Arborvitae tend to hold foliage 3-4 years. As the plant ages, each fall the oldest foliage will yellow, brown and shed. That is natural. Arborvitae varieties can be grouped together as either globe form or upright form. Globe arborvitae basically grow the same height and width.
Upright arborvitae vary greatly in height, but they are all significantly taller than they are wide.
Here is a listing of the varieties of arborvitaes that Bachman's recommends. Unless otherwise noted, they are all hardy to Zone 3. We have noted those varieties that are more shade tolerant than others. If you are interested in a variety that isn't on this list, stop by and ask one of our horticulturists. They can probably find out more about it for you.