{"product_id":"degroots-spire-arborvitae","title":"DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMinnesota's Most Distinctive Spiraled Evergreen Specimen\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eDeGroot's Spire Arborvitae (\u003cem\u003eThuja occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e 'DeGroot's Spire') is the rare ornamental evergreen that doubles as a privacy plant. Its dense, twisting spirals of foliage rise to 15–20 feet on a tight 3–4 foot footprint, giving you sculpture-like architecture that stays evergreen through Minnesota's coldest winters. Reliable to -40°F. Whether you're flanking a Minneapolis front door, anchoring a St. Paul corner bed, or creating a textured screen along a Wayzata driveway, DeGroot's Spire delivers narrow vertical drama you can't get from boring 'Emerald Green' rows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eDeGroot's Spire Arborvitae Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003ctable\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThuja occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e 'DeGroot's Spire'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeGroot's Spire Arborvitae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow to moderate — 6–12 inches per year in Minnesota\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun (6+ hours) for tightest spiral form; tolerates part shade with looser growth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Established plants tolerate average rainfall.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Prefers well-draining sites; amend heavy clay with compost.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen — tightly twisted scaled foliage in distinctive spirals, holds green color through winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40°F once established. No burlap wrap required in the Twin Cities metro.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtect in first 1–2 years — deer browse young arborvitae heavily in winter in western suburbs.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Status\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies (\u003cem\u003eThuja occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e \/ Eastern White Cedar) is native to Minnesota; 'DeGroot's Spire' is a cultivated narrow form\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eDeGroot's Spire Arborvitae Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eFront-Door and Entry Anchor Plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeGroot's Spire's narrow vertical spirals make it the go-to choice for flanking a front door, garage corner, or formal entry pillar. Pairs of plants 6–8 feet apart create instant architectural symmetry that doesn't need shearing to maintain. The unique spiral texture catches afternoon light beautifully against brick or limestone facades common in 1920s Minneapolis bungalows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMixed-Border Vertical Accent\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a perennial border or shrub bed, DeGroot's Spire works as a 'living obelisk' — a vertical exclamation point among lower mounding shrubs and grasses. Pair with Limelight Hydrangea, Karl Foerster Grass, and Boxwood 'Green Velvet' for a four-season composition that holds visual interest from May bloom through January snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrivacy Without the Bulk\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you need height for screening but can't sacrifice 8–10 feet of bed depth to a 'Techny' Arborvitae, DeGroot's Spire holds the line at 3–4 feet wide. Space plants 36–42 inches on center for a continuous narrow hedge that fits between a driveway and a property line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFall — late August through mid-September — is the ideal planting window for evergreens like DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae. Soil is still warm enough for root development, cool air reduces transplant shock, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before the typical mid-November ground freeze in the Twin Cities. The earlier window matters specifically for evergreens because they continue losing moisture through their needles all winter, so root establishment before freeze is critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eSpring (late April through May, after ground thaw) is the second-best window — you get a full growing season ahead. Avoid summer planting (June–August) when possible; if you must, water heavily and mulch deeply. Never plant after mid-October or before late April, when frozen ground or frost-heaving will kill new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width, same depth. In heavy clay, dig even wider (3–4x).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCheck for clay hardpan — if water pools in the hole, break through the clay layer or mound-plant 2–3 inches above grade to improve drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed with 20–30% compost. Don't fill the hole with pure compost — it creates a \"container\" effect that traps water around the roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpacing — 6–8 feet apart for entry pairs and accent groupings; 36–42 inches for narrow continuous hedge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBuild a 3–4 inch water basin around the plant to direct water to the roots. Flatten or remove the basin in late October to prevent ice damage over winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMulch with 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chip mulch, kept 2 inches away from the trunk. Do NOT use gravel mulch — it doesn't insulate roots in Minnesota winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eWatering DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 3–4 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 5–7 days during active growth; less if rainfall is adequate (Minnesota averages roughly 3 inches\/month June–August)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in Twin Cities metro). Continued late-fall watering can push tender new growth that gets killed by winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOne deep watering in early December is a good idea for evergreens if fall has been dry — it helps the plant resist winter desiccation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEstablished DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae rarely needs supplemental water. Water deeply during droughts (2+ weeks of no rain combined with temps above 80°F).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSoak to 6–8 inches depth, every 7–14 days during dry spells. Let natural rainfall do the rest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eDrip Irrigation in Minnesota\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eDrip works well for DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae if your beds already have a system. Place emitters 12–18 inches from the trunk. Always blow out lines and shut off the timer by early October — frozen drip lines split.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill DeGroot's Spire survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — rated to USDA zone 3, hardier than the entire Twin Cities metro (zone 4b–5a). No burlap wrap needed for established plants. First-year plants benefit from a thick mulch ring to prevent frost-heaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the spiral form get loose or floppy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot in full sun. In shadier sites the spirals can open up and growth becomes leggier. For the tight, sculpted look most buyers want, plant where it gets 6+ hours of direct sun. A single light shearing every 2–3 years in late spring helps maintain the form if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeer browse all arborvitae in winter when food is scarce. Protect first-year plants with snow fence or deer netting, especially in western suburbs (Minnetonka, Wayzata, Chanhassen). Established plants over 5 feet usually keep their upper canopy intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does DeGroot's Spire compare to 'Holmstrup' or other narrow arborvitae?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Holmstrup' is similar height (10–15 ft) and hardiness but has straight, conventional foliage — no spiral texture. DeGroot's Spire is the choice when you want sculptural ornament; 'Holmstrup' is the choice when you want plain dense privacy. Both grow at similar rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlow to moderate — 6–12 inches per year in Minnesota. A 10-gallon plant (~5–6 ft tall at purchase) reaches mature 15–20 ft in 10–15 years. Plant near final size if you want the look immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoxwood 'Green Velvet'\u003c\/strong\u003e — Low globe form anchors the base of DeGroot's Spire's vertical line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKarl Foerster Grass\u003c\/strong\u003e — Vertical grass plumes echo the spiral form in a softer, deciduous texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimelight Hydrangea\u003c\/strong\u003e — Lime-green summer blooms against DeGroot's Spire's dark green spirals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHetz Midget Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — Dwarf globe companion for layered foundation plantings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many DeGroot's Spire Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a continuous narrow hedge, space DeGroot's Spire 3–3.5 ft on center (mature width 3–4 ft):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:480px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eRun Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003ePlants Needed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3–4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e6–7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e12–13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e60 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e18–20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an ornament, plant a single spire as a living obelisk in a bed, or a pair 6–8 ft apart flanking a door or garage corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDeGroot's Spire Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh bright-green growth tips every twisted spray, sharpening the spiral texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense, sculptural green column — the twisting foliage catches afternoon light in a way no straight-foliaged arborvitae can.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Holds deep green as beds go dormant, becoming the structural anchor of the foundation planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen spirals against snow — its narrow profile sheds snow loads well, and the color stays good through -40°F cold.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hetz-midget-arborvitae\"\u003eHetz Midget Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — a dwarf globe to anchor the base of the vertical line in foundation beds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/holmstrup-arborvitae\"\u003eHolmstrup Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — the straight-foliaged narrow upright for plain dense privacy alongside the sculptural spire.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/emerald-green-arborvitae\"\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — the classic tight hedge column to run between spiral accents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-arrow-juniper\"\u003eBlue Arrow Juniper\u003c\/a\u003e — a silver-blue vertical that contrasts beautifully with the green spirals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs DeGroot's Spire Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it if you want sculptural evergreen architecture — entry pairs, living obelisks, or a hedge that fits a 3–4 ft strip — in a full-sun spot in the Twin Cities. It's not a fit for shady sites (the spirals loosen and get leggy) or for unprotected first-year plantings in heavy deer country: plan on netting young plants for a winter or two in the western suburbs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#3 Gallon","offer_id":54117365711153,"sku":null,"price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54117365743921,"sku":null,"price":46.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#10 Gallon","offer_id":54117365776689,"sku":null,"price":123.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#15 Gallon","offer_id":54117365809457,"sku":null,"price":150.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#20 Gallon","offer_id":54117365842225,"sku":null,"price":192.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5' BB","offer_id":54117365874993,"sku":null,"price":260.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6' BB","offer_id":54117365907761,"sku":null,"price":288.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7' BB","offer_id":54117365940529,"sku":null,"price":329.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8' BB","offer_id":54117365973297,"sku":null,"price":384.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/img_02_degroots-spire-arborvitae.jpg?v=1778046932","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/degroots-spire-arborvitae","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}