About Full Speed a Hedge Thin Man Arborvitae
FULL SPEED A HEDGE® THIN MAN® Arborvitae
The fast, super-skinny evergreen
When you need privacy but are short on space, there’s one clear choice: Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man arborvitae. No other arborvitae combines such a useful, narrow habit with a reasonably fast growth rate. Its columnar habit brings striking architecture to the landscape while also providing lush, green privacy all year round.
USDA Zones 3-7
(hardy to -40° F/C)
At least four hours of sun each day
Thuja occidentalis ‘SMNTOTM’ PP#25,672 | KVBC medal winner
How to Care for Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man Arborvitae
Soil: Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man arborvitae grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Keep soil free of weeds.
Sun Exposure: Full to part sun. At least four hours of sun each day.
Water: Water regularly until established. Once established, Thin Man arborvitae has good drought tolerance.
Mulch: Add 2” of organic mulch to your arborvitae planting to help the soil retain moisture and insulate the roots.
Size: Thin Man arborvitae is 12-15′ tall and 2-3′ wide.
Fertilizer: Apply an all-purpose fertilizer at planting and each spring
Pruning: Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man arborvitae doesn’t require pruning but does tolerate it well. If desired, prune in spring before new growth begins.
Spacing: Plant your Thin Man arborvitae 2-3′ apart. Learn how to plant an arborvitae hedge.
Deer: If deer are an issue in your yard, protect plants with a repellent and/or netting, especially while they are getting established.
Origins of Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man Arborvitae
Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man arborvitae was developed at Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Michigan, with the goal of finding a very narrow, space-saving arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) with a growth rate that was fast enough to provide the privacy people want from arborvitae. After many years of trialing in both the landscape and exposed open fields, Thin Man was the clear winner.
In 2022, Thin Man was added to the Full Speed A Hedge line of arborvitae, joining ‘American Pillar’ arborvitae. Though it isn’t quite as fast-growing as Full Speed A Hedge ‘American Pillar,’ Thin Man is even narrower, so it is a good choice for small spaces or if privacy isn’t quite as urgent. Don’t limit yourself to just using Thin Man for a hedge; this skinny arborvitae makes a striking specimen planted alone, and in winter, it is great for covering with lights.
