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Steeplechase Arborvitae
Steeplechase Arborvitae
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Thuja standishii x plicata 'Steeplechase'
Steeplechase Arborvitae
The Steeplechase Arborvitae is a premium privacy evergreen celebrated for its dense, uniform growth, deep green color, and narrow upright form. A refined cultivar of Western Red Cedar, this bare root variety offers exceptional screening performance with a softer, more elegant texture than traditional hedging options.
Perfect for tight spaces or formal hedgerows, the Steeplechase grows rapidly and keeps its rich color year-round. Its natural pyramidal habit, minimal pruning needs, and adaptability make it a top choice for privacy walls, windbreaks, and green backdrops.
Steeplechase Arborvitae (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Thuja plicata ‘Steeplechase’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Steeplechase Arborvitae, Steeplechase Cedar |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 20–30 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 6–10 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–3 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 50–100+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best growth in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; consistent moisture preferred |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Rich dark green (evergreen year-round) |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Shelter for birds and pollinators |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, narrow, columnar pyramidal form |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | Yes |
| ↔️ Spacing | 4–6 ft for privacy hedge; 8–10 ft for standalone planting |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Privacy screens, windbreaks, foundation backgrounds, borders |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌳 Forms a natural privacy barrier with minimal trimming
🌞 Maintains deep green color all year, even in heat or cold
💨 Serves as a windbreak and sound buffer for residential areas
🐦 Offers habitat for birds and beneficial insects
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌲 Dense, refined foliage ideal for upscale privacy | 💧 Requires consistent moisture in early years |
| 🏡 Perfect for narrow spaces and formal landscaping | ❄️ May need protection from ice buildup in exposed winters |
| 🧱 Low maintenance and holds shape naturally | 🪵 Can grow large without regular size control if space is limited |
| 🌞 Adapts to sun, part shade, and varied soils | 🌱 Young plants benefit from staking in windy areas |
| 🐦 Excellent wind and wildlife shelter | 📏 Spacing too closely can reduce airflow and promote mildew |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak roots 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole 2× the width of the root spread; place crown level with soil
🌾 Add 2–3 inches of mulch to help retain moisture and reduce weeds
💦 Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first growing season
✂️ Prune only as needed in early spring to shape or maintain spacing
🧪 Fertilize in spring with a slow-release evergreen or conifer blend
The Steeplechase Arborvitae (Bare Root) is the perfect blend of elegance and privacy, combining stately appearance with fast, dependable growth. Whether you’re building a green fence or enhancing your home’s curb appeal, this upright evergreen delivers luxury-level performance with landscape-friendly efficiency.
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