Forever Goldy™ Arborvitae

Pruning Forever Goldy Arborvitae trees is a simple yet essential task to maintain their attractive shape and vibrant golden foliage. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, as this helps reduce stress on the tree and encourages healthy, dense regrowth. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting them back to healthy wood. This ensures the tree remains vigorous and reduces the chance of pest infestations. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts and avoid cutting into old wood, as Forever Goldy Arborvitae may not regenerate well from deep cuts into older growth.

To maintain the tree’s naturally conical form, prune the tips of the branches lightly to keep a tidy appearance, especially if the tree is being used as a hedge or screen. When shaping the arborvitae, be careful not to remove too much foliage at once, as this can stress the tree and lead to sparse growth. If pruning is necessary to control size, trim back only the new growth rather than cutting into the older, woody parts. Regular light pruning helps the Forever Goldy Arborvitae keep its dense, compact form and prevents it from becoming overgrown or leggy. By following proper pruning practices, you can ensure that your Forever Goldy Arborvitae remains a vibrant, striking feature in your landscape for years to come.

Planting a Forever Goldy Arborvitae hedge begins with careful site selection and spacing to ensure healthy, vibrant growth. Choose a location that provides full sun to partial shade, as ample sunlight helps maintain the bright golden-yellow color of the foliage. The soil should be well-drained and slightly moist, as these trees do not tolerate standing water. Begin by digging holes twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root balls of your Forever Goldy Arborvitae. Space the trees about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for sufficient airflow and optimal growth without overcrowding. Place each tree in its hole, ensuring that the root collar is level with or slightly above the ground. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and organic compost, then water thoroughly to establish good root contact and eliminate air pockets. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around each tree will help retain moisture and prevent weed growth, but keep it away from the trunk to avoid rot.

Maintaining a Forever Goldy Arborvitae hedge involves consistent watering, especially during the first year after planting. During this establishment period, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to promote a strong and healthy root system. Once the hedge is established, it will become more drought-tolerant, but supplemental watering is recommended during extended dry spells, particularly in the summer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to ensure the hedge receives the nutrients needed for lush, healthy growth and vibrant color. Mulching each year will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and enrich the soil as it breaks down over time. This ongoing care will help your Forever Goldy Arborvitae hedge thrive and provide a beautiful, year-round privacy screen or windbreak.

Pruning your Forever Goldy Arborvitae hedge is essential for maintaining its shape and ensuring a dense, healthy appearance. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, focusing on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This will not only enhance the overall look of the hedge but also reduce the risk of pest problems. To keep the hedge uniform and well-shaped, trim back the tips of the branches lightly, being careful not to cut too deeply into old wood, as new growth may not regenerate from these areas. Regular, light pruning helps the hedge maintain its compact, conical form, prevents it from becoming overgrown, and encourages bushy growth. With proper planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning, your Forever Goldy Arborvitae hedge will provide year-round color, structure, and beauty to your landscape.

Forever Goldy Arborvitae trees are not considered a native cultivar, but rather a specially developed selection of Thuja plicata, commonly known as Western Red Cedar. The Western Red Cedar itself is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, from Alaska through Northern California. Forever Goldy was cultivated to enhance specific aesthetic qualities, such as its striking golden-yellow foliage and compact, upright growth form. These characteristics set it apart from the naturally green foliage of the native species, making it a popular choice for use in residential and ornamental landscapes where bright color and vertical structure are desired. Unlike the original native species, Forever Goldy Arborvitae is primarily used for decorative purposes and is less suited for restoration projects aimed at supporting local ecosystems.

While Forever Goldy Arborvitae is not a true native cultivar, it does share some of the resilience and adaptability of its native parent. It thrives in a variety of soils, from clay to loam, as long as there is good drainage, and it performs well in both full sun and partial shade. The unique, golden foliage provides year-round visual interest, making it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, or as an accent in foundation plantings. Although it lacks the ecological benefits of native cultivars in terms of supporting local wildlife, Forever Goldy remains an excellent low-maintenance choice for homeowners and landscapers looking to add vibrant color and structure to gardens and yards. To create a more wildlife-friendly landscape, consider pairing Forever Goldy with other native shrubs and perennials that provide habitat and food for pollinators and birds.

Forever Goldy Arborvitae trees are an excellent choice for creating a privacy hedge, thanks to their dense, upright growth habit and striking golden-yellow foliage that provides year-round color and coverage. Reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, Forever Goldy Arborvitae is ideal for establishing a medium-sized hedge that effectively blocks views while adding a vibrant accent to the landscape. The tree’s columnar form ensures a tidy and well-maintained appearance, making it perfect for use along property lines, as a screen for patios, or to separate different areas of a yard. Unlike traditional green arborvitae, the bright yellow foliage adds an extra layer of visual appeal, ensuring that the hedge is not only functional but also decorative.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Forever Goldy Arborvitae is well-suited for a privacy hedge because of its ease of care and adaptability. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9 and performs well in full sun to partial shade, which helps it maintain its vibrant golden color. Planting the trees approximately 3 to 4 feet apart will allow them to grow into a seamless hedge, providing complete privacy. Once established, Forever Goldy Arborvitae is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Its moderate growth rate allows for quick establishment without becoming unruly. Additionally, the evergreen foliage remains lush and full throughout the winter, ensuring consistent privacy and wind protection year-round. With its combination of vibrant color, dense growth, and ease of care, Forever Goldy Arborvitae is an outstanding choice for a beautiful and effective privacy hedge.

Forever Goldy Arborvitae trees have a moderate growth rate, typically growing between 6 to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions. This growth rate makes them ideal for gardeners who want to create a privacy hedge or add vertical accents without the rapid overgrowth that can sometimes become difficult to manage. Their steady, predictable growth allows them to develop into mature trees with a height of 10 to 12 feet and a width of about 3 to 4 feet over the course of several years, creating an attractive columnar form that remains dense and vibrant throughout the seasons. Factors such as full sun exposure, well-drained soil, and adequate watering can help ensure the tree reaches its full potential growth rate and maintains its bright golden-yellow foliage year-round.

While Forever Goldy Arborvitae does not grow as quickly as some other arborvitae varieties, its moderate growth is advantageous for those seeking a low-maintenance, manageable landscape feature. The golden-yellow foliage adds a burst of color to gardens and stays vibrant even during the winter months. Planting these trees in a location with plenty of sunlight will encourage optimal growth and keep the foliage healthy and bright. Regular deep watering, especially during the first growing season, helps establish a strong root system, which is essential for steady growth. Additionally, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support robust growth, ensuring that Forever Goldy Arborvitae continues to thrive at its natural pace while adding elegance and year-round color to your landscape.