Emerald Green Arborvitae – Classic Evergreen Privacy Tree

Create a clean, uniform privacy screen with one of the most trusted evergreen trees in landscaping. The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a dense, narrow-growing evergreen prized for its vibrant green color, naturally symmetrical shape, and dependable year-round coverage. Unlike larger arborvitae varieties that can become wide and unruly, this selection maintains a tight, pyramidal form that fits beautifully into both small and large landscapes. Its soft, scale-like foliage stays rich green through winter, providing consistent color and structure when other plants fade. Whether you're building a formal hedge, lining a driveway, or enhancing your home’s foundation, this hardy evergreen delivers reliable performance, strong cold tolerance, and minimal maintenance once established.

Available in a 3 and 7 gallon size, these trees provide immediate height and presence—perfect for homeowners looking to establish privacy quickly and achieve a more finished landscape from day one.

Why You'll Love the Emerald Green Arborvitae

Naturally Uniform Growth Habit:
Forms a dense, upright pyramidal shape without the need for frequent pruning. Ideal for clean, formal hedges, foundation plantings, and symmetrical landscape designs.

Year-Round Privacy & Structure:
Maintains its rich emerald green foliage throughout all seasons, providing consistent screening and visual interest even in winter months.

Low-Maintenance Evergreen:
Minimal pruning required to maintain its shape. Once established, it is easy to care for and adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.

Cold Hardy & Durable:
Thrives in a wide range of climates with excellent cold tolerance, making it a dependable choice for long-term landscape use.

Instant Landscape Impact:
The 7 gallon size offers a more mature plant with fuller growth, giving you faster privacy and immediate curb appeal compared to smaller sizes.

Emerald Green Arborvitae Details

Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
Type: Evergreen privacy tree
Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate — about 1–2 ft per year
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to various soil types
Water: Moderate; consistent moisture during establishment
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability:
Performs well in a variety of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided there is good drainage. Consistent moisture during establishment encourages dense, healthy growth.

Light Requirements:
Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. For optimal density and vibrant green color, plant in a location receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Hardiness:
Suitable for USDA zones 3–8, making it an excellent choice for both northern and southern landscapes with strong resistance to cold and winter damage.

Care Instructions

Watering:
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during the first growing season. Once established, water weekly during dry periods. Avoid overly saturated soil conditions.

Pruning:
Little to no pruning required. If desired, lightly trim in early spring to maintain shape.

Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications:
Ideal for privacy hedges, property borders, foundation plantings, driveway accents, formal garden designs, and entryway framing.

Classic Privacy Solution:
Provides dense, year-round screening with a refined, polished appearance, making it one of the most popular choices for residential landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Emerald Green Arborvitae for privacy?
Plant 2.5–4 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge. Closer spacing creates faster coverage, while wider spacing allows for a more open, individual tree appearance.

How fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?
This variety grows at a moderate rate of about 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.

Is Emerald Green Arborvitae deer resistant?
It has moderate deer resistance, but in areas with heavy deer pressure, protection may be necessary.

Why choose the 7 gallon size?
7 gallon plants provide a more mature, established look at planting time, offering faster privacy and stronger immediate visual impact compared to smaller sizes.