Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae

Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae is a sculptural, weeping form of the native Minnesota arborvitae — fine thread-like foliage cascades from gracefully weeping branches, a unique specimen for Wayzata, Edina, and Plymouth landscapes.

About Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae

Why You'll Love Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae

Deer-resistant evergreen

Junipers handle the worst Minnesota conditions — sun, dry soils, deer, road salt.

Privacy + foundation

Upright forms for screens; spreading forms for foundations and slopes.

Winter interest

Year-round color and structure against snow.

Weeping form of native arborvitae with thread-like foliage

Most unusual weeping habit of any arborvitae. That's why Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a juniper we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.

Planting Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae in the Twin Cities

Best planting window: Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.

Site selection: Full sun (6+ hrs). Choose a location with the mature size of 8-12ft tall × 5-8ft wide in mind — give Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.

Soil prep: Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam, sandy soils. Excellent drainage required. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.

How to plant:

1. Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Loosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.
3. Set Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae so the top of the root ball is 1-2" above grade.
4. Backfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.
5. Water deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.
6. Mulch 2-3" deep, keeping mulch 2" away from the stem.

Watering & Care

First year (establishment): Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6" deep — water when the top 2-3" feels dry.

Established (year 2+): Low. Highly drought-tolerant. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.

Winter prep: Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.

Pruning: Prune lightly in late spring or early summer. Avoid cutting into bare wood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae hardy in Minnesota?
Yes. Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae is rated for zones 3-9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Most unusual weeping habit of any arborvitae.

How fast does Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae grow?
Moderate — 12-18 inches per year. Expect mature size (8-12ft tall × 5-8ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.

Will deer eat Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae?
Rarely browsed — one of the most deer-resistant evergreens. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.

Can I plant Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae in part shade?
Full sun (6+ hrs).

What size gallon should I buy?
We typically offer Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.

Where We Deliver

Three Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.

How Many Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae Do I Need?

This is first and foremost a sculptural specimen — one plant makes a striking weeping focal point beside an entry, water feature, or boulder. Give it room for its 5–8 ft spread. To group it or use it as a loose evergreen screen, space plants about 6 ft on center:

For a natural look, plant in groups of 3 about 6 ft apart and let the weeping forms layer against one another.

Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae Season-by-Season in Minnesota

• Spring: Fresh thread-like growth pushes from the cascading branch tips in bright green.
• Summer: A full, weeping veil of fine emerald foliage — the sculptural habit is at its peak.
• Fall: Foliage deepens to rich green and the plant hardens off for winter; some inner needles shed naturally.
• Winter: Holds its evergreen color and weeping silhouette through the snow, giving the bed year-round structure to -40°F.

At a Glance

✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Four-Season Interest

Plant It With

• Techny Arborvitae — a dense upright native arborvitae for the screen behind this weeping accent.
• DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae — a narrow column whose vertical line contrasts the cascading habit.
• Hetz Midget Arborvitae — a low evergreen globe to anchor the front of the same bed.
• North Pole Arborvitae — a slim columnar evergreen for repeating vertical structure.

Is Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae Right for Your Yard?

This arborvitae shines in full sun with well-drained soil and enough open space to show off its weeping form, and it laughs off deer and Minnesota cold. It's not the right choice for deep shade (the habit opens up and thins) or wet, poorly drained ground, where arborvitae roots struggle — and in high-deer suburbs, give young plants a season of protection while they establish.