Skybound Cedar

Skybound Cedar (Thuja occidentalis Skybound) Care Guide

Overview

Skybound Cedar (also known as Skybound Arborvitae or Skybound Cedar/Thuja) is a columnar, narrow evergreen prized for its upright growth habit, dense foliage, and excellent cold hardiness. It is often used as a tall screen, vertical accent, or hedge in landscapes where space is limited.

• Mature height: ~ 15 to 20 ft, width: ~ 45 ft.

• Exceptional winter hardiness, suitable for colder climates.

• Dense, dark green scale-like foliage along a narrow column.

1. Planting & Site Selection

• Sunlight: Full sun is best for foliage density and health. Partial shade is tolerable but may lead to thinner foliage.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Avoid sites where water tends to stand.

• Spacing: Because of its narrow form, you can space it 34 ft apart for a privacy screen, but more if you want full, unconfined growth.

• Shelter: In very exposed, windy sites, some shelter or protection from winter desiccation may be helpful.

2. Watering & Establishment

• First Year: Keep the root zone moist (not soggy) while the tree establishes. Deep watering is beneficial.

• After Establishment: More drought tolerant, but in extended dry periods supplemental watering helps maintain vigor and foliage.

• Mulching: Use 23 in of organic mulch around the base (leaving a gap at the trunk) to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

3. Fertilizing

• In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer if growth appears weak or foliage is pale.

• Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen, which may push excessive soft growth vulnerable to winter damage.

4. Pruning & Maintenance

• Timing: Late winter to early spring before new growth begins.

• How to Prune:
  Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  You can lightly trim the outer growth to maintain shape or keep the column narrow, but avoid cutting deeply into old wood cedars generally dont regrow from bare wood.
  Avoid heading cuts that remove large sections of interior branches.

5. Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Foliage is dark green and dense, giving good year-round screening.

• In very cold or drought conditions, some browning or flagging of branch tips may occur proper health and watering reduce this risk.

• Because of its strong vertical form, it adds architectural interest in the winter landscape.

6. Pests & Disease Management

• Common Issues:
  Needle blights or tip blights can occur in humid, poorly ventilated sites.
  Root rot may develop in poorly drained soils.
  Pests like mites, scale, or bagworms may occasionally affect cedars.

• Prevention & Control:
  Ensure good air circulation and avoid over-crowding.
  Avoid overhead watering or prolonged foliage wetness.
  Monitor regularly and remove infected foliage early.
  Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root stress or disease.

7. Winter & Cold Protection

• Skybound Cedar is very cold-hardy and generally does not need special winter protection, even in harsh climates.

• For young plantings, a winter watering before freeze-up helps ensure the tree goes into winter well hydrated.

• In areas with heavy winds or sun exposure, a wind buffer or snow fencing may help reduce desiccation.

8. Landscape Uses

Ideal as anarrow screen or windbreak where space is limited
Great as avertical accent or spine in hedges and mixed plantings
Suitable for tight urban landscapes where a wide tree would be impractical
Works in formal or informal designsproviding structure and winter greenery

Photo from Bylands Nursery