{"product_id":"primo-arborvitae","title":"Primo Arborvitae","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAn Ultra-Narrow Column for Pencil-Thin Privacy\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimo Arborvitae (\u003cem\u003eThuja occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e 'IsItom', sold as First Editions Primo) packs dense, deep-green foliage into one of the narrowest columns available - about 8-10 feet tall and just 1-2 feet wide. It needs almost no shearing to stay tidy, making it ideal for slim screens and tight modern plantings where every inch counts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrimo 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 'IsItom'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimo Arborvitae, First Editions Primo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-2 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow - 4-8 inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade (4+ hours)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate; water deeply through the first two seasons.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b-5a)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdaptable; tolerates Minnesota clay-loam.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen - tightly held deep green sprays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow - deer browse arborvitae; protect with fencing or repellent the first 2-3 winters.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Status\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies native to Minnesota; 'IsItom' is a cultivated narrow selection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrimo Arborvitae Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePencil-Thin Privacy for Small Spaces\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimo is pencil-thin — just 1 to 2 feet wide — but tops out at a manageable 8 to 10 feet, so it gives you narrow privacy without towering overhead. That makes it ideal for tight side yards, beneath utility lines, or small city lots where a 20-foot column would be too much. Plant them 1.5 to 2 feet apart for a slim screen along a fence or lot line in Edina, Plymouth, and St. Paul. One caution for western suburbs: deer browse arborvitae heavily, so see the deer note below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVertical Structure at Human Scale\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimo's tight, columnar form adds crisp vertical structure without the height of the giants. Use a single plant to punctuate a bed or a matched pair to frame a doorway or window in Maple Grove or Wayzata — formal lines that stay in proportion to a one-story home. The deep green foliage is held tightly, so it keeps clean edges with little to no shearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart-Shade and Cold-Tough Sites\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to roughly -40°F and tolerant of part shade down to about four hours of sun, Primo is more forgiving than the tall, sun-demanding narrow types. It can hold a vertical line on the shadier north or east side of a house or in a cold, exposed corner where fussier columns struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Primo Arborvitae in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an evergreen, Primo establishes best when planted in \u003cstrong\u003elate August through mid-September\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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. \u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April through May)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Primo Arborvitae\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDig wide, not deep.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMind the moisture.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBackfill with amended soil.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace for the use.\u003c\/strong\u003e Set plants 1.5 to 2 feet apart for a slim screen, or use single plants as narrow vertical accents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuild a water basin.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch with bark.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Primo Arborvitae in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Deep soak every 1 to 2 days (15–25 minutes at a slow trickle).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 2 to 3 days — arborvitae need more consistent moisture than junipers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 4 to 6 days during active growth; don't let the root zone dry out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater deeply through the first two seasons while the plant establishes. After that, Primo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Primo Arborvitae survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasily — it's hardy to roughly -40°F (USDA zone 3), comfortably below anything the Twin Cities' zone 4b–5a delivers. As with any narrow column, brush off heavy snow so it doesn't bend, and give a deep December watering to limit winter burn; in very exposed sites a burlap wind screen the first winter helps, though Primo's cold-hardiness makes it one of the more reliable skinny arborvitae here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it deer-resistant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — deer favor arborvitae as a winter food and will browse Primo wherever they can reach, especially in high-pressure western suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Chanhassen. Plan to protect it: a winter repellent rotated through the season, a burlap or netting wrap, or fencing. Where deer pressure is severe and protection isn't practical, a narrow juniper offers a vertical accent with genuine deer resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow tall and wide does it get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimo stays slim at 1 to 2 feet wide and tops out around 8 to 10 feet tall, growing slowly at 4 to 8 inches a year. It's the pick when you want a narrow column that won't outgrow a small yard or reach into utility lines. Space several in a row for a screen, since one plant won't fill any width.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSting Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — an even taller, razor-thin column for dramatic 15-to-20-foot vertical accents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThin Man Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — a fast, narrow green column for quicker, slightly fuller screens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — the classic narrow arborvitae for tidy, formal privacy hedges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHetzii Columnaris Juniper\u003c\/strong\u003e — a deer-resistant narrow green column for high deer-pressure yards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Primo Arborvitae Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimo is only 1–2 feet wide, so a screen takes more plants than a typical arborvitae — space them 1.5–2 feet apart on center for a solid slim wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScreen Length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlants at 2-ft Spacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor accents, a single column punctuates a bed, and matched pairs flank a door or gate at 3–4 feet from the structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrimo Arborvitae Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh, bright-green new growth tips the tight sprays as the column resumes its slow, tidy 4–8 inches of growth — no shearing needed to keep the line crisp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e A dense, deep-green exclamation point that holds its pencil-thin silhouette through heat and humidity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stays rich green as deciduous neighbors turn, becoming the structural anchor of the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Holds color and form through -40°F; brush off heavy snow so the narrow column doesn't splay, and protect from browsing deer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Shade-Tolerant   ✔ 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\/sting-arborvitae\"\u003eSting Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — a taller razor-thin column when you want more height drama.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/thin-man-arborvitae\"\u003eThin Man Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — a faster, fuller narrow column for quicker screens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/emerald-green-arborvitae\"\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — the classic formal hedge arborvitae where you have a bit more width.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hetzii-columnaris-juniper\"\u003eHetzii Columnaris Juniper\u003c\/a\u003e — the deer-resistant vertical alternative for high-pressure yards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Primo Arborvitae Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it if you need true vertical structure or privacy in a space measured in inches — tight side yards, under wires, small urban lots, or formal frames — with at least 4 hours of sun and soil that doesn't bake dry. It's not a fit for unprotected high-deer areas (arborvitae is winter candy for deer) or for anyone needing a fast screen; at 4–8 inches a year, Primo rewards patience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#3 Gallon","offer_id":54281572679985,"sku":"GT-E3446.8","price":96.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#6 Gallon","offer_id":54281572712753,"sku":"GT-E3446.9","price":182.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/primo-arborvitae.jpg?v=1779469304","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/primo-arborvitae","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}