How Tall Do Arborvitae Emerald Green Grow: Mature Height Chart by Year

If you're planning a privacy screen or a lush hedge, knowing how tall do arborvitae emerald green grow is the first step to designing your dream landscape. This evergreen beauty grows at a steady pace, reaching its full potential in just a few years—but without the right spacing, you might end up with a crowded, unruly mess.

Picture this: a 🌲 Emerald Green Arborvitae standing tall and proud, its vibrant green needles creating a natural barrier that’s both functional and stunning. By year three, it’s already 9-11 feet high, and by maturity (around 10-15 years), it hits that perfect 12-15 foot mark—ideal for blocking nosy neighbors or framing your backyard. The key? Planting them 2-3 feet apart ensures they grow without competing for space.

But here’s the thing: growth isn’t just about height. Width matters too! These shrubs spread about 3-4 feet wide, so spacing them properly now saves you from pruning headaches later. Whether you’re lining a driveway or creating a cozy corner, understanding their growth pattern lets you plan with confidence—no guesswork, just green perfection.

Ready to transform your yard? I’ll break down exactly how to maximize their height (or keep them in check) with simple tips that work for beginners and pros alike. Let’s get growing!

Arborvitae Emerald Green height by year: growth chart & mature size

The Arborvitae Emerald Green is a popular choice for privacy screens and landscaping hedges thanks to its predictable growth and dense foliage. Unlike some fast-growing evergreens, this variety matures at a steady pace, making it easier to plan your garden layout. Understanding its height progression by year helps you decide whether to plant it as a single specimen or a multi-row hedge.

In its first growing season, an Emerald Green Arborvitae typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall. By year two, it doubles in height to 6 to 8 feet, establishing itself as a privacy barrier for small yards. This early growth phase is crucial for determining spacing—planting too close can lead to crowded, stunted growth later on.

Here’s how the Arborvitae Emerald Green grows over time, including its width expansion and mature dimensions for better planning:

By year 5, your Emerald Green Arborvitae will be nearly at its mature height, typically 10–12 feet tall. Full maturity—12–15 feet—occurs around 10–15 years, depending on growing conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for permanent privacy screens or windbreaks, as it won’t outgrow its intended space unexpectedly.

For hedge planting, space trees 2–3 feet apart to allow airflow and prevent disease. If using as a single specimen or focus plant, give it 5–6 feet of clearance on all sides for optimal growth. The width expansion is often overlooked but critical—mature width can reach 4–6 feet, so plan accordingly for pathways or adjacent plants.

One common misconception is that Arborvitae Emerald Green grows taller than its width, which is true, but its dense, columnar shape makes it ideal for narrow spaces. Unlike some evergreens that spread widely, this variety maintains a neat, upright form, perfect for modern landscapes or urban gardens.

If you’re comparing it to other Arborvitae varieties, the Emerald Green is taller than dwarf types (like Green Giant, which maxes at 30–40 feet) but shorter than standard varieties. Its predictable growth is one reason it’s a top pick for hedges—you won’t be surprised by sudden height spikes like you might with faster-growing species.

Pro tip: Use a measuring tape in early years to track growth. If your Arborvitae isn’t gaining 1–2 feet per year, it may need more sunlight, better soil, or adjusted watering. Healthy specimens in full sun and well-draining soil will hit their target height reliably.

For landscape design, consider pairing Emerald Green with shorter shrubs (like boxwood) in front and taller trees (like pine) behind to create visual layers. Its evergreen foliage also provides year-round interest, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.

Arborvitae Emerald Green height by year: growth chart & mature size

The Arborvitae Emerald Green is a popular choice for hedges and privacy screens, but many gardeners wonder exactly how tall it will grow over time. Understanding its height progression helps you plan spacing and maintenance. This evergreen typically reaches 12-15 feet at maturity, but its growth is steady and predictable.

In the first year, you can expect your Emerald Green Arborvitae to grow 3-4 feet tall. By year two, it will double in height, reaching 6-8 feet. This rapid early growth makes it ideal for quick privacy solutions. The growth rate slows slightly after year three, but it continues gaining height until it reaches maturity.

When planning your Arborvitae Emerald Green layout, remember that its width will be about 1/3 of its height. This means a 12-foot-tall shrub will spread roughly 4 feet wide. Planting them 2-3 feet apart ensures they fill in nicely without overcrowding.

For hedges or privacy screens, aim for a spacing of 2-3 feet between plants. This spacing allows for airflow and reduces the risk of disease while ensuring a dense, lush barrier. If you're using them as specimen plants, give them more space—6-8 feet from other shrubs—to prevent competition.

One common mistake is underestimating the mature width of these shrubs. While they grow vertically, their horizontal spread is significant. Plan accordingly to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to poor growth or pest issues. With proper spacing, your Emerald Green Arborvitae will thrive and create a stunning, evergreen focal point.

To visualize the height, imagine a standard basketball hoop, which is 10 feet tall. Your mature Arborvitae Emerald Green will exceed this height, making it perfect for blocking views or adding grandeur to your landscape. With its dense foliage and vibrant green color, it’s a versatile choice for any outdoor space.