Image: Proper Planting Technique for Arborvitae

This high-resolution landscape image illustrates proper planting technique for Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) in a spacious, sunlit field, offering a clear and realistic visual guide for gardeners, landscapers, and educators. The composition focuses on three young Arborvitae trees arranged in a straight row, each positioned near a freshly dug planting hole. The scene captures the essential elements of soil preparation, spacing, and planting depth in a naturalistic yet instructional setting.

Each Arborvitae tree displays vibrant green foliage with a dense, conical form typical of healthy young specimens. The scale-like leaves are tightly packed, forming soft vertical sprays that extend from the base to the apex. The trees are evenly spaced, with generous gaps between them to allow for mature growth and airflow—demonstrating best practices for long-term health and structural integrity.

In front of each tree lies a freshly dug hole, with rich, dark brown soil mounded around the perimeter. The holes are circular and appropriately sized, with steep, clean edges and a depth that matches the root ball height—ensuring the tree will be planted at grade level. The soil is loose and crumbly, indicating proper tilling and aeration. Clumps of earth and finer particles are visible, adding realism and texture to the scene.

The foreground features a mix of green grass and exposed soil, with patches of yellow and brown interspersed—suggesting a natural, transitional planting area. The grass is slightly uneven, reinforcing the authenticity of an active planting site. The central tree is positioned slightly closer to the viewer, creating depth and guiding the eye through the planting sequence.

In the midground, the disturbed soil transitions to a well-maintained lawn that stretches toward the horizon. The field has a gentle slope, rising slightly from front to back, and is bordered by a line of deciduous and evergreen trees in various shades of green. A young deciduous tree with lighter foliage stands to the left of the central Arborvitae, adding botanical contrast and spatial balance.

Above, the sky is a clear, radiant blue with a few wispy clouds drifting across the upper portion of the image. Sunlight enters from the top left, casting soft shadows that emphasize the contours of the soil mounds and the texture of the Arborvitae foliage. The lighting is natural and even, enhancing the clarity and realism of the planting process.

The overall composition is structured yet organic, ideal for illustrating Arborvitae planting fundamentals. It conveys key horticultural principles: proper spacing, soil preparation, planting depth, and environmental context. This image serves as a valuable visual reference for instructional guides, nursery materials, and landscape planning resources.

The image is related to: A Guide to the Best Arborvitae Varieties to Plant in Your Garden