Trees
Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOO'
Sting® arborvitae
Sting is an exceptionally narrow selection of eastern arborvitae, forming a tall, sword-like evergreen accent. Its very small footprint suits tight beds and designs that need height without a broad crown. The columnar outline supplies year-round structure and works particularly well as an individual vertical feature within a mixed planting.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part sun
- Size
- Height: 15–20 ft · Width: 12–18 inches
- Water
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 3–8
Sizes & prices
- #3$89.99
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
- Very narrow columnar
- Use
- Narrow-site screen; specimen; border accent
- Growth rate
- Moderate (grower rating)
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
Growing & care
- Site
- Avoid dry, exposed sites; deer browsing can be severe.
- 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
University of Minnesota Extension
Photo: Photo courtesy of Proven Winners. · Proven Winners nursery advertising photo terms
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.