A Douglas or Balsam Fir have soft needles and both are stately.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

Hi Lamcon

I'm puzzled as to how you arrived at the conclusion that the "Emerald Green" cultivar of arbor vitae is not reliable. Where you (And I) live, arbs in general are about as fool-proof as it gets, and I'm not aware of any issues with that particular variety, unless, perhaps, you saw reference to multi-stemmed types not handling snow/ice loads well. I've certainly made mention of that here, as the regulars can attest ;^)

Why don't you look at "Hetz Wintergreen" or "Green Giant", two single-stemmed arborvitae cultivars, both of which should thrive in your locale. Upon looking them up, you will note their respective eventual sizes and be able to plan accordingly.

+oM

How about s cluster or row of sky rocket juniper?
juniperus scopulorum has softer foliage compared to eastern red cedar.
Also Alaska yellow cedar.
I have a small one that has gone trough 2 winters and looks just fine,there are weeping forms that look stately.

Thanks for the ideas. I'll check our local nursery and see how those fair around us. To avoid sticker shock, can you tell me about how much you paid for yours? We don't mind paying a little, but I'm assuming it's going to be more than the $25 the Emerald Greens were.

If you buy small plants they are not to bad,around $10 but if you want larger stock the price goes up.
I don't like paying high prices either,but if you buy good healthy plants and follow good planting technique and the plant grows good I think it is worth it.
Some places garrantee their plants for 1yr.

Good luck

Thanks, I'll look at all the stock and see what the nursery recommends.

See if you can find Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Wintergreen', locally. This arborvitae is far superior to the cultivar known as Emerald (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd').

'Hetz Wintergreen' is much faster growing and tends to grow with a single, central leader which makes it stand up to heavy snow loads and ice very well. Most Emerald arborvitae are multi-stemmed plants that will splay apart under the same snow and/or ice conditions.

There is an online nursery in Wisconsin that sells Hetz Wintergreen very cheaply and since this plant can grow up to 3' per year once established, there is no reason to purchase larger plants. Actually, planting smaller plants will make a much better mature planting.

I've linked the nursery, below, and here is the catalog listing:

Thuja occidentalis 'Wintergreen' Hetz Wintergreen Arborvitae

Fast growing conical shape, almost always with only one terminal leader, less prone to snow splitting. Glossy dark green color. Forms a dense wall as they age. Winter color green with black undertone. Zone 3.

6-12" 2.50

You will need to protect these plants for a couple of years so they can get some size to them to stand up to the bunnies, etc.
Good luck,
tl³

Here is a link that might be useful: Reeseville Ridge Nursery

I find it interesting that Emerald Green are not considered very viable. I say that must be true. I've had a hard time with them and am ready to plant something else. You aren't the only one.