Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate: How Fast Does It Grow?

May 14, 2026

Introduction

Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the most popular evergreen trees for homeowners who want a clean, compact privacy screen.

It is loved for its dense green foliage, tidy upright shape, and manageable size. But before planting, many homeowners want to know one thing:

How fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?

The short answer: Emerald Green Arborvitae is a slow to moderate-growing evergreen, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year once established. It does not grow as quickly as Thuja Green Giant or Leyland Cypress, but its compact size and neat shape make it one of the best options for smaller yards, patios, front yards, and narrow privacy hedges.

In this guide, we’ll break down Emerald Green Arborvitae growth rate, what affects its growth, how long it takes to form a privacy hedge, and how to help it grow as healthy and full as possible.

What Is Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a compact evergreen tree known for its narrow, upright shape and rich green foliage.

It is commonly used for:

Privacy hedges
Front yard landscaping
Foundation plantings
Property borders
Patio screening
Small yard privacy

Unlike larger privacy trees, Emerald Green Arborvitae stays relatively manageable, which makes it a strong choice when you want year-round greenery without planting something that will overwhelm the space.

How Fast Does Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow?

Emerald Green Arborvitae typically grows about 1–2 feet per year once established.

Its growth rate depends on sunlight, watering, soil, spacing, climate, and the size of the tree at planting.

In ideal conditions, you can expect:

Year 1: root establishment and modest growth
Years 2–3: steadier height and foliage growth
Years 3–5: a more noticeable hedge or privacy screen
5+ years: mature, dense evergreen structure

Emerald Green Arborvitae is not the fastest privacy tree, but that is part of its appeal. It grows at a controlled pace and keeps a naturally tidy shape, making it easier to manage in smaller spaces.

Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate by Year

Year 1: Root Establishment

During the first year, Emerald Green Arborvitae focuses heavily on establishing roots.

You may see some top growth, but the tree’s biggest priority is adjusting to its new location.

In year one, expect:

Modest visible growth
Root development
Possible minor transplant stress
Higher watering needs

This is the most important year for long-term success. Consistent watering and proper planting will help your tree establish faster and grow better in the following years.

Years 2–3: Steadier Growth

After the first year, Emerald Green Arborvitae usually begins growing more consistently.

This is when you may start seeing:

More vertical height
Fuller foliage
Better density
A more defined hedge shape

Growth is still moderate compared with fast-growing privacy trees, but the tree should begin filling out more evenly.

Years 3–5: Privacy Screen Starts Filling In

By years three to five, Emerald Green Arborvitae can begin forming a stronger privacy screen, especially if planted at proper spacing.

At this stage, expect:

More consistent height
Denser side growth
Reduced visibility between trees
A cleaner hedge-like appearance

If your trees were planted close enough for privacy, this is when the row may start looking more complete.

Year 5 and Beyond: Mature Evergreen Structure

After five years, Emerald Green Arborvitae should have a more established, polished appearance.

It may not be as tall as Thuja Green Giant or Leyland Cypress, but it provides a compact, dense evergreen screen that is easier to manage.

This is where Emerald Green Arborvitae shines: it gives long-term structure without becoming too large for smaller landscapes.

What Affects Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate?

Several factors can speed up or slow down growth.

1. Sunlight

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade.

For the best growth and densest foliage, plant it where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

More sunlight usually helps the tree grow fuller and more evenly. Too much shade can make growth slower and thinner.

2. Watering

Watering is especially important during the first year after planting.

Newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae needs consistent moisture while its roots establish.

For best results:

Water deeply after planting
Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season
Avoid letting the root zone dry out completely
Reduce watering once the tree is established

Do not overwater. Arborvitae prefers moist but well-draining soil, not soggy conditions.

3. Soil Drainage

Emerald Green Arborvitae performs best in well-draining soil.

Poor drainage can slow growth and stress the roots. If the soil stays too wet, the tree may struggle to establish properly.

Healthy root development is what supports steady growth above ground.

4. Spacing

Spacing has a major impact on how quickly Emerald Green Arborvitae creates privacy.

If planted too far apart, the hedge will take longer to fill in. If planted too close, the trees may compete for water, nutrients, and airflow.

For privacy hedges, a general spacing range is:

3–4 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge
4–5 feet apart for a more natural evergreen screen

Proper spacing helps the trees grow together visually while still staying healthy.

5. Starting Size

The size of the tree at planting affects how quickly you see privacy.

Larger starter trees provide more immediate structure. Smaller trees may take longer to create screening, but they can still establish well with proper care.

If you want faster results, starting with larger Emerald Green Arborvitae trees can help shorten the privacy timeline.

How Long Until Emerald Green Arborvitae Creates Privacy?

Emerald Green Arborvitae creates privacy more gradually than fast-growing options like Thuja Green Giant. Here is a side-by-side comparison.

A realistic timeline:

Year 1: establishment
Years 2–3: visible growth and fuller shape
Years 3–5: hedge begins filling in
5+ years: stronger privacy and mature structure

If you want immediate privacy, Emerald Green Arborvitae may feel slower. But if you want a manageable, compact hedge for a smaller space, its slower growth can be an advantage.

How to Help Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow Faster

You cannot force the tree to grow like a Leyland Cypress or Thuja Green Giant, but you can help it reach its best natural growth rate.

Plant in the Right Location

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and enough room for the tree’s mature width.

Water Consistently During the First Year

Deep watering helps the roots establish. Strong roots lead to better long-term growth.

Mulch Around the Base

Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weed competition.

Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup against the base.

Avoid Overcrowding

Planting too close may seem like a shortcut to faster privacy, but overcrowding can lead to stress and poor airflow.

Prune Lightly

Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally keeps a tidy shape. Heavy pruning is usually unnecessary.

Light trimming can help maintain shape, but avoid cutting too aggressively.

Emerald Green Arborvitae for Privacy Hedges

Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the best privacy trees for smaller spaces.

It works well for:

Small backyards
Front yard borders
Patio privacy
Side yards
Formal hedges
Foundation-adjacent landscaping

Because it stays relatively narrow and uniform, it can create a clean privacy screen without becoming too large.

It is especially useful when you want privacy at eye level rather than a massive tree screen.

Common Growth Problems to Watch For

Slow Growth

Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally grows slower than some privacy trees, but unusually slow growth may be caused by:

Too much shade
Inconsistent watering
Poor soil drainage
Planting stress
Overcrowding

Start by checking sunlight, soil moisture, and spacing.

Browning or Yellowing

Some browning can happen from transplant stress, drought, overwatering, winter stress, or poor drainage.

If browning spreads or continues, inspect watering habits and soil conditions.

Thin Growth

Thin or sparse growth is often related to low sunlight or poor spacing.

For the fullest hedge, Emerald Green Arborvitae should receive enough sun and room to grow evenly.

Is Emerald Green Arborvitae Right for Your Yard?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a good choice if you want:

A compact evergreen privacy tree
A tidy, formal hedge
Year-round greenery
A manageable mature size
Privacy for smaller yards or patios
Lower maintenance structure

It may not be the best choice if you want a fast-growing privacy tree across a large backyard. In that case, Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, or another fast-growing privacy tree may be a better fit.

But if you want a clean, compact evergreen that grows steadily and stays manageable, Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the strongest options.

Ready to Grow a Compact Privacy Hedge?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is not the fastest-growing privacy tree, but it is one of the most reliable choices for compact, year-round screening.

With proper sunlight, watering, spacing, and care during the first year, it can grow into a dense evergreen hedge that adds privacy and structure without overwhelming your yard.

For full planting instructions, read our complete Emerald Green Arborvitae planting guide.

Final Thoughts