Go Back Arborvitae Tall Guy

Posted: March 16, 2026 at 10:11 AM

Thuja occidentalis ‘RutThu5’

Deer Resistant Icon

Plant Type: Conifer Trees

Selected by a First Editions® grower in 2017, Tall Guy® is a moderate to fast growing upright, columnar arborvitae. A better plant in production and the landscape than Emerald, maturing quickly with a single liner and no gaps in the habit from multiple leaders. Happily, it doesn’t mind cold winters surviving -33°F in Minnesota the winter of January 2019 without any winter burn. Resistant to Passalora/Cercospora needle blight. Bred by Dr. John Ruter at the University of Georgia.

Plant Availability

 Arborvitae Tall Guy is not available for purchase at this time.

Availability is updated regularly, and we are unable to take orders for items not listed as available. Please check back for updates.

Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Flower Color

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Foliage Color

Green

Plant Spread

2-3 ft.

Good Companions

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Plant Height

8-12 ft.

Scape Height

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Hardness Zone

4-8

Soil Moisture

Moist

Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes

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Bloom Time

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Critter Resistance

Deer

Exposure

Full Sun

Growth Rate

Moderate-Fast

Seasonal Interests

Summer-Fall