How To
If you're dreaming of adding an Emerald Green Arborvitae 🌲 to your yard, you might be wondering just how tall this evergreen beauty can grow—and whether it’ll fit your space perfectly. The answer? These shrubs typically reach a mature height of 12 to 15 feet, making them ideal for privacy screens or statement hedges, but their final size depends on a few key factors.
What’s surprising is how quickly they grow—about 6 to 12 inches per year under the right conditions. That means in just a few years, your 🌲 Emerald Green Arborvitae could be a towering focal point in your landscape. But here’s the catch: planting too close to other plants or structures can stunt their growth, while giving them too much room might leave your yard looking sparse.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to expect from your Emerald Green Arborvitae as it matures, how to space it correctly for optimal growth, and the simple tricks to keep it at your desired height. Whether you’re planning a hedge or a standalone shrub, you’ll learn how to give it the perfect start in USDA Zone 6a and beyond.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Let’s dive into the details so you can plant with confidence—and watch your 🌲 Emerald Green Arborvitae thrive exactly as you envision it.
Exact mature height of Emerald Green Arborvitae: what to expect by age
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a fast-growing evergreen that typically reaches its mature height of 12 to 15 feet in about 10 to 15 years. Unlike slower-growing varieties, this shrub grows 6 to 12 inches per year when given the right conditions—think full sun and well-draining soil. In my own yard, I’ve seen them hit 10 feet in just 7 years when planted in rich, slightly acidic soil.
What’s fascinating is how their growth rate slows as they mature. In their first 3 years, you’ll see the most dramatic height increase, while growth in years 5 to 10 becomes steadier. This predictable pattern makes them perfect for planning privacy screens or windbreaks—you can reliably estimate their height over time.
Here’s the breakdown of what to expect at different stages of growth, including how pruning can influence their final height:
| Age Range | Height Range | Growth Rate | Pruning Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1-3 | 1–5 ft | 6–12 in/year | Minimal pruning needed; focus on shaping |
| Year 4-7 | 6–10 ft | 4–8 in/year | Light pruning to maintain shape; avoid over-trimming |
| Year 8-10 | 10–14 ft | 2–6 in/year | Annual pruning to control height; focus on lower branches |
| Year 10+ (Mature) | 12–15 ft | 1–3 in/year | Minimal pruning; remove dead branches only |
Regional climate plays a huge role in their growth. In warmer USDA Zones 7-9, these shrubs can grow slightly taller and denser due to longer growing seasons. Meanwhile, in cooler Zone 6a, like where I garden, they grow more slowly but develop a sturdier structure to handle winter winds. If you’re in a windy area, expect them to lean slightly unless you stake them young.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Emerald Green Arborvitae will always reach their maximum height. In reality, their final size depends heavily on pruning habits. If you prune the top growth aggressively in their early years, you can keep them shorter—even as low as 8 to 10 feet—without sacrificing their dense, lush appearance. I’ve seen gardeners use this trick to create low hedges or container-friendly shrubs.
For those planning a privacy screen, aim to plant them 3 to 4 feet apart in a row. This spacing ensures they’ll fill in quickly while leaving room for their natural width of 3 to 4 feet. If you’re using them as a windbreak, space them 5 to 6 feet apart to allow airflow and prevent damage during storms.
Pro tip: If you’re worried about their height, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing encourages bushier growth and helps control their vertical expansion. Just avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as it can stress the plant before winter.
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Ideal spacing and planting distance for Emerald Green Arborvitae
When planting your Emerald Green Arborvitae, proper spacing is just as important as choosing the right location. These shrubs need room to spread their roots and grow to their full 12–15 foot height without competing for nutrients. The general rule? Plant them 3 to 5 feet apart for single specimens or 1 to 2 feet apart if creating a hedge.
For privacy screens, aim for 3 feet of spacing between plants to allow airflow and reduce disease risk. If you're using them as a windbreak, space them 4 to 5 feet apart to create a dense barrier. Remember, crowding stunts growth, so avoid planting closer than 2 feet unless you're intentionally shaping a compact hedge.
Soil conditions play a huge role in how well your Emerald Green Arborvitae grows. These shrubs thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0). If your soil is heavy clay or poorly drained, amend it with compost or sand to improve aeration. A simple soil test before planting can save you headaches later!
| Planting Purpose | Spacing (Feet) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Specimen | 3–5 | Allows full height growth (12–15 ft) |
| Hedge (Tight) | 1–2 | Encourages bushier growth, prune annually |
| Privacy Screen | 3 | Optimal for dense, unbroken barrier |
| Windbreak | 4–5 | Maximizes wind deflection |
Another key factor is sunlight. Your Emerald Green Arborvitae needs 6+ hours of direct sun daily to reach its full height potential. Planting in partial shade may result in slower growth and a less vibrant green color. If your yard has limited sun, consider a south-facing location for the best results.
Pro tip: Mark your planting spots with stakes before digging. This helps visualize the final spacing and ensures you’re not planting too close to structures like fences or driveways. A little planning now means fewer headaches as your shrubs mature!
Finally, don’t forget to mulch around the base of your Emerald Green Arborvitae with 2–3 inches of organic mulch. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature—all of which contribute to healthier, faster growth. Just keep the mulch 2 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.