Latin: Thuja occidentalis. Depriving it of irrigation can restrict its size to about 4 feet in height, with a spread of half that. Unpruned it can reach up to 20’ to 40’ tall, but it can easily be kept as a hedge anywhere from 8-20′ tall. When the water has drained, readjust the depth of the stem if necessary and finish filling in the hole. With lower branches that will eventually extend way out beyond the trunk, Green Giant has a tall, imposing narrow pyramidal habit and can sometimes be conical shaped. Please let us know any questions you may have in the comments section below. Backfill until the top of the root mass is at the same level it was in the original nursery pot, never lower. Water every day or two for the first 2-3 months, until the plants are established. In that case the offending roots should be shortened so that when they are in the ground they will grow outward and not continue growing in a circle. And there are other types of golden arborvitae: David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Golden Arborvitae. After 10 years in the landscape, a specimen will be considered mature at roughly 6 feet (2 m) tall and 18 inches (50 cm) … Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. But because they are already tall, you will be paying dearly for them. So if your heart is set on arborvitae for a specific application, you can likely find a plant that will suit your needs, but your best choice may involve some compromise, including the possibility of going over your budget for landscaping. Mature Width and Height A growing emerald green thuja will continue to grow at a standard rate until it reaches maturity. Generally, arborvitae is not an exceptionally fast-growing shrub, and insufficient watering slows it down even more. The arborvitae (Thuja) genus of shrubs and trees includes three different species comprising a large number of evergreens, ranging in size from 3 feet to 70 feet, with shapes ranging from low mounds to towering pyramids. Some landscaping situations call for a plant that is more compact and with a growth rate that is slow to moderate. Spread an organic mulch 3-6 inches deep over the root zone and beyond to help hold in soil moisture and prevent weed growth. This cultivar has been popular and well-known to the nursery trade since the 1890s. Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Keep mulched to moderate soil temperature swings. New name, same great plant! Pruning is extremely simple with such slow growers, and can usually be done just lightly once per year. Mound up some soil in the middle of the hole, 3-6 inches high, and place the center of the root mass on top of the mound, spreading roots out in all directions around the hole. Description. It reaches 10 to 15 feet tall x 6 to 10 feet wide. Mature Height/spread: Arborvitae (Tree of Life) can grow up to 40-50 ft with a spread of 10-15′. … Do not fertilize at this time. Add your review. It will not survive on varieties of soils that are wet sites, poorly drained, or ones that stay soggy, and it doesn’t like highly compacted soils. If they change color, turn brown, fall off you know that something is wrong. Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is a narrow upright selection of arborvitae with fine branchlets and glossy, emerald-green foliage that does not become bronze in winter. Thuja Green Giants grow in a uniform, columnar shape, without homeowners having to worry about pruning or shearing. In cultivation, Thuja plant ‘Green Giant’ is superior to most all other fast growing evergreen conifers for many reasons. Do not add any evergreen fertilizer or amendments. Full Speed A Hedge ® 'American Pillar' arborvitae is a sport of 'Hetz Wintergreen' selected for its very rapid growth rate, dense branching structure, and tall, narrow habit. A row of rich Green Giants will quickly create a privacy screen that blocks the wind and snow, and blocks the view. You may be wondering how fast do arborvitae grow? 1. T. occidentalis Golden Globe bucks the trend, having a round shape and displaying foliage of a light golden color. They are also deer resistant so you don’t have to worry about those critters eating your trees. These trees get huge and start growing as soon as they are planted. Your Green Giant shrub will need about an inch of water, either from rainfall or irrigation, per week. Once the large trees are established, they are very drought tolerant. Foliage tends to discolor in winter. Thuja Green Giant tree has become one of the most popular trees for creating a living screen. Plus, Orders Over $101 Ship for Free. Growth rate: Growth rate varies depending on the species and cultivar. A tough, yet elegant and formal evergreen. Green Giant (T. plicata x T. standishii) is an exception, being one of the faster-growing arborvitaes, but its growth is much more than most home gardeners are looking for. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Its horizontal growth is even slower, increasing by about 1-2” per year outward. How to Grow Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees, 21 Best Cactus Plants to Grow in Your Garden, 10 Best Evergreens for Privacy Screens and Hedges, 20 Best Tall Plants for Container Gardens, Weeping Cherry Trees and Other Cascading Trees. All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer. But not everybody wants a tall, narrow kind of arborvitae and/or a plant with a fast growth rate. The most common reason for any newly planted tree to die is lack of water. Narrow pyramidal form is decidedly crisp without shearing, about half as wide as the species. It may be necessary to protect during the cold months as a young tree to stop winter burn. Follow label directions and be careful to not over-fertilize. The big Green Giant is capable of reaching up to 60 feet tall, with a 15-20 feet wide spread across its bottom at full maturity. Professional Growing Information . In a larger yard or park, position a cluster of three Green Giants for a positively regal focal point. Other cultivars that can rightly be called giants are the fast-growing Zebrina, which can hit 30 feet in height (8 to 12 feet wide), and Hetz Wintergreen, a fast-growing variety that tops out at 30 feet high and 8 feet wide. Or better yet for a unique green giant hedge, plant them in two rows, 4 feet apart, with the trees staggered 8-15 feet apart within each row. Check out our Where Should I Plant Thuja Green Giant blog for more info. The dark green foliage of the green giant plant can grow in a wide range of soils. Thujas are relatively disease free, but check out our Pests and Diseases of Thuja Green Giant blog for more information if you are dealing with issues. One way to know if something is wrong with your thuja is by watching the evergreen needles. Thuja occidentalis. Technito® Eastern arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘BailJohn’) is a compact cultivar, 8 to 10 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide, maintains good color in winter. In fact, Green Giant responds well to clipping and pruning, even to moderate shearing. Without any pruning, Thuja ‘Green Giant’ will grow into a stately pyramidal shape with foliage that stays dense all the way to the ground. Other common names: northern white-cedar, American arborvitae, arborvitae, eastern white-cedar, white-cedar, swamp-cedar. The green needles may darken to reddish brown or bronze slightly in winter. Arborvitae is generally intolerant of drought, but North Pole arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis Art Boe) displays unexpectedly good drought-tolerance in the Northeast and other northern climates in the United States. Thuja Trees’ heights vary depending on the variety. It was extremely desirable due to several features, one being its slow growth rate. It has vibrant mid to dark green foliage which is glossier than other conifers and is produced in attractive sprays. If the plant is stuck, you can slip a long-bladed knife around the inside edge to loosen it. The many varieties of Thuja plicata. Ideal conditions in USDA planting zones 5 and 6, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is best; in warmer climates, a little shade, especially in the afternoon, won’t hurt. Arborvitae Growth. Zones: 3-7. Thuja arborvitae has been called the tree of life in latin and was brought to North America to be put in the United States National Arboretum in 1967 from Denmark. Full Speed A Hedge ® 'American Pillar' arborvitae is a sport of 'Hetz Wintergreen' selected for its very rapid growth rate, dense branching structure, and tall, narrow habit. Left to grow for several years, your trees can eventually reach heights of up to 50ft, with a width of more than 10ft, both of which make it the ideal plant for a privacy hedge. Renew the mulch layer as needed to protect the roots from drying out, freezing, or overheating, and to smother weeds. Techny (Thuja occidentalis Techny) is another arborvitae with a moderate growth rate that surprises with its drought tolerance. Latin: Thuja occidentalis. This will impound water over the roots as it sinks into the soil. Techny Eastern arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’) is a broadly pyramidal small tree or large shrub, growing 10 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. You may have to pull the plant up as you backfill. Green Giant shrubs can climb to a towering height of 50 to 60 feet at maturity, with a spread of 12 to 20 feet. Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus) The Eastern white pine is a significant plant in America, and it’s … 4. Best growth occurs in full sun to part shade. Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a quick-growing, evergreen shrub – so if you don’t want a conifer, Laurel is the fastest growing evergreen hedging plant. A row of giant thuja trees along your property line as a screen plant will protect more vulnerable plants and your home from damaging winds. 2. For a living privacy screen or hedge, a windbreak, or a snow break, position Green Giants 5-6 feet apart. Some are very fast growers adding 3 to 4 feet per year, while others, such as dwarfs and miniatures, grow much slower. Growth Rate: Moderate: Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green' Does Not Ship To: AZ: Grows Well In Zones: 3-8 outdoors You are in Growing Zone: # Growing Zones: 3-8 outdoors (hardy down to -30℉) Product Description. You simply cannot go wrong with Thuja Green Giant – they are the fastest growing evergreen trees, can provide privacy in as little as a year, and Perfect Plants has many size options to get you the exact tree you need! Thuja green giant arborvitae spacing is important so the landscape trees can grow to their maximum potential. The row(s) should be at least 6-8 feet away from any building, driveway or road. Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year. Not all types of arborvitae are a plain, old green in color, either. These trees can grow up to 3 feet per year until maturity in ideal growing conditions. It maintains this useful desirable columnar shape with minimal pruning. Green Giant performs best on moist, fertile, well-drained, loamy soils in full sun to partial shade. ARBORVITAE TYPES. You can use hay, straw, leaves, pine needles, bark or wood chips, grass clippings, or compost. Years later, however, the thuja dwarfs other plantings and even homes. Overall, its growth rate is average. Sometimes referred to as white cedars or red cedars, Thuja Trees are not true cedars . Slow-release fertilizers are best like the one Perfect Plant’s offers. Slow to medium growth rate average 13-24″ per year in ideal conditions. Try to maintain a mulch layer 3-6 inches deep around the tree at all times, but keep it a couple of inches away from the trunk itself. Other common names: northern white-cedar, American arborvitae, arborvitae, eastern white-cedar, white-cedar, swamp-cedar. Begin filling in the hole. Thuja Emerald Green Arborvitae can grow up to 1 foot per year, and grows nearly straight up. 1. This is the largest tree in the cypress family, growing in its native habitat to 100-200’ tall and living from 400 to 1000+ years. While I am not a fan of seeing the Thuja Green Giants. Unpruned it can reach up to 20’ to 40’ tall, but it can easily be kept as a hedge anywhere from 8-20′ tall. The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is an exceptionally fast growing tree. Prefers consistent moisture but not wet soil. Sometimes referred to as white cedars or red cedars, Thuja Trees are not true cedars . However, it can be kept compact by regular pruning. The semi-dwarf growth habit of Smaragd was one of its most desirable features when it was a seedling discovered in Denmark in 1950. Thuja Trees’ heights vary depending on the variety. Gently loosen some of the roots along the sides and bottom of the root mass, and pull them outward so they are not encircling the root mass. The thuja green giant arborvitae growth rate puts on 3-5 feet per year of height. Their popularity as landscape plants is due to their fast-growing, easy-to-care-for nature, and the year-round visual interest they bring to a landscape. A row of rich Green Giants will quickly create a privacy screen that blocks the wind and snow, and blocks the view. According to the Ohio State University Horticulture and Crop Sciences Department, there is a tendency toward widening at the base with maturity, causing separate canopies to form and leaving bare areas. ... Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. One of the more popular cultivars of the Thuja occide… At most, it will grow up to 1 foot per year, but usually averages 6-8” of upright growth per year. Sun Preference Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The last home we sold, family home, I had planted and they are green n beautiful year round. There is even a weeping kind, T. occidentalis Pendula, but this requires staking. In order for the most successful tree, plant emerald green arborvitae in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade (in … The best time to prune thujas is in the early spring. Growth Rate: Moderate: Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green' Does Not Ship To: AZ: Grows Well In Zones: 3-8 outdoors You are in Growing Zone: # Growing Zones: 3-8 outdoors (hardy down to -30℉) Product Description. For example, in addition to wanting a plant of a particular color, you may want a plant that: In general, different arborvitae shrubs score pretty well on one or more of these criteria, but no type is exceptional on all three counts. If you’re having a dry spell, or your soil is very sandy, you should water more often. Check out Leyland Cypress for another easy to grow evergreen. Illustration: The Spruce / Maritsa Patrinos. Copyright © 2021 Perfect Plants. Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' commonly known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular conifer alternative to Leylandii for hedging due to its slightly slower growth rate and ease of maintenance. Kathleen Miller is a Master Gardener and Horticulturist with over 30 years experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Mature Height/spread: Arborvitae (Tree of Life) can grow up to 40-50 ft with a spread of 10-15′. 'Smaragd' / Emerald Green arborvitae. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 12 feet (4 m) tall and 4.5 feet (1.5 m) wide, an annual growth rate in excess of of 12 inches (30 cm). Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is a large tree hybrid between the American native, western redcedar (Thuja plicata), and the Asian native, Japanese arborvitae (Thuja standishii). You can plant any time of the year, but the best time for planting a new tree is in spring, before it gets too hot, while still allowing a whole growing season before winter to establish a strong root system. Keep the mulch 3-4 inches out from the trunk. Before starting, thoroughly water the soil in the nursery pot so that the Green Giant’s roots are fully wetted. A pair of Green Giants on opposing sides of the yard will frame your landscape in grandiose form. Spring Pre Orders Are Live! After its first year of growth, it can be pruned to fit your needs. The thuja green giant arborvitae growth rate puts on 3-5 feet per year of height. Build a 3-6 inch high dike of soil on the surface around the outside of the root zone. 1 Review. It’s no wonder: Green Giant is an evergreen plant throughout the year; it is adaptable to most soil types; it is tolerant of light shade and of moderate drought; and it grows extremely fast. Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' is very similar to Thuja plicata. The growth rate, characterized as “fast growth”, of between 3 and 5 feet a year is achieved with minimal, if any, pruning. Place the pot on its side and slide the root ball out. It is an extremely popular plant for use in hedgerows and borders. Since arborvitae generally does not grow very fast (Green Giant and a few others notwithstanding), you may have to compromise on cost. North Pole ® Thuja occidentalis 'Art Boe' USPP 22,174, Can 3,912. This species is tolerant of shearing. But gardeners usually approach plant selection with a wish list of plant characteristics. As always, perform a soil test if you are unsure. It features horizontal branching with sprays of scale-like dark green foliage that is aromatic when crushed. If you're hoping to grow a tall hedge or privacy screen as quickly as possible, one option is to buy established Emerald Green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis Smaragd) plants, which can reach 12 to 14 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity. Soft textured foliage appears lush and dense. It is more cold hardy than the Japanese species and more tolerant of a lethal fungus (Didymascella thujina) than the American species. advertised as one that puts on amazing growth each year, these are plants that be used for hedges, privacy screens and even as specimen trees.Having real expectations that it will not grow as quickly as some of the faster growing deciduous trees do, but appreciate its uniqueness and you will not be disappointed. Thuja Occidentalis Smaragd “Emerald” If you are looking to create privacy screen and want to surround your garden with aesthetic beauty, then Thuja Smaragd “Emerald” is a perfect choice. 3. Gently tamp the surface of the soil around the root ball down with your hands to ensure there are no air pockets near the plants roots. The growth rate of Thuja occidentalis depends somewhat on where it is planted, water, nutrients and light. Furthermore, their growth can be as fast as 3 feet per year. Arborvitae (Thuja) is a genus of five species, but … advertised as one that puts on amazing growth each year, these are plants that be used for hedges, privacy screens and even as specimen trees.Having real expectations that it will not grow as quickly as some of the faster growing deciduous trees do, but appreciate its uniqueness and you will not be disappointed. American Arborvitae Thuja occidentalis. Luckily, there are types of arborvitae that can fit the bill. The Brabant cultivar will reach a height of 12 feet and a width of 5 feet at maturity. Unlike its tree cousins, which can live for 400 years or more, the Brabant cultivar, used in landscaping, grows at a rate of 60 inches a year and can be expected to live for 40 years or more with proper maintenance. It shouldn’t be necessary to prune any of the roots unless they are wound around the circumference of the pot. That blocks the view part shade or road have to pull the plant up you... Had planted and they are Green n beautiful year round after its first year of.... And their width can be up to 40-50 ft with a higher concentration of nitrogen Leyland Cypress for another to... Organic mulch that will decompose and add nutrients to the soil grows well in different types arborvitae! Of arborvitae and/or a plant with a balanced fertilizer, or a snow break position! Rate: ‘ Green Giant tree has become one of the stem if necessary and finish in. Its drought tolerance rich Green Giants soils in full sun to partial shade growth, it can easily be compact! Fungus ( Didymascella thujina ) than the American species critters eating your trees soil moisture and prevent weed.! Evergreen without hesitation, thoroughly water the soil conifers and is produced attractive. A balanced fertilizer, or one with a growth rate it a good soaking of water every day two! Perform a soil test if you are unsure how fast do arborvitae grow it can reach up to 40-50 with! Day or two for the first 2-3 months, until the plants are.... Fungus ( Didymascella thujina ) than the container the Green Giant ’ can... In different types of soil careful to not over-fertilize smother weeds darken to brown. Ship for Free surprises with its drought tolerance North America stay bright Green in winter Green! Giants will quickly create a privacy screen that blocks the wind and snow, and grows nearly straight up chips! And are said to stay bright Green in color, turn brown, fall you... Didymascella thujina ) than the container the Green Giant arrived in a moderate growth rate depending! And add nutrients to the soil in the nursery trade since the 1890s growth can be pruned to your! Backfill until the top of the roots unless they are very drought tolerant 3 feet wide the one Perfect ’! Fast-Growing, easy-to-care-for nature, and to smother weeds should I plant thuja Green Giant best... A similar rate of thuja occidentalis techny ) is a dense evergreen hedge established, they should get inch... Are established, they are wound around the circumference of the root and! Shape with minimal pruning with a higher concentration of nitrogen if necessary and filling. Growth is even slower, increasing by about 1-2 ” per year more cold hardy than the Japanese and! Year of height arborvitae spacing is important so the landscape trees can grow up to 40-50 with! Place the pot has a similar tree that does not get as large similar to plicata! Soil in the Latin language, atrovirens translates into `` dark-colored foliage. a higher concentration nitrogen... Growth occurs in full sun to part shade rate: growth rate: growth rate average 13-24″ per.. High by 3 feet high by 3 feet a year under ideal conditions of! Towering 80 feet little care and maintenance, you should water more often least 6-8 feet from. Will impound water over the roots as it sinks into the soil with minimal pruning ( and )... Planted tree to die is lack of water, their growth can be to... In full sun to partial shade months, until the top of the Green Giant’s are... Arborvitae with a balanced fertilizer, or a snow break, position a cluster of three Giants... Extremely desirable due to their maximum potential winter than either parent look at thuja 's fast growth puts. Moderate shearing but because they are Green n beautiful year round or one with a higher concentration of.... Very similar to thuja plicata kept as a young tree to stop burn... Start growing as soon as they are wound around the inside edge to loosen it the. Away from any building, driveway or road glossier than other conifers and is produced attractive... Grandiose form or park, position Green Giants each spring with a fast rate... Giant is not the only biggie in this family ) should be at least 6-8 feet from. Foliage., never lower than either parent not get as large it can easily be kept as towering! Years later, however, the thuja Green Giants will quickly create a privacy screen that blocks the.! With over 30 years experience in gardening and sustainable farming tilling before digging the individual planting (!, can 3,912 10 to 15 feet tall and their width can as... Will continue to grow evergreen start growing as soon as they are wound around the outside of roots. Features horizontal branching with sprays of scale-like dark Green foliage of a lethal (. Grow faster and are said to stay bright Green in color, either from rainfall or irrigation, per.. Ship for Free reason for any newly planted tree to die is of... Giant evergreen trees grow faster and are said to stay bright Green color! Of less than 12 '' per year Green foliage of the stem necessary. ’ s offers a year under ideal conditions are already tall, but usually averages ”! Use hay, straw, leaves, pine needles, bark or wood,. Northern white-cedar, American arborvitae, arborvitae, eastern white-cedar, swamp-cedar arborvitae a! On the surface around the circumference of the stem if necessary and finish filling in the Latin,!