How to Grow Your Own Privacy Fence Using American Arborvitae Tree Seeds

Creating a beautiful, natural privacy fence doesn't have to involve expensive wooden panels, vinyl fencing, or purchasing dozens of mature trees. With a little patience and the right growing techniques, you can grow your own living privacy fence using American Arborvitae tree seeds. These attractive evergreen trees provide year-round greenery, natural screening, wind protection, and a beautiful landscape feature that can last for generations.

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), also known as Northern White Cedar or Eastern Arborvitae, is one of North America's most popular evergreen trees for privacy screens and hedges. Its dense foliage, naturally upright growth habit, and tolerance for cold climates make it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a living green barrier.

Growing American Arborvitae from seeds is an affordable way to establish a privacy hedge, especially when planting along long property boundaries or creating multiple rows of trees.

Why Choose American Arborvitae for a Privacy Fence?

American Arborvitae offers several advantages over traditional fencing materials. Unlike wooden fences that eventually deteriorate or vinyl fences that require an upfront investment, a living arborvitae fence continues growing and improving with age.

Benefits of Growing an American Arborvitae Privacy Fence:

• Year-Round Privacy: Dense evergreen foliage provides screening throughout all four seasons.

• Cold Hardy: American Arborvitae generally thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 2–7.

• Natural Windbreak: Established rows can help reduce wind exposure around homes and gardens.

• Wildlife Habitat: Thick branches provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds.

• Low Maintenance: Once established, arborvitae trees require relatively little attention.

• Affordable Landscaping: Growing trees from seeds can cost considerably less than purchasing mature nursery plants.

• Attractive Appearance: Soft green foliage creates a beautiful natural backdrop for lawns, gardens, and outdoor living spaces.

American Arborvitae also responds well to selective pruning, allowing homeowners to maintain a more uniform hedge as the trees mature.

Understanding American Arborvitae Growth

Before planting seeds, it's important to understand how these evergreen trees grow.

American Arborvitae is naturally a medium-sized evergreen tree, although its final size depends on growing conditions, genetics, and pruning.

American Arborvitae Growing Information:

• Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis

• Common Names: American Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Eastern Arborvitae

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–7

• Mature Height: Commonly 30–60 feet when grown naturally

• Mature Width: Approximately 10–15 feet for typical mature trees

• Growth Rate: Generally slow to moderate, often around 6–12 inches annually once established

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil

• Foliage: Evergreen, soft, flattened green sprays

• Best Uses: Privacy fences, hedges, windbreaks, property borders, and natural landscaping

Unlike some fast-growing hybrid screening trees, seed-grown American Arborvitae develops at a more moderate pace. However, its longevity, cold tolerance, and natural beauty make it a worthwhile investment for long-term privacy.

Step 1: Start With Quality American Arborvitae Tree Seeds

The first step toward growing your own privacy fence is obtaining healthy American Arborvitae seeds.

American Arborvitae produces small, elongated cones containing tiny, winged seeds. These cones typically mature during late summer and fall, making autumn an excellent time to collect fresh seeds.

When purchasing seeds, look for properly identified Thuja occidentalis rather than assuming every arborvitae variety will produce the same type of tree.

Many popular landscaping arborvitae, including named cultivars, are propagated from cuttings because seedlings do not necessarily grow true to the parent plant.

For a privacy fence grown from seeds, expect some natural variation in height, shape, and growth rate.

Tip: Start more seeds than the number of trees you eventually need. Not every seed will germinate, and growing extra seedlings allows you to select the healthiest trees for your privacy fence.

Step 2: Cold Stratify Your Arborvitae Seeds

American Arborvitae seeds often benefit from a period of cold, moist stratification before planting.

Cold stratification imitates the natural winter conditions that seeds experience outdoors. This treatment can help break dormancy and improve germination consistency.

How to Cold Stratify American Arborvitae Seeds:

1. Place the seeds in a small container of room-temperature water for approximately 12–24 hours.

2. Moisten a handful of clean sand, peat moss, or seed-starting medium.

3. Mix the seeds with the damp material and place everything inside a labeled resealable plastic bag.

4. Store the bag in a refrigerator at approximately 34–40°F.

5. Leave the seeds refrigerated for approximately 30–60 days.

6. Check periodically to ensure the medium remains slightly moist without becoming waterlogged.

7. Remove the seeds after stratification and prepare them for planting.

Some fresh American Arborvitae seeds may germinate without cold treatment, but stratification is a useful technique for encouraging more consistent results.

Avoid freezing seeds in a solid block of wet growing medium or allowing excessive moisture to encourage mold growth.

Step 3: Plant American Arborvitae Seeds Indoors

Starting arborvitae seeds indoors gives you greater control over temperature, moisture, and early seedling development.

Late winter through early spring is an excellent time to begin indoor planting, particularly when seeds have already completed their cold stratification period.

Indoor Planting Instructions:

1. Fill seed-starting trays or small containers with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.

2. Lightly moisten the soil before sowing.

3. Scatter the seeds across the surface, spacing them apart to reduce overcrowding.

4. Press the seeds gently into the soil and cover with a very thin layer of growing medium, approximately 1/16–1/8 inch deep.

5. Mist the surface carefully to avoid washing away the small seeds.

6. Place the containers in a bright location with temperatures around 65–75°F.

7. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but never saturated.

American Arborvitae seeds require patience. Under suitable conditions, germination may begin within approximately 2–4 weeks, although some seeds can take longer.

A clear humidity dome can help retain moisture during germination, but provide ventilation and remove the dome once seedlings emerge to reduce the risk of fungal problems.

Step 4: Care for Young Arborvitae Seedlings

Once your American Arborvitae seeds germinate, the tiny evergreen seedlings will need consistent attention.

Young seedlings are much more delicate than established trees, particularly during their first few months of growth.

Important Seedling Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright light or use grow lights to encourage strong development.

• Watering: Keep the growing medium lightly moist without allowing roots to remain waterlogged.

• Air Circulation: Provide gentle airflow to help prevent damping-off disease.

• Temperature: Maintain moderate temperatures and avoid extreme heat.

• Fertilizer: Once seedlings are established, apply a weak, balanced fertilizer only when needed.

• Transplanting: Move seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle safely.

American Arborvitae seedlings generally grow slowly during their first year because much of their energy goes toward developing a healthy root system.

Don't be discouraged if your young trees appear small. Strong root development is essential for their future success.

Step 5: Choose the Best Location for Your Privacy Fence

Selecting the right planting location is one of the most important decisions when growing an American Arborvitae privacy fence.

These evergreen trees perform best in locations with adequate sunlight, reliable soil moisture, and enough room for mature growth.

Ideal Privacy Fence Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Choose an area receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight whenever possible.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal.

• Drainage: Avoid areas where water remains standing for extended periods.

• Space: Allow enough room for roots and branches to develop.

• Wind Exposure: Protect young trees from harsh winter winds when possible.

• Property Boundaries: Check local setback requirements and consider the mature width before planting.

Although American Arborvitae tolerates partial shade, trees grown in full sun generally develop denser foliage, making them better suited for privacy screening.

Avoid planting too close to buildings, driveways, sidewalks, or underground utilities.

Step 6: Determine the Correct Spacing for Your Arborvitae Privacy Fence

Proper spacing is essential for creating a dense, healthy evergreen privacy screen.

Planting trees too far apart can leave noticeable gaps, while planting them too closely may eventually cause overcrowding, competition for water, and poor air circulation.

For a thick privacy screen, planting trees approximately 5–6 feet apart can encourage the branches to overlap as they mature.

A staggered double-row planting can provide additional screening, but it requires more space and more trees.

Important: Seed-grown American Arborvitae may vary in size and shape. Plan your layout around the mature dimensions of the species rather than the compact dimensions of named nursery cultivars.

Step 7: Transplant Your Arborvitae Trees Outdoors

Once your seedlings have developed strong roots and sufficient top growth, they can gradually be prepared for outdoor planting.

For many gardeners, growing seedlings in containers for one or two seasons before installing the permanent privacy hedge provides a better opportunity to establish healthy plants.

How to Transplant Young Arborvitae Trees:

1. Gradually introduce indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7–14 days.

2. Select a cool, cloudy day during spring or early fall when possible.

3. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball.

4. Position the tree so the top of the root ball remains level with the surrounding soil.

5. Backfill using the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.

6. Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

7. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the tree, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Continue watering regularly during the first growing season, especially during periods of dry weather.

Young arborvitae trees are vulnerable to drought stress until their root systems become established.

Step 8: Encourage Thick, Healthy Privacy Fence Growth

A beautiful arborvitae privacy fence develops through consistent care rather than excessive fertilization or aggressive pruning.

Tips for Encouraging Dense Evergreen Growth:

• Maintain Soil Moisture: Water deeply during dry periods, especially during the first few years.

• Mulch Around Trees: Organic mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

• Provide Adequate Sunlight: Good sunlight encourages fuller foliage.

• Avoid Overfertilizing: Excessive fertilizer can damage roots or encourage weak growth.

• Prune Carefully: Light trimming can help maintain a uniform shape once trees are established.

• Protect From Deer: Deer frequently browse arborvitae foliage, particularly during winter.

• Monitor for Pests: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, and other potential problems.

When pruning arborvitae, avoid cutting deeply into old, bare wood because these areas may not produce new green growth.

For a maintained hedge, keeping the top slightly narrower than the base allows sunlight to reach the lower branches and helps preserve dense foliage near ground level.

How Long Does It Take to Grow an Arborvitae Privacy Fence From Seeds?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how long it takes to grow a privacy fence from American Arborvitae seeds.

The answer depends on growing conditions, planting distances, soil quality, climate, and the natural growth characteristics of individual trees.

American Arborvitae is not typically considered an exceptionally fast-growing evergreen, particularly during its earliest years.

General Growth Timeline:

• First 1–2 Months: Seeds germinate under suitable conditions.

• First Year: Seedlings develop roots and begin producing evergreen foliage.

• Years 2–3: Young trees become more established and begin increasing in height.

• Years 4–6: Healthy trees may begin providing noticeable partial screening.

• Years 7–10+: A more substantial privacy screen can develop as branches expand and overlap.

These estimates are approximate. Full screening may take considerably longer, especially when starting with seeds, planting at wider spacing, or growing in challenging conditions.

The advantage is that your privacy fence can continue growing and providing benefits for decades.

Can You Grow an Arborvitae Privacy Fence in Cold Climates?

Absolutely! American Arborvitae is native to northeastern and north-central North America and is particularly well adapted to cold winters.

Its tolerance for USDA Hardiness Zones 2–7 makes it suitable for many northern states, including Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of New York.

However, winter survival depends on more than temperature alone.

Young arborvitae trees can experience winter browning, moisture loss, and damage from heavy snow, ice, and deer browsing.

Winter Protection Tips:

• Water young trees thoroughly before the ground freezes if autumn conditions are dry.

• Apply mulch to help protect the root zone.

• Avoid excessive late-season nitrogen fertilization.

• Protect vulnerable trees from deer with suitable fencing.

• Use breathable wind protection where severe winter exposure is a concern.

• Gently remove unusually heavy snow accumulation when safe to do so.

Established American Arborvitae trees generally handle northern winters well when planted in appropriate locations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Arborvitae From Seeds

Growing a privacy fence from seeds is rewarding, but several common mistakes can delay progress or reduce success.

1. Planting Seeds Too Deep

American Arborvitae seeds are small and should only be lightly covered. Deep planting can prevent seedlings from reaching the soil surface.

2. Allowing the Soil to Dry Out

Germinating seeds and young seedlings need consistent moisture. Repeated drying can reduce germination and damage developing roots.

3. Overwatering Seedlings

Saturated soil encourages root problems and fungal diseases. Use containers with proper drainage.

4. Planting Trees Too Close Together

Crowded trees compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Allow enough room for mature growth.

5. Expecting Immediate Privacy

Growing American Arborvitae from seeds is a long-term landscaping project. It can take many years to create a substantial screen.

6. Ignoring Deer Damage

Deer browsing can severely damage young arborvitae trees and prevent a hedge from developing evenly.

7. Planting in Deep Shade

Although American Arborvitae tolerates partial shade, inadequate sunlight can result in thinner foliage and less effective screening.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Arborvitae Privacy Fences

Can American Arborvitae Be Grown From Seeds?

Yes. American Arborvitae can be successfully grown from seeds using proper germination, moisture, and seedling care techniques. Cold stratification often helps improve germination consistency.

How Many Arborvitae Seeds Should I Plant for a Privacy Fence?

Start more seeds than the number of trees required. For example, if your project needs 20 trees, planting 40–60 seeds or more provides an allowance for seeds that fail to germinate and seedlings that do not survive. Actual results depend heavily on seed quality and growing conditions.

How Tall Will American Arborvitae Grow?

Typical American Arborvitae trees can reach approximately 30–60 feet tall when allowed to grow naturally. Regular pruning can help maintain a shorter hedge, although the species is not naturally a dwarf evergreen.

Will American Arborvitae Stay Green During Winter?

Yes. American Arborvitae is evergreen, although some foliage may develop bronze or brownish tones during cold weather. Severe winter exposure can also cause damage.

Can I Grow an Arborvitae Privacy Fence in Containers?

Young American Arborvitae trees can be grown in containers while they develop. However, a permanent privacy fence is generally best planted directly in the ground, where the trees have room to establish extensive root systems.

What Is the Best Time to Plant Arborvitae Seeds?

Seeds can be collected during fall, cold-stratified during winter, and started indoors in late winter or early spring. Fall outdoor sowing is another option where natural winter conditions provide stratification.

Is American Arborvitae Better Than a Wooden Privacy Fence?

Both have advantages. Wooden fences provide immediate screening, while American Arborvitae offers natural beauty, wildlife benefits, and long-term evergreen coverage. Growing trees from seeds is generally more affordable but requires significantly more time.

Start Growing Your Own American Arborvitae Privacy Fence Today

Growing your own privacy fence using American Arborvitae tree seeds is a rewarding way to transform an open yard into a beautiful, naturally screened outdoor space.

With proper seed preparation, patient seedling care, thoughtful spacing, and consistent watering, these hardy evergreen trees can eventually create a lush green barrier that provides privacy, wind protection, and year-round beauty.

Whether you're planting along a backyard property line, creating a natural windbreak, or adding evergreen landscaping around your home, American Arborvitae offers an excellent long-term solution.

Instead of investing in an expensive traditional fence, consider starting with seeds and watching your living privacy screen grow year after year.