Martha Stewart's favorite fast-growing tree is actually so easy to care for – and you can start planting right now

Never underestimate the value of good evergreen hedging in the garden. They offer so much – from privacy and shade to color and hardiness. Arborvitae (also known as thuja) is America's favorite TV personality Martha Stewart's favorite fast-growing hedge for a reason.

These quick-growing plants can help define the boundaries of your property in a short space of time, protect from strong winds, and the sound of traffic, and support local wildlife.

If you are looking for backyard landscaping ideas, arborvitaes can quickly add structure and shape to your yard.

Hedges are as important to many professional gardeners as lawns, flower beds, and vegetable plots. Shrinking garden size also means a loss of privacy, and a hedge can be a great way to provide some seclusion, not to mention reducing noise and perhaps even noisy neighbors, and with some species, providing food for the birds. They range from dwarf forms to very tall evergreens.

If you want to replicate Martha Stewart's impeccable landscape, we recommend planting your arborvitae now. Early fall is a great time to plant green boundaries for privacy and shelter – and they are better for garden wildlife than fences or walls. This tree is low-maintenance and popular for this reason – as well as its evergreen beauty.

This dense evergreen conifer has fan-like sprays with a spicy aroma. Arborvitae is a popular choice for any garden, displaying fresh green in spring and copper bronze shades in the fall. it can be prone to drying out, so it needs watering in spring and summer, and mulching to seal in the moisture over winter.

However, do bear in mind that arborvitae grow fast. They can achieve 1-2 feet (.31- .61 m) per year initially. Once mature they will produce up to 9 feet (2.74 m) annually. Although these are very hardy plants with few issues, they do not perform well in extremely hot, dry climates, dry winds, or particularly salty conditions. They are best suited to US hardiness zones 2-7, but many species work better in zones 5-8.

This lot of 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitaes from Walmart is perfect if you wish to replicate Stewart's plot, while this best-selling Thuja Green Giant from Fast Growing Trees is a good privacy option. However, this Emerald Green Thuja, also from Fast Growing Trees is perfect for copying the screening you would otherwise get from a garden fence.

Thuja plants don’t need much – if any – pruning. If necessary, you may wish to remove any dead or damaged plant material. In early spring the plant can be lightly pruned on the tips to encourage the natural pyramid shape that is often preferred. I am intrigued to see how Stewart shapes hers as the garden matures.

Shop garden privacy screens

If you want to add privacy and shade to you garden without planting, I always recommend screens, trellises and large planters. I've rounded up my favorite options below.