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Arborvitae/Thuja
Great for screening and foundations or as a specimen.
Many options exist in this category. These trees are used so often to create privacy screens the simplistic beauty of larger varieties like Emerald Green or Green Giant is overlooked. When a foundational anchor is needed, a single tree such as Sky Bound or Sting compliments a grouping without overpowering smaller specimens.
The Arborbitae trees shown below are actively growing and performing well in NE Texas. Pictures shown below are of actual specimens contained in the Red River Conifer Gardens collection.
Occidentalis
Sting
Planted Fall 2025.
A newer introduction reminiscent of DeGroot's Spire, this striking narrow column is great for tight spaces or as an accent planted among spreaders.
Little Gem
Planted Fall 2022.
Less often found after 2024 as new introductions have become popular. Little Gem maintains a tight small ball and performs well with more shade than sun.
Amber Gold/Jantar
Planted Fall 2025.
This golden variety offers color while retaining a tight form.
Private Jet
.
Anna's Magic Ball
.
Skybound
.Planted Fall 2023.
Emerald Green
Planted Fall of 2022.
This is one of seven trees planted to frame the north end of the garden.
Berkman's Golden
Planted Fall of 2015.
This Berkman's Golden is approximately 5' tall by 5' wide. It is in shade for most of the afternoon during the summer months. Otherwise, it would likely be more gold than green. It has full sun nearly all day during winter.
Franky Boy
.
Golden Globe
.
Morgan
Westmont
Planted Fall of 2024.
This specimen was doing quite well the first year. During the Winter 2025-2026 deer grazed on it doing some damage. It has recovered nicely and retained its expected shape.
Westmont
Westmont
Planted Fall of 2023.
Another winter victim of deer grazing, this Westmont is quite similar to Morgan. This tree was brutally devoured leaving it somewhat misshapen. Prior to being attacked it had the typical shape and was doing well. I intend to give it a season a or two to recover. Westmont is not commonly available in 2026 in my searches but if another is found I will likely replace it.
Plicata
Lucky Find
Green Giant
Planted Summer of 2024.
Green Giant
Green Giant
Planted Spring 2023
This excellent tree forms two privacy backdrops above elevated surfaces framing the north and south ends of the. main gardens. There are 12 trees and all are doing well.
Fluffy
Fluffy
.