Trees
If you're wondering "emerald green arborvitae how tall do they grow", the answer might surprise you—these evergreen stars can reach 15 to 20 feet at maturity, making them perfect for privacy screens or bold landscape statements. 🌲 Unlike their dwarf cousins, these trees grow tall and narrow, creating a striking vertical presence without taking up excessive space.
What makes them so popular? Their fast growth rate—gaining 2 to 3 feet per year—means you’ll see dramatic changes in just a few seasons. But here’s the catch: planting them too close can stunt their growth or lead to overcrowding, while spacing them too far apart wastes potential. The key is getting the spacing right from the start.
Whether you’re designing a hedge, a windbreak, or a standalone specimen, understanding their mature height helps you plan for long-term success. I’ll break down the exact spacing needs, growth habits, and even how to control their height if needed. Let’s dive in!
Ready to transform your yard? These trees aren’t just tall—they’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making them a smart choice for busy homeowners. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plant them for maximum impact.
Emerald Green Arborvitae mature height by variety: exact growth ranges
When researching emerald green arborvitae how tall do they grow, you’ll find the answer depends entirely on the specific variety. The most common types—like Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'—grow between 12 to 15 feet tall with a narrow spread of just 3 to 4 feet. This makes them ideal for tight spaces where vertical growth is desired but horizontal expansion isn’t. 🌲
The Western Red Cedar 'Emerald' variety, however, can reach up to 20 feet tall while maintaining that same compact width. This variety is perfect for creating dramatic privacy screens without overwhelming your yard. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right type for your landscape goals.
Here’s the key detail most gardeners miss: growth rates vary too. While all Emerald Green Arborvitae grow 2 to 3 feet per year in ideal conditions, some varieties like Thuja standishii 'Emerald' mature slightly faster, reaching 10 feet in just 5 years. This faster growth means quicker privacy solutions but also requires careful spacing planning from day one.
If you’re planting multiple rows for a hedge, spacing becomes even more critical. Too little space leads to overcrowding and poor airflow, which increases disease risk. Too much space wastes potential and creates gaps in your privacy screen. The right spacing ensures each plant has room to thrive without competing for sunlight or nutrients.
Another factor to consider is your climate zone. In warmer regions (USDA Zones 5-8), these trees grow taller and faster due to longer growing seasons. In cooler climates, growth slows slightly, but they still reach their full 15-to-20-foot height over time. Always check your local climate conditions when planning your layout.
For those with limited space, dwarf varieties like 'Emerald' Thuja occidentalis 'Techny' max out at 8 to 10 feet tall while keeping the same narrow profile. These are perfect for small yards or container gardening, offering all the benefits of the classic Emerald Green without the height.
| Variety | Mature Height | Spread | Growth Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' | 12–15 ft | 3–4 ft | 2–3 ft/year | Hedges, privacy screens |
| Thuja plicata 'Emerald' | 15–20 ft | 3–5 ft | 3–4 ft/year | Specimen plants, tall screens |
| Thuja standishii 'Emerald' | 10–12 ft | 2–3 ft | 2–3 ft/year | Small yards, containers |
| Thuja occidentalis 'Techny' | 8–10 ft | 2–3 ft | 1–2 ft/year | Dwarf hedges, borders |
Now that you know the exact heights, let’s talk about how to maximize their potential. Proper spacing isn’t just about avoiding overcrowding—it’s about creating an environment where these trees can grow densely and uniformly. For example, planting Thuja plicata 'Emerald' in a single row requires 5 to 6 feet between plants to prevent competition.
In multi-row plantings, like a three-row hedge, you’ll need 3 to 4 feet between rows to ensure all plants receive adequate sunlight. This spacing also improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in damp, shaded conditions. The goal is to create a living wall that’s both functional and visually appealing.
One common mistake I see is assuming that because these trees are narrow, they don’t need much space. But their root systems spread wider than their canopies, so digging too close can lead to root competition. Always dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend the soil with compost to encourage healthy root growth from the start.
For urban gardens where space is limited, consider container planting. Dwarf varieties like 'Techny' thrive in large pots (at least 18 inches in diameter) and can be placed on patios or balconies. Just
Finally, if you’re planting Emerald Green Arborvitae as a privacy screen, aim
Emerald Green Arborvitae mature height by variety: exact growth ranges
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a popular evergreen, but its mature height can vary significantly depending on the exact variety. Most common types reach 15 to 20 feet tall with a narrow spread of 3 to 4 feet, making them ideal for tight spaces. However, some varieties grow taller or faster, so choosing the right one for your landscape is key.
For example, the Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (the classic Emerald Green) typically matures at 12 to 15 feet, while the Thuja plicata 'Emerald' can stretch up to 20 feet. Understanding these differences ensures you pick the perfect fit for your yard’s layout and design goals.
| Variety | Mature Height | Spread | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' | 12–15 ft | 3–4 ft | 2–3 ft/year |
| Thuja plicata 'Emerald' | 18–20 ft | 4–5 ft | 3–4 ft/year |
| Thuja standishii 'Emerald' | 15–18 ft | 3–4 ft | 2–3 ft/year |
If you’re planting for a privacy screen, the Thuja plicata 'Emerald' is a great choice—its extra height blocks more noise and wind. For smaller yards, the 'Smaragd' variety stays compact while still offering lush greenery. Always check your local nursery for exact measurements, as some growers may offer slightly different cultivars.
One common mistake is assuming all Emerald Green Arborvitae grow the same. For instance, the Thuja standishii variety grows slightly slower but has a more refined shape, perfect for formal gardens. Knowing these details helps you avoid overcrowding or underutilized space in your landscape design.
For hedge plantings, space your trees 3 to 5 feet apart to allow airflow and prevent disease. If you’re planting as a specimen tree, give it at least 6 feet of clearance on all sides. Proper spacing ensures your Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives without competing for resources.
Ready to plant? Start by measuring your space and matching it to the variety’s mature height. With the right spacing, your Emerald Green Arborvitae will grow into a stunning, low-maintenance feature that adds year-round color to your yard. 🌿