Emerald Green Arborvitae Height Facts You Should Know
Looking to plant an Emerald Green Arborvitae in your garden? Learn all the essential height facts, growth considerations, and tips for maximizing its potential in this detailed guide.
When you think of a classic evergreen, one plant that likely comes to mind is the Emerald Green Arborvitae. Known for its vibrant color and narrow, columnar shape, this tree is a favorite in many gardens. Whether you're aiming to create a privacy hedge, add some greenery to your yard, or frame your landscape, the Emerald Green Arborvitae offers many advantages.
However, before you plant one, it's important to understand its growth habits—specifically its height. After all, whether you're planting one or several, knowing the ultimate height of your arborvitae will help you plan accordingly and ensure your landscape remains balanced and healthy.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Emerald Green Arborvitae height and how to care for it so that it thrives in your garden for years to come.
Emerald Green Arborvitae Height Facts You Should Know
1. What Is the Typical Height of Emerald Green Arborvitae?
One of the first things homeowners and gardeners want to know is how tall will my Emerald Green Arborvitae grow? Well, on average, this evergreen tree grows to about 12 to 15 feet tall, but there are many variables that can affect this.
Emerald Green Arborvitae is known for its narrow columnar shape, so even at full height, it remains a relatively slim tree. It grows more vertically than outward, which makes it ideal for tight spaces or privacy screening. In fact, it’s commonly used in hedgerows and privacy fences due to this vertical growth.
Key Points:
Typical height: 12-15 feet
Width: 3-4 feet at maturity
Growth rate: Slow to moderate, about 6-9 inches per year
2. What Affects the Height of Emerald Green Arborvitae?
The height of your Emerald Green Arborvitae can be influenced by several factors, including:
A. Climate and Growing Conditions
Like any plant, weather and climate play a major role in how quickly and how tall an arborvitae grows. These trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and they thrive in well-drained soil.
Cold weather: In colder climates, harsh winter conditions can slow growth and potentially stunt the height of trees. The cold stress affects overall development, making it essential to provide proper care and protection during freezing temperatures.
Warm weather: In colder climates, harsh winter conditions can slow growth and potentially stunt the height of trees. The cold stress affects overall development, making it essential to provide proper care and protection during freezing temperatures.
B. Soil Quality and Moisture
Good soil can help your tree grow to its full potential. If your soil drains well and has a neutral pH, your arborvitae will be much happier. Too much moisture or poor drainage, on the other hand, can lead to root rot and stunt growth.
Make sure to water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid soaking the soil, as overwatering can cause more harm than good.
C. Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning can affect the height and shape of your arborvitae. While minimal pruning is necessary, excessive trimming of the tree’s top could reduce its overall height. Regular maintenance can help the tree grow taller, but cutting back too much can stunt its growth.
Aim to trim the lower branches of the tree and allow the top to grow naturally to its full height.
The Growth Rate of Emerald Green Arborvitae
3. How Fast Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow?
While the Emerald Green Arborvitae is considered a slow-growing tree, it does have a moderate growth rate under the right conditions. Typically, these trees can grow between 6 and 9 inches per year. However, during the peak of their growth (usually in spring and early summer), they might grow faster.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate:
Soil quality: Rich, well-drained soil is essential for promoting faster growth in plants. It provides the necessary nutrients and prevents waterlogging, ensuring roots remain healthy and capable of supporting vigorous development and overall plant health.
Watering and fertilization: Proper watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can enhance growth.
Climate: Warmer climates may encourage faster growth, but if the tree is too exposed to wind or harsh conditions, it might slow down.
Height Management Tips for Emerald Green Arborvitae
4. Can You Control the Height of Emerald Green Arborvitae?
While Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally grows to about 12 to 15 feet tall, you might want to control its height for aesthetic purposes or for a more manageable hedge. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can keep your arborvitae within a certain height range.
A. Pruning Techniques
Pruning is the most effective way to control the height of your Emerald Green Arborvitae. Here’s how you can manage it:
Light pruning: Light pruning during the growing season involves removing dead or damaged branches to encourage healthier growth. This practice promotes a more uniform shape, enhances air circulation, and supports the overall vigor of the tree.
Top pruning: To limit a tree's height, perform top pruning by carefully trimming the upper branches. Avoid removing too much at once to prevent stressing the tree. Gradual, controlled pruning ensures healthy growth while achieving the desired height.
Side trimming: Side trimming helps maintain a tree's columnar shape by lightly pruning the sides to control width. This ensures a tidy, structured appearance without compromising the tree's health, promoting balanced growth and preserving its intended form.
B. Use of Dwarf Varieties
If you’re after a shorter variety of arborvitae, consider planting a dwarf form. There are smaller cultivars of the Emerald Green Arborvitae that grow only to about 6 to 8 feet tall.
Benefits of Emerald Green Arborvitae
5. Why Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae for Your Landscape?
Emerald Green Arborvitae trees are a fantastic choice for many landscapes, and they offer several benefits:
A. Privacy and Screening
Due to their narrow growth and dense foliage, they’re perfect for creating a privacy hedge. Whether you need to block the view from a busy street or your neighbor’s yard, this tree is perfect for creating natural barriers.
B. Low Maintenance
Compared to other evergreen trees, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is relatively low-maintenance. Once established, it doesn’t require frequent trimming or care. Just ensure it gets enough water, and it will continue to thrive.
C. Aesthetic Appeal
With their rich green color and elegant, uniform shape, these trees look great year-round. They make excellent focal points in your garden or add a touch of elegance to any yard.
Conclusion
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a versatile, low-maintenance tree that can thrive in many different landscapes. Whether you want to create a privacy screen, add a touch of elegance, or simply enjoy its vibrant green color, this tree is an excellent choice. Understanding the height and growth factors of the tree will help ensure it grows in a healthy, controlled manner.
Remember that, with proper care, the Emerald Green Arborvitae can continue to serve as a beautiful and functional part of your garden for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How tall will my Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?
Typically, Emerald Green Arborvitae grows to about 12 to 15 feet tall, but this can vary depending on the growing conditions.
2. Can I plant my arborvitae in the shade?
While Emerald Green Arborvitae prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. However, the growth rate might slow down in areas that receive little sunlight.
3. How can I help my arborvitae grow faster?
To encourage growth, make sure your tree has well-draining soil, adequate water during dry spells, and occasional fertilizer. Regular light pruning can also help the tree thrive.
4. How do I prune an Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Prune the top and sides of the tree lightly to control its height and shape. Make sure to remove dead or damaged branches as needed to encourage healthy growth.
5. What are the best conditions for planting an Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Plant in well-drained soil, preferably in a spot with full sun. These trees thrive in areas with moderate moisture and a neutral pH soil.
