The Techny Arborvitae is not a new plant, but it is one that can be used in a variety of landscapes. It is readily available in a large variety of sizes from small container plants to larger B&B trees. Mature natural size is 15 to 20 feet high and six to eight feet wide, with a broadly pyramidal shape. Growth is moderate at about six to ten inches per year. Techny Arborvitae is hardy to Hardiness Zone 3 so it is well suited for most of Minnesota. Once they are established they require very little maintenance.

Techny Arborvitae is a cultivar of Thuja occidentalis, American Arborvitae or White Cedar, which is native to Eastern North America and south to North Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois. Techny Arborvitae was discovered in Mission Gardens, Techny, Illinois, hence, its additional name of Mission Arborvitae. It is the hardiest of the Arborvitae cultivars and is the best choice for Northern sites and difficult growing conditions. It is the most drought resistant of the Arborvitae and it will also tolerate heavy and moist soils. Techny Arborvitae will not tolerate continuously wet sites, but they will thrive in conditions that most plants considered as, 'tolerant of moist soils', will fail in. They tolerate a wide soil pH range, but a neutral pH is preferred.

One less than desirable trait of most Arborvitae is the browning and winter burning of foliage in open exposed sites. Techny Arborvitae will do well in these conditions and maintains its dark green color throughout the winter. In fact, Techny Arborvitae is a good plant that can be used to protect more tender plants from the winter winds.

The only pest of concern is the spider mite. This is only a concern in hot and dry locations where plants are not exposed to rain.

As a single specimen in the urban environment, Techny Arborvitae can be pruned and shaped as desired to compliment its location, or it can be left to grow to its natural height and shape. Techny Arborvitae can also be planted in small group plantings.

Techny Arborvitae is also an excellent hedge plant. When planted at 3.5 to 4 foot spacing, small plants will grow into a solid hedge within a few years, and larger plants will have an immediate impact. This hedge can be pruned and shaped as desired. Pruning is best done in the spring before new growth starts or as an alternative, light pruning can also be done in late summer. Pruning is best done before the plant reaches the desired size to provide the most dense form possible, and then allowed to slowly grow to the desired size. Allowing the plant to over grow the desired size, and then cutting it back, will not produce the most desirable appearance.

Another possible use for Techny Arborvitae is as a privacy screen on property lines. When planted at five-foot spacing, they will produce a solid barrier when the plants reach mature height. They are also well suited for use in a shelterbelt in rural settings. Depending on the design and purpose of the shelterbelt, they can be used as an outside or interior row.