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Plant Options
| Bare Root Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-99 | 100+ |
| 6" - 12" | Available Spring 2027 - Email to Join the Waitlist | Available Spring 2027 - Email to Join the Waitlist |
| 12" - 18" | Available Spring 2027 - Email to Join the Waitlist | Available Spring 2027 - Email to Join the Waitlist |
| 18" - 24" | Available Spring 2027 - Email to Join the Waitlist | Available Spring 2027 - Email to Join the Waitlist |
| Potted Prices | ||
| Height | 1-50 | 50+ |
| 18" - 24" | $25.00 | $23.00 |
| 2' - 3' | $35.00 | $33.00 |
| 3' - 4' | SOLD OUT (45.00) | SOLD OUT (45.00) |
| 3' - 4' | 55.00 (10 gallon container) Limited Availability | 55.00 (10 gallon container) Limited Availability |
Description
Description
The Techny Arborvitae is one of the most dependable evergreen trees available for windbreaks, privacy screens, and shelterbelts. A selected clone of the native White Cedar (American Arborvitae), this exceptional cultivar was originally discovered growing in Mission Gardens in Techny, Illinois, where its superior characteristics led to its widespread propagation. It is sometimes referred to as the “Mission Arborvitae.”
Known for its rich dark green foliage, dense growth habit, and excellent cold hardiness, Techny Arborvitae consistently outperforms many other arborvitae varieties in challenging Midwestern conditions. Its foliage extends all the way to the ground, providing outstanding year-round privacy and wind protection. Unlike many evergreens, Techny naturally sheds much of the previous year’s interior foliage each fall, creating a beneficial mulch layer around the base of the tree.
With proper spacing and growing conditions, Techny Arborvitae can become a large, long-lived evergreen. Mature trees commonly exceed 30 feet in height and 16 feet in width, and can live for over 100 years. Its multiple-leader growth habit helps it recover from occasional snow or ice damage, making it a resilient choice for windbreaks and rural plantings.
Techny Arborvitae thrives in moist, well-drained soils and adapts well to clay soils, higher pH conditions, and areas receiving at least 25 inches of annual rainfall. While more drought tolerant than many arborvitae varieties, supplemental watering is recommended during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Deer browsing can be a concern, especially on younger plants, and protection may be necessary in high-deer areas.
- Mature Height: 25-30 feet
- Mature Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast (1–2 feet per year)
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soils; performs well in clay and higher pH soils
- Hardiness Zone: 3–7
- Deer Resistance: Low; protection may be needed in winter
Planting Recommendations
Proper spacing is critical for long-term health and performance due to Techny’s shallow root system.
- Single Row: 10–12 feet apart
- Double Row: 14 feet apart within rows, 16 feet between rows
- Multiple Rows: 14 feet apart within rows, 20 feet between rows
- Distance from Large Evergreens: At least 18 feet
During the first few years after planting, foliage may appear somewhat thin as the root system becomes established. This is normal for arborvitae and improves as the tree matures.
Techny Arborvitae is widely considered one of the best arborvitae selections available for windbreaks, privacy screens, and rural landscapes, combining rapid growth, durability, excellent winter color, and long-term performance.