Arborvitae, Skybound

Thuja occidentalis 'Skybound', a superior arborvitae cultivar specifically selected for its exceptional vertical presence, thrives in Zone 3-7 regions while providing an architectural evergreen solution for North Dakota landscapes. This remarkable selection grows with a distinctly upright, narrowly columnar habit, reaching impressive heights of 15-18 feet while maintaining a refined 3-5 foot width that remains proportional throughout its lifespan without requiring corrective pruning. 'Skybound' features densely packed, rich dark green foliage arranged in flat, fan-like sprays that overlap tightly to create a solid, uniform appearance year-round. The foliage retains its deep green coloration even during winter months, resisting the bronzing that affects many arborvitae varieties in cold weather. This cultivar grows at a moderate rate of 8-12 inches annually once established, allowing it to quickly fulfill its design purpose while avoiding the maintenance issues associated with extremely fast-growing species. The compact, ascending branches naturally develop in a tight pattern that resists splaying or opening even as the plant matures, maintaining its formal, architectural silhouette without internal bare spots that plague many columnar evergreens. 'Skybound' performs best when planted in full to partial sun locations with consistent soil moisture and protection from harsh elements. Site selection represents the most critical aspect of successfully growing this cultivar in North Dakota conditions - while cold-hardy to Zone 3, 'Skybound' should be avoided in locations with constant strong winds, extreme winter exposure, or chronically dry conditions that can stress the plant and cause foliage desiccation. When properly sited in protected locations such as eastern or northern exposures that buffer winter sun and wind, it develops into a stunning landscape element ideal for formal sentinel plantings, narrow privacy screens, living garden walls, or architectural vertical accents. Mulching the root zone and providing occasional deep watering during extended dry periods significantly enhances establishment and long-term performance. This exceptional cultivar combines refined aesthetic presence with structural reliability, offering North Dakota landscapes a sophisticated vertical element with minimal maintenance requirements beyond thoughtful initial placement.