Arborvitae, North Pole

Thuja occidentalis 'Art Boe', a remarkable selection of Eastern Arborvitae discovered by Minnesota nurseryman Art Boe, represents a significant breakthrough in cold-climate evergreen options for Zone 3-8 landscapes. This exceptional cultivar naturally develops a striking narrow columnar habit, reaching 10-15 feet in height while maintaining a slender 3-5 foot width without pruning, creating an ideal vertical accent for North Dakota properties where horizontal space is limited. The dense, tightly packed foliage grows in flattened sprays that overlap closely, creating a solid, uniform appearance unlike many arborvitae that develop gaps or thin spots with age. Young specimens display attractive yellow-green foliage, particularly on new growth, that gradually transitions to a rich, dark green as the plant matures, providing year-round color even during North Dakota's long winters. What truly distinguishes 'Art Boe' from other arborvitae varieties is its superior resistance to winter burn – the foliage desiccation that leaves many evergreens with unsightly brown patches after exposure to harsh winter winds and intense sun reflection off snow. This resilience derives from a combination of thicker cuticle development on the foliage and enhanced physiological mechanisms that regulate moisture retention during winter months. The cultivar also demonstrates excellent resistance to snow and ice damage, as its naturally narrow form and flexible branches shed heavy snow loads without breaking. 'Art Boe' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions and adapts to a variety of soil types, though it performs best in moderately moist, slightly acidic soils with good drainage. Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance while maintaining its lush appearance. This outstanding selection requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional deep watering during extended dry periods, making it an ideal choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, formal sentinel plantings, or vertical accents in North Dakota landscapes seeking year-round structure and screening with minimal winter damage concerns.