A Rich Green Compact Globe That Holds Winter Color

Planet Earth Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Planet Earth', a First Editions selection) is a rounded, compact evergreen with deep green foliage that resists the winter bronzing common to globe arborvitae. Growing slowly to 3-4 feet tall and wide, it keeps a neat shape with little care - a versatile green anchor for foundations and mixed beds.

Planet Earth Arborvitae Plant Details

Planet Earth Arborvitae Uses in Minnesota Landscapes

Foundation Plantings and Front-of-Border Structure

At a tidy 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, Planet Earth holds a naturally round shape that gives foundation beds year-round structure without ever outgrowing the window line. Repeat three or five along the front of the house, or use single globes to frame a walkway or entry in Edina, Plymouth, or Woodbury. Because it stays small and round on its own, it never needs the shearing a full-size hedge demands.

Low Edges, Mass Plantings, and Small Spaces

Its compact size makes Planet Earth ideal for the tight beds of townhomes and smaller lots where a big evergreen would swallow the space. Group several as a low informal edge along a bed or path, or tuck single plants between perennials for an evergreen anchor that carries the garden through winter in Maple Grove and St. Paul.

Containers and Year-Round Color

Planet Earth is small enough to anchor a large entry container or patio pot, and its deep green foliage resists the dull winter bronzing that plagues many arborvitae — so it stays a rich green through the cold months. In a container, give it extra winter protection, since potted roots are far less insulated than those in the ground.

Best Time to Plant Planet Earth Arborvitae in Minnesota

As an evergreen, Planet Earth establishes best when planted in late August through mid-September. The soil is still warm enough to drive root growth, while cooler air eases transplant stress and gives the plant six to eight weeks to settle in before the ground freezes around mid-November. Spring (late April through May) is the solid second choice, leaving a full season to root before the first winter. Avoid the heat of midsummer, and never plant after mid-October — evergreens set out too late are prone to winter desiccation before their roots can support them.

How to Plant Planet Earth Arborvitae

1. Dig wide, not deep. Make the hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball but no deeper — the top of the root ball should sit slightly above grade. In heavy clay, go even wider.
2. Mind the moisture. Arborvitae like consistent moisture, so a spot that doesn't bake dry is ideal — but avoid standing water; if drainage is poor, mound-plant a few inches high.
3. Backfill with amended soil. Mix your native soil with 20 to 30 percent compost to hold moisture and loosen heavy clay; this species rewards a richer backfill than junipers do.
4. Space for the use. Set plants about 3 feet apart for a low mass planting or edge, or use single globes as accents.
5. Build a water basin. Form a 3 to 4 inch soil ring around the base to channel water to the roots. Flatten it before winter so ice doesn't collect against the trunk.
6. Mulch with bark. Spread 2 to 3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips, kept 2 inches off the trunk, to lock in the moisture arborvitae crave. Skip gravel mulch — it bakes roots and gives no winter insulation.

Watering Planet Earth Arborvitae in Minnesota

First Year Watering Schedule

• Weeks 1–2: Deep soak every 1 to 2 days (15–25 minutes at a slow trickle).
• Month 1–2: Every 2 to 3 days — arborvitae need more consistent moisture than junipers.
• Month 3–6: Every 4 to 6 days during active growth; don't let the root zone dry out.
• Stop watering 2 to 3 weeks before the ground freezes (late October in the metro) — then give one last deep soak in early December, especially if fall was dry, to limit winter burn.

After Year One

Water deeply through the first two seasons while the plant establishes. After that, Planet Earth needs supplemental water mainly during dry spells — a deep soak every 7 to 10 days when there's been two-plus weeks without rain. It is less drought-tolerant than juniper or spruce, so don't let it bake, and always finish with that early-December deep watering before freeze.

Will Planet Earth Arborvitae survive a Minnesota winter?

Yes — it's hardy to roughly -40°F (USDA zone 3), and one of its best traits is that it resists the winter bronzing that turns many arborvitae a dull brown, so it stays deep green through the cold. The main thing to manage is winter burn in very exposed sites; a deep December watering and, for newly planted globes, a light burlap screen the first winter help it sail through.

Is it deer-resistant?

No — arborvitae are a favorite winter browse for Minnesota deer, and Planet Earth is no exception, especially in high-pressure western suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Chanhassen. The good news is that its small 3-to-4-foot size makes it easy to protect: a quick burlap or netting wrap, or a rotated repellent, gets it through winter. Plan on protecting it the first 2 to 3 winters if deer visit your yard.

How big does it get, and does it need pruning?

Planet Earth tops out around 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and grows slowly — just 3 to 6 inches a year — holding a round shape on its own. That means no regular shearing; an occasional light trim is all it ever needs to stay tidy.

You May Also Like

• Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae — a soft, feathery dwarf globe in a similar compact size for foundations and borders.
• Golden Globe Arborvitae — a rounded globe with bright golden-yellow foliage for a pop of color.
• Autumn Moon Arborvitae — a compact selection with seasonal color shifts for mixed beds.
• Lemon Burst Arborvitae — a small gold-tipped globe that brightens shadier corners.