Introduction
If you’re planning a privacy hedge, you’ve likely come across two of the most popular options:
👉 Emerald Green Arborvitae
👉 Thuja Green Giant
Both are evergreen, both provide privacy—but they serve very different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences so you can confidently choose the right tree for your yard.
| Feature | Emerald Green Arborvitae | Thuja Green Giant |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Slow–Moderate (1–2 ft/year) | Fast (3–5 ft/year) |
| Mature Height | 10–15 ft | 30–50 ft |
| Width | 3–4 ft | 12–15 ft |
| Best For | Small yards | Large privacy screens |
| Maintenance | Low | Very low |
Growth Rate: Which One Grows Faster?
👉 Winner: Thuja Green Giant
- Grows 3–5 feet per year
- One of the fastest privacy trees available
Emerald Green Arborvitae:
- Grows 1–2 feet per year
- Takes longer to form a full hedge
👉 If speed matters, Thuja Green Giant is the clear choice.
Size & Space: Which Fits Your Yard?
Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Compact size
- Ideal for small yards or tight spaces
- Works well near fences or property lines
Thuja Green Giant
- Much larger and wider
- Needs space to grow
- Best for large properties and wide screens
👉 If you have limited space, Emerald Green is the better fit.
👉 If you want maximum coverage, go with Thuja.
Privacy Coverage: Which One Blocks More?
👉 Winner: Thuja Green Giant
- Denser and taller
- Fills in faster
- Creates a full privacy wall
Emerald Green:
- Still dense, but smaller
- Better for partial or moderate privacy
Maintenance & Care
Both trees are relatively low maintenance.
Thuja Green Giant
- More forgiving
- Better disease resistance
- Handles different conditions well
Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Slightly more sensitive
- Needs more consistent care early on
👉 Overall: Thuja Green Giant is easier long-term.
Appearance: Formal vs Natural
Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Uniform, tidy shape
- Great for formal hedges
Thuja Green Giant
- Fuller, more natural look
- Better for large, natural privacy screens
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Thuja Green Giant if you:
- Want fast privacy
- Have space for large trees
- Prefer low maintenance
- Want a dense, full screen quickly
Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae if you:
- Have a smaller yard
- Need a compact hedge
- Prefer a more structured, uniform look
Our Recommendation
For most homeowners, especially those prioritizing speed and coverage,
👉 Thuja Green Giant is the better overall choice
It grows faster, fills in quicker, and creates a more effective privacy barrier in less time. If you choose Thuja Green Giant, proper spacing plays a major role in how quickly your hedge fills in.
Ready to Choose Your Privacy Trees?
👉 Browse fast-growing privacy trees here
👉 Shop Thuja Green Giant trees
👉 Explore Emerald Green Arborvitae options
Final Thoughts
Both trees are excellent—but they’re built for different situations.
- Emerald Green = compact, controlled, small-space solution
- Thuja Green Giant = fast, large-scale privacy solution
👉 The right choice comes down to your space and how quickly you want results.
