07/28/2026
These are great trees that can act as a natural fence line while adding privacy for your yard. Call today for a free estimate 540-775-7838.
WOODY KEYSTONE PLANTS: The Thuja (arborvitae) genus appears in the Wild Ones roster of native woody plants that serve as larval hosts where it is listed as supporting caterpillars of 50 Lepidopteran species, including the Autumnal, Engrailed, and Juniper Pug moths. In addition, these trees produce seeds in their cones that serve as a preferred food source for several bird species, while their dense, evergreen foliage provides nesting sites and reliable cover from predators and inclement weather.
The only species of Thuja native to the East Coast is American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), also known as Northern Whitecedar. In Virginia, it is found in the mountains and one county in the Piedmont. This evergreen tree can be used as a landscape specimen or grouped in a hedge for screening purposes.
Learn more about the characteristics and care of Arborvitae on the MGNV website at https://mgnv.org/plants/native-plants/trees/thuja-occidentalis/