1 Choose the variety and check the space
Determine the final width and height of the variety, sun, drainage, and distance from property lines and utilities. Spacing is not the same for narrow Emerald thujas and wide fast-growing varieties.
⚠ Warning: Before digging deeper, check the location of underground cables and pipes. Do not plant thujas directly above utilities.
2 Mark the direction and spacing
Stretch a string and mark the position of each seedling. For many dense hedges, the spacing is approximately 60–100 cm, but follow the recommendation for the purchased variety and the desired width.
3 Dig a wide trench or holes
The hole should be approximately twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. Loosen the side walls and improve drainage before planting if water stagnates for a long time.
4 Plant at the same depth
Remove the pot, untangle only circularly wrapped roots, and place the top of the ball level with the surrounding soil. Fill in with a mixture of existing soil and a moderate amount of compost, without burying the trunk.
5 Water and mulch
Water each seedling abundantly to let the soil settle, fill in any depressions, and apply 5–8 cm of mulch without touching the trunk. During the first season, maintain even moisture and check it under the mulch.
? Tip: Less frequent, deep watering cycles encourage the root to go deeper; daily surface wetting creates a shallow and sensitive root.