They are extremely variable when grown from seed. Desirable specimens are propagated from cuttings. They are generally not recommended for windbreaks or wildlife plantings east of the Cascades because of the extreme variability of seed-grown stock, or the high cost of vegetatively propagated stock. The arborvitae require considerable moisture. They must be irrigated in the lower rainfall areas.
Oriental arborvitae is particularly subject to winter damage.
Specimen trees are often wrapped during the winter months to prevent dessication of the foliage. This shrub is an alternate host to the cedar apple rust. Although cedar apple rust has not yet been found to be adapted to the area, eastern redcedar has not been recommended because of the economic importance of the apple industry to the region. Eastern redcedar is easily established, adapted, and grows rapidly under low rainfall. These species were generally difficult to establish with bare root stock, rather slow growing, and have little potential other than for ornamental plantings.