Southern Living Arborvitae 'Fire Chief'

About this plant

Meet the 'Fire Chief', a captivating Arborvitae that stands out with its brilliant, color-changing foliage. In spring, new growth emerges a lively orange-red, intensifying to a rich russet-red in fall and winter, ensuring year-round visual interest. Its naturally compact, globe-like form requires minimal pruning, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Ideal as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or for adding structure to foundation plantings, 'Fire Chief' brings a sophisticated splash of color without overwhelming your garden. Its dense branching also provides excellent texture and a refined presence. Hardy and adaptable, this evergreen thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to your outdoor space. Enjoy its dynamic color and easy care for seasons to come.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its natural globe shape. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring if desired to remove any dead or crossing branches. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.