Wondering how fast Emerald Green Arborvitae grows? Discover growth rates, care tips, and how to get the most out of these popular evergreens in this detailed guide.

If you’re looking to add privacy, structure, or year-round greenery to your yard, Emerald Green Arborvitae might just be your perfect match. This popular evergreen is known for its rich green color, dense foliage, and compact shape, making it an ideal choice for hedges, screens, and garden accents. But before you dive in, there’s one burning question most people have: How fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the growth rate of Emerald Green Arborvitae, as well as essential care tips to help these beauties thrive. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned pro, understanding how to nurture these plants will ensure you enjoy lush, healthy growth for years to come.

The Basics of Emerald Green Arborvitae

Before we get to the specifics of growth, let’s cover some basics. Emerald Green Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', is a member of the cypress family. Originally native to North America, this variety has become one of the most popular landscaping choices due to its attractive, narrow, pyramid-like shape and low maintenance requirements.

Key Characteristics

Height at Maturity: 10-15 feet
Width at Maturity: 3-4 feet
Sunlight Requirements: Full to partial sun (at least 6 hours per day)
Hardiness Zones: 3-8, tolerating both cold winters and hot summers
Watering Needs: Regular watering, especially when young

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a versatile and hardy evergreen tree that thrives in a variety of climates and settings. At maturity, it typically reaches a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, making it an ideal choice for creating privacy hedges or windbreaks without overwhelming smaller spaces. This tree flourishes in full to partial sun, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to maintain its vibrant green foliage. Adaptable to hardiness zones 3-8, it can withstand both cold winters and hot summers, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of regions. While it needs regular watering, especially when young, once established, it requires minimal care, making it a great low-maintenance landscaping option.

How Fast Does Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is considered a moderate grower, which means it’s not exactly fast, but not super slow either. Here’s what you can expect:

Annual Growth Rate: Typically, Emerald Green Arborvitae grows around 6-12 inches per year.
Maturity Timeline: It usually takes about 10 years for an Emerald Green Arborvitae to reach its full height of 10-15 feet.

While this may seem slow if you’re after instant privacy, the consistent growth and manageable height make it an excellent long-term investment for a hedge or privacy screen. Plus, this moderate growth rate contributes to its dense, full foliage, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular.

Factors That Influence Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth

Not every Emerald Green Arborvitae will grow at the same pace. Several factors can impact growth, so if you’re looking to maximize your plant’s growth rate, here’s what you need to know:

1. Sunlight Exposure

Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, the more sun it gets, the faster and healthier it will grow. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

2. Soil Quality and Drainage

Emerald Green Arborvitae prefers well-drained, fertile soil. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, compacted or waterlogged soil will slow growth and potentially lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider mixing in some compost or sand to improve drainage.

3. Watering Routine

Young Arborvitae trees need consistent moisture to establish strong root systems, especially in the first two years. During hot, dry spells, water deeply once a week to keep the soil evenly moist. Mature plants are relatively drought-tolerant but will still benefit from regular watering during dry periods.

4. Fertilization

While Emerald Green Arborvitae isn’t a heavy feeder, a boost of nutrients can support faster growth. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can provide the essential nutrients it needs throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to weak, leggy growth.

5. Pruning and Trimming

Emerald Green Arborvitae generally doesn’t require much pruning, but light trimming can help maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. If you’re using it as a hedge, trim lightly in late spring or early summer, but avoid cutting back too much, as this can stress the plant and slow its growth.

Planting and Spacing for Optimal Growth

When planting Emerald Green Arborvitae, proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth and a full appearance. Here are some guidelines to consider:

For Privacy Hedges: Space trees about 3-4 feet apart. This will create a dense hedge as they mature, with branches gradually filling in the gaps over time.
For Accents or Specimen Trees: Give each tree 4-5 feet of space on all sides, so it has room to grow naturally.

When planting trees, spacing is key to their long-term health and growth. For privacy hedges, it's important to space trees about 3-4 feet apart. This allows them to grow closely together and form a dense, lush barrier as they mature, with their branches gradually filling in the gaps over time. If you’re planting trees as accent or specimen trees, however, you should give each tree 4-5 feet of space on all sides. This extra room allows the tree to grow naturally, with ample space for its canopy to expand and develop a well-rounded shape. Proper spacing ensures that each tree has enough access to sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to healthier, more vibrant growth.

Planting Tips

Dig the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Place the Tree: Set the tree in the hole with the root flare (where roots meet the trunk) level with or slightly above the soil surface.
Backfill with Soil: Fill in the hole with the original soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
Water Thoroughly: Give the tree a deep watering to help settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch Around the Base: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots.

Benefits of Emerald Green Arborvitae in Landscaping

Emerald Green Arborvitae is known for more than just its moderate growth rate. Here’s why it’s a top pick for landscapers and homeowners alike:

Privacy and Screening: Its dense foliage and tall height make it ideal for privacy hedges or windbreaks.
Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it perfect for those who want an easy-to-manage landscape.
Year-Round Greenery: Unlike deciduous trees that lose leaves in winter, Emerald Green Arborvitae provides year-round color and interest.

Emerald Green Arborvitae is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, year-round solution for privacy and landscaping. With its dense foliage and impressive height, it’s perfect for creating privacy hedges or windbreaks, providing a natural barrier against prying eyes or harsh winds. Once established, this evergreen tree is low maintenance, requiring minimal care, making it an ideal option for those who want a beautiful landscape without constant upkeep. Unlike deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the fall, Emerald Green Arborvitae offers year-round greenery, ensuring your yard remains vibrant and full of life even through the winter months. Its versatility and resilience make it a valuable addition to any outdoor space.

Conclusion

So, how fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow? With an average growth rate of 6-12 inches per year, it’s a moderate grower, which means it won’t give you instant privacy but will reward you with steady, lush growth over time. By ensuring your Arborvitae gets plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients, you can optimize its growth and enjoy a beautiful green landscape for years to come.

Whether you’re creating a privacy hedge, a windbreak, or just adding a touch of elegance to your garden, Emerald Green Arborvitae is a reliable, easy-care choice that grows steadily with minimal fuss. Just plant, water, and watch it grow!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I speed up the growth of Emerald Green Arborvitae?
You can encourage growth by ensuring optimal conditions: full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional fertilization. However, this variety naturally has a moderate growth rate, so patience is key.

2. How often should I water Emerald Green Arborvitae?
For young plants, water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Mature trees can handle some drought but will benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

3. Can Emerald Green Arborvitae grow in shade?
It can tolerate light shade, but it will grow slower and may not be as dense or vibrant. Full sun is ideal for faster growth and a healthier appearance.

4. Do I need to prune Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Pruning isn’t necessary but can help maintain shape if you’re growing a hedge. Trim lightly in spring or early summer to encourage fuller growth.

5. How long will it take to create a full privacy screen?
With a growth rate of 6-12 inches per year, a newly planted hedge will usually fill in within 5-7 years, depending on spacing and growing conditions.