvitae with rich green foliage arranged in twisted compact sprays. The close outline brings vertical structure to a garden without the width of a broad conifer. Cold winter conditions can add a bronze cast, giving this slow-growing evergreen a subtle seasonal change while preserving its columnar presence.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part sun
Size: Height: 15–20 ft · Width: 4–5 ft
Water: Average
Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7

Sizes & prices

#10Degroot's Spire Arborvitea$159.99
#15Degroot's Spire Arborvitea$189.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Narrow columnar
Growth rate: Slow
Use: Accent; narrow-space hedge; foundation planting

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Deer browse the foliage; protect plants where browsing pressure is high.
Drought: Poor tolerance of dry or exposed, windy sites.
Wet soil: Species tolerates wet sites but grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; green, bronze cast in cold winters

Growing & care

Pruning: Shape lightly in early spring if necessary, retaining leafy growth; avoid cutting into bare old wood.
Soil: Moist, fertile loam or clay, neutral to alkaline; avoid drought and drying wind.
Issues: Deer browsing can be severe. Bagworms, leaf miners, scale and mites can occur; snow, ice and winter burn can damage foliage or branches.

Sources & photo credits

Berns Garden Center

NC State Extension

www.taylorsnursery.com

www.udel.edu

www.knps.org

Photo: Mark Bolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Young Degroot's Spire arborvitae in nursery rows; not current Reminiscent stock or mature landscape form. Bizon Nursery Co. watermark retained. Photo: Mark Bolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.