Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' – White Cedar / American Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' is a fast-growing, columnar evergreen conifer prized for its dense, soft-textured foliage and naturally upright habit. Producing rich green, scale-like sprays that hold their colour reliably through all four seasons, 'Brabant' is one of the most popular choices for privacy hedging, windbreaks, and structured garden planting across the UK. Its elegant, narrow form and vigorous growth rate mean it delivers effective screening quickly, while remaining far easier to manage than many comparable conifers.

With its tolerance for a wide range of soils and conditions, year-round evergreen coverage, and excellent response to clipping, Thuja 'Brabant' is equally at home in formal garden designs, rural shelter belts, and everyday suburban boundaries. A reliable, low-fuss performer that repays straightforward care with consistent, attractive growth.

Habit & Appearance

Form and foliage. 'Brabant' develops a strongly upright, columnar silhouette that naturally stays neat and well-defined without excessive intervention. The foliage is arranged in flat, feathery sprays of soft, aromatic, mid-green scale-like leaves. In spring, fresh growth emerges in a slightly brighter, lime-tinged green before deepening to a full, lush mid-green through summer. Unlike many conifers, 'Brabant' holds its colour well into autumn and winter, providing structural interest and visual coverage throughout the coldest months. Left unpruned, plants can ultimately reach 5–6 metres or more in height, though they are easily maintained at any desired height with regular trimming.

Growth rate. One of 'Brabant's' most valued qualities is its vigorous growth — under good conditions it can put on 40–60 cm per year, making it one of the fastest-establishing hedging conifers available. This rapid growth, combined with its dense branching habit, means effective screening can be achieved relatively quickly after planting.

Growing Conditions

Position. Thuja 'Brabant' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best in an open, sunny aspect but tolerates dappled shade well, making it versatile for planting alongside walls, fences, or existing trees. It is fully hardy throughout the UK and withstands exposed sites and cold winds, making it an excellent choice for shelter belt planting in more challenging locations.

Soil. Adaptable to most fertile, well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sandy ground. 'Brabant' tolerates moderately moist conditions better than many conifers but will not thrive in waterlogged or poorly drained ground. Improving drainage and incorporating organic matter at planting will give the best results on heavier soils. A slightly acid to neutral soil pH suits this species well, though it copes with mildly alkaline conditions too.

Planting spacing. For a dense, uniform hedge, plant approximately 60–80 cm apart. For a quicker, thicker initial screen, spacing plants closer at around 50–60 cm will encourage faster canopy closure. For shelter belts or more informal planting, wider spacing of up to 1 metre is acceptable as the plants will naturally bush out over time.

Care

Watering. Water regularly and thoroughly during the first growing season after planting to allow the root system to establish fully. This is especially important during dry spells in spring and summer. Once established, Thuja 'Brabant' becomes reasonably drought tolerant and will require supplementary watering only during prolonged dry periods.

Feeding. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertiliser in early spring to support strong, healthy growth. A feed formulated for conifers or hedging plants is ideal. Mulching around the base with bark or compost in spring helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature extremes.

Pruning. One of the great advantages of 'Brabant' is its natural inclination to hold a neat, upright form. Light trimming once or twice a year — ideally in late spring and again in late summer — is all that is required to maintain a crisp, formal hedge line. Avoid cutting back hard into old, brown wood, as Thuja does not regenerate readily from bare stems. Regular, modest trimming from an early stage produces the densest and most attractive results. If left untrimmed, 'Brabant' will develop a more relaxed, conical shape that still looks attractive in informal settings.

Ideal Uses

• Privacy and security screening – Dense, year-round foliage provides effective visual and noise screening for gardens and properties.

• Windbreaks and shelter belts – Strong, bushy growth offers excellent wind protection for exposed plots and rural locations.

• Formal hedging – Clips cleanly to a precise, uniform line for structured, formal garden schemes.

• Garden boundaries – An attractive, evergreen alternative to fencing that softens boundaries with natural greenery.

• Specimen planting – A single plant or a small group creates a bold, vertical accent in mixed borders or open lawn settings.

Why Choose Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant'?

• Fast-growing – Establishes quickly for earlier screening and shelter.

• Evergreen year-round – Rich green foliage provides colour and coverage in every season.

• Low maintenance – Naturally tidy habit with minimal

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

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Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.