Choosing the right elements to place around arborvitae can dramatically transform the look and health of your landscape, turning a simple row of shrubs into a polished and intentional garden feature. Whether you are aiming for a low-maintenance border or a lush privacy screen, the area surrounding these evergreens requires careful consideration of soil, moisture, and aesthetics. This guide explores the best materials and plants to use in order to protect the roots, suppress weeds, and create a harmonious design that highlights the vertical structure of the arborvitae.
Before diving into specific options, it is helpful to understand the natural habits of arborvitae, which are typically hardy in a wide range of conditions but do have some preferences. They thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate consistent moisture, especially during establishment, while also disliking waterlogged roots. Keeping the base of the plant slightly elevated and free from heavy mulching that touches the trunk is key to preventing rot and disease. With these needs in mind, the items and plants you select around the arborvitae should support moisture retention, temperature regulation, and long term vigor.
Mulching Materials for Moisture and Weed Control
Applying a thoughtful layer of mulch is often the most important step you can take to create a healthy environment around arborvitae. Organic mulches break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients while helping to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Choosing the right texture and depth ensures the roots stay cool and protected without encouraging pests or diseases that thrive in overly damp conditions.
When deciding what to put around arborvitae, start with a two to three inch layer of mulch spread in a wide ring, taking care to keep the material a few inches away from the trunk itself. This small gap prevents the bark from staying wet, which can invite rot and fungal problems. A clean, well processed mulch will look neat, resist compaction, and provide a stable base for the long term health of the shrubs.
Shredded Hardwood Bark
Shredded hardwood bark is a popular choice for arborvitae because it is attractive, long lasting, and blends well with both formal and natural landscapes. The shredded texture resists blowing away in windy conditions and slowly decomposes to improve soil structure. Its rich, earthy tone also complements the deep green foliage, creating a refined look that requires little additional maintenance.
Because hardwood bark can settle over time, plan to refresh the layer every couple of years to maintain the desired thickness. Avoid using dyed mulches, as the chemicals and larger wood chips they sometimes contain can be less friendly to the shallow roots of arborvitae and may not break down as gracefully.
Fine or Medium Shredded Pine Bark
Fine or medium shredded pine bark offers a lighter color and a slightly more acidic environment, which many arborvitae varieties tolerate well. This option is especially effective in gardens where you want a softer visual contrast to the dark green needles. It also provides decent insulation against temperature swings, protecting roots during both hot summers and cold winters.
Keep in mind that pine bark nuggets, if too large, can create an uneven surface and make it harder to keep the area looking tidy. For a smoother finish around your arborvitae, stick with a shredded or composted version that integrates more cleanly into the landscape bed.
Complementary Plants for Visual Interest and Function
Pairing arborvitae with complementary plantings can turn a simple hedge into a dynamic part of the garden. By choosing plants that thrive in similar conditions, you reduce maintenance while adding layers of texture, color, and seasonal interest. Groundcovers, small shrubs, and ornamental grasses can all work beautifully at the base, provided they do not compete aggressively for water and nutrients.
When planning the planting palette around arborvitae, aim for species that are somewhat shade tolerant, since the evergreen canopy can cast a moderate shadow, especially in the afternoon. Selecting plants with staggered bloom times or varying foliage colors ensures that the area remains engaging throughout the year without detracting from the structured form of the arborvitae.
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Hostas and Ferns for Shade and Texture
Hostas are a classic choice for adding broad, lush leaves beneath arborvitae, creating a smooth transition between the structured hedge and the more casual ground below. Their wide, textured foliage helps suppress weeds and retains moisture, while many varieties offer white, lavender, or pale yellow flowers that add subtle color. Ferns contribute a light, airy quality, with fine fronds that soften the edges of the arborvitae and give the bed a woodland feel.
Both hostas and ferns prefer consistent moisture and rich, well-drained soil, making them natural companions for arborvitae in slightly shadier spots. Just be sure to space them so they have room to mature without crowding the base of the evergreens, which could lead to poor air circulation and increased disease risk over time.
Low Growing Shrubs and Compact Perennials
For a more structured look, consider low growing shrubs such as boxwood, dwarf lavender, or compact rosemary around the front edge of the arborvitae foundation. These plants maintain their shape longer and can be pruned lightly to create a seamless edge. They also bring additional fragrance and, in the case of lavender and rosemary, attract pollinators that benefit the entire garden.
Ornamental grasses like dwarf fountain grass or blue oat grass introduce movement and a soft, flowing contrast to the rigid lines of the arborvitae. Their fine blades catch light in the morning and evening, adding a subtle shimmer. Be mindful of the eventual size of these grasses and give them enough room to prevent the bed from looking overcrowded as they mature.
Hardscaping and Functional Elements
In some landscapes, pairing arborvitae with hardscaping materials can define garden rooms, frame entryways, or direct foot traffic. A well placed stone, brick, or gravel border signals where to walk, protects the roots from lawn mower damage, and gives the planting a polished, intentional appearance. The right hardscape also reduces the need for constant weeding and mowing around the base of the shrubs.
When installing edging or pathways near arborvitae, choose materials that allow some water to pass through rather than creating a solid barrier that traps moisture at the trunk. Combining a durable surface with a transition zone of mulch or low growing plants helps balance practicality with the health of the root system.
Stone or Brick Edging
Stone or brick edging creates a clean, defined border that works especially well in formal gardens. The structured lines echo the vertical habit of arborvitae, resulting in a cohesive, tailored look. Natural stone can soften over time with moss and weather, while brick offers a classic, uniform finish that remains sharp season after season.
Set the edging slightly back from the drip line of the arborvitae rather than right at the trunk, allowing space for mulch and preventing damage from lawn equipment. This approach maintains both the visual impact of the hardscape and the long term vitality of the shrubs.
Gravel and Pathway Materials
Gravel, decomposed granite, or compacted pathways provide excellent drainage and are ideal for high traffic areas where soil compaction could harm arborvitae roots. These materials are relatively low maintenance and can be edged with metal, stone, or even recycled plastic borders for a crisp appearance. Because they are porous, they help rainwater move away from the root zone rather than pooling around the base.
To keep the area looking intentional, rake the gravel to a consistent depth and refresh it periodically. Avoid letting gravel become wedged into the bark, as this can cause abrasion and create entry points for pests and diseases.
Practical Care Tips Around Arborvitae
Even after you decide what to put around arborvitae, ongoing care is essential to keep the planting bed looking healthy and attractive. Regular monitoring of moisture levels, especially during dry spells, ensures that the shrubs stay vibrant. At the same time, being cautious with fertilizers and deicing salts protects the sensitive foliage from burn and discoloration.
Simple habits such as checking the mulch depth annually, removing any debris that collects around the trunk, and pruning out damaged branches will go a long way. By combining thoughtful materials, complementary plants, and consistent maintenance, the area around your arborvitae can remain both functional and beautiful for many seasons.
Paying attention to the details of bed preparation, plant selection, and long term care will reward you with arborvitae that look strong, well integrated, and purpose driven in the landscape. As your garden evolves, observing how these shrubs interact with their surroundings will help you refine the design and make small adjustments that keep the space feeling fresh and intentional year after year.