Why Emerald Green Arborvitae is a Top Choice
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, year-round privacy screen, you can’t go wrong with Emerald Green Arborvitae. We love this tree because it stays green all year, has a narrow, upright growth habit, and doesn’t require constant upkeep. Unlike some evergreens that get too big for smaller spaces, this one maxes out at about 10-15 feet, making it perfect for backyards, driveways, and even foundation plantings.
One of the best things about Emerald Green Arborvitae? It naturally grows into a dense, uniform shape, so you don’t have to constantly trim and shape it. If you want a tidy, polished look without the hassle of heavy pruning, this tree is a solid choice.
Need a taller, faster-growing alternative? Green Giant Arborvitae is a great option for large spaces, but for most home landscapes, Emerald Green is the better pick.
What is the Common Name for Emerald Green Arborvitae?
We get this question a lot, and the answer is simple: it’s just called Emerald Green Arborvitae, but if you’re looking at plant tags, you might see its botanical name, Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’.
In some areas, people also refer to it as:
- Smaragd Arborvitae (since “Smaragd” means “emerald” in Danish)
- Narrow Arborvitae (because of its compact growth habit)
- American Arborvitae (since it’s a native species)
Regardless of what you call it, this tree is a solid, reliable evergreen that works well in just about any landscape. Looking for other evergreens to mix in? Check out our Evergreen Collection for more options.
How Tall Do Emerald Green Arborvitaes Get?
One of the best things about Emerald Green Arborvitae is that it stays manageable in size while still offering great privacy. At maturity, these trees typically reach 10 to 15 feet tall with a narrow 3 to 4-foot width. This makes them ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, and defining property lines without taking up too much space.
Unlike some other evergreens that get way too big for small yards, Emerald Green stays just the right size. That’s why they’re often chosen over larger varieties like Green Giant Arborvitae, which can shoot up to 40 feet tall—great for big properties but not so great for smaller yards.
Want to see how fast they grow? Check out our guide on how big a 5 to 6-year-old Emerald Green Arborvitae is.
How Long Does It Take for Emerald Green Arborvitae to Establish?
When you plant a young Emerald Green Arborvitae, don’t expect instant privacy, but they fill in faster than you might think! With proper care, these trees grow about 12 inches per year and usually take 2-3 years to establish a strong root system.
Factors That Affect Growth Rate:
- Soil Quality – Well-draining soil helps roots spread faster.
- Watering – Deep, consistent watering speeds up establishment.
- Fertilizing – A slow-release evergreen fertilizer in spring can help.
- Spacing – If they’re too crowded, they’ll compete for nutrients and grow slower.
Once they’re fully established, Emerald Green Arborvitae becomes drought-resistant and requires very little maintenance. Need other options for fast-growing privacy plants? Take a look at our Privacy Screening Plants Collection.
Emerald Green Arborvitae vs. Green Giant: Which One is Better?
If you’re trying to decide between Emerald Green Arborvitae and Green Giant Arborvitae, the right choice depends on how much space you have and how fast you need privacy.
Key Differences:
- Emerald Green Arborvitae grows 10-15 feet tall, perfect for smaller yards.
- Green Giant Arborvitae grows 30-40 feet tall, great for large properties and windbreaks.
- Emerald Green has a slower growth rate (10-12 inches per year), while Green Giant grows 2-3 feet per year.
- Green Giant is more deer-resistant, but Emerald Green is still low-maintenance and dense.
Which One Should You Choose?
✔ Go with Emerald Green if you want a tidy, narrow privacy hedge for smaller spaces.
✔ Choose Green Giant if you need fast-growing, tall coverage for big yards or farms.
Still unsure? Plant both! Some people layer them—plant Green Giants in the back for height and Emerald Greens in the front for a more polished look.
Emerald Green vs. Golden Globe Arborvitae: What’s the Difference?
Another great arborvitae variety is the Golden Globe Arborvitae, but it’s very different from Emerald Green.
Key Differences:
- Emerald Green Arborvitae is tall and columnar, ideal for privacy.
- Golden Globe Arborvitae is round and compact, reaching only 4-6 feet.
- Golden Globe has golden-yellow foliage, while Emerald Green stays a deep, rich green year-round.
- Emerald Green works best for privacy screens, while Golden Globe is better for foundation plantings and landscape accents.
Which One is Right for You?
✔ Want a privacy hedge? Go with Emerald Green Arborvitae.
✔ Looking for a compact, colorful shrub? Try Golden Globe Arborvitae.
Want to mix in other evergreens for year-round interest? Take a look at our Evergreen Collection for great companion plants!
Best Time to Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae
Timing is everything when planting Emerald Green Arborvitae. Get it right, and your trees will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.
When to Plant:
- Spring or Early Fall – This gives the roots time to establish before extreme heat or winter cold.
- Avoid Mid-Summer – Young trees can struggle in intense heat unless watered frequently.
- Late Fall to Early Winter – Possible in mild climates, but risky in areas with harsh winters.
Planting Tips for Success:
✔ Pick a sunny spot – Full sun (6+ hours) ensures the best growth and dense foliage.
✔ Space them correctly – See our section below on proper spacing.
✔ Water deeply after planting – Helps roots settle in and prevents transplant shock.
For more detailed recommendations, check out our Top 10 Plants for Privacy Screening.
Emerald Green Arborvitae Spacing & Planting Guide
Spacing is crucial when planting Emerald Green Arborvitae, especially if you’re creating a privacy hedge.
How Far Apart Should You Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae?
- For a solid privacy hedge: Space 2-3 feet apart (measuring trunk to trunk).
- For individual specimen plantings: Space 5 feet apart so each tree stays distinct.
- For a layered look: Plant two staggered rows, spacing 4-5 feet apart in a zig-zag pattern.
How to Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Mix organic compost with the native soil to improve drainage.
- Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Fill in with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply after planting, then mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Want to see how they fit into different landscapes? Check out our Privacy Screening Plants Collection.
How to Care for Emerald Green Arborvitae
Once your Emerald Green Arborvitae is in the ground, keeping it healthy is easy with just a little routine care. This tree is low-maintenance, but a few simple steps will help it thrive for decades.
Watering Needs
- Water deeply once a week for the first year to help roots establish.
- During hot summers, increase watering to twice a week if the soil dries out quickly.
- Once mature, these trees are drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering helps them stay lush.
Fertilizing Tips
- Use a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Avoid over-fertilizing—too much nitrogen can cause weak, leggy growth.
Mulching for Moisture & Protection
- Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base (but keep it away from the trunk).
- Helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.
Looking for other low-maintenance shrubs to pair with your arborvitae? Take a look at our Shrubs & Bushes Collection.
Where to Buy Emerald Green Arborvitae
We grow and ship healthy, nursery-raised Emerald Green Arborvitae straight from our small family farm in Missouri. When you buy from us, you’re getting a tree that’s been cared for by experts who love what they do.
Why Buy From Us?
✔ State-licensed nursery – We take pride in shipping strong, healthy trees.
✔ Fast, direct delivery – No middlemen, just fresh plants shipped right to your door.
✔ Variety of arborvitae options – We also offer Green Giant Arborvitae and Golden Globe Arborvitae for different landscaping needs.
Want to browse more options? Check out our Evergreen Collection for even more trees that pair well with arborvitae.
Is Emerald Green Arborvitae Right for Your Yard?
If you're looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen privacy screen that stays lush and green year-round, Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the best choices. It’s perfect for small and medium-sized yards, offers dense coverage, and requires minimal upkeep.
Why Homeowners Love Emerald Green Arborvitae:
✔ Ideal for privacy hedges without taking up too much space
✔ Thrives in full sun and handles cold winters well
✔ Grows at a manageable rate, so you won’t be constantly trimming it
✔ Pairs well with other landscaping shrubs like Golden Globe Arborvitae for added texture and color
Still deciding? Read more about how big a 5- to 6-year-old Emerald Green Arborvitae gets and see if it's the right fit for your landscape.
Want to browse more evergreens? Check out our full collection of privacy screening plants for more great options!
