Introduction
Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the most popular evergreen trees for privacy screens, borders, foundation plantings, and smaller yards. It is loved for its narrow shape, soft green foliage, and year-round structure.
But how fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow? In most landscapes, Emerald Green Arborvitae has a moderate growth rate. It is not as fast as Thuja Green Giant, but it is easier to fit into tighter spaces because of its compact, upright shape.
This guide explains the Emerald Green Arborvitae growth rate, how big it gets, how long it takes to form a privacy screen, and what you can do to help it grow strong and healthy.
How Fast Does Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow?
Emerald Green Arborvitae typically grows at a moderate pace once established. In good conditions, you can expect steady yearly growth, especially after the tree has had time to settle into the soil and develop a strong root system.
Newly planted arborvitae may grow slowly at first. This is normal. During the first year, much of the plant’s energy goes into root establishment rather than visible height.
Once established, Emerald Green Arborvitae can add noticeable growth each year, but it is usually chosen more for its narrow, tidy shape than for extreme speed.
Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate by Year
The exact growth rate depends on sunlight, watering, soil, spacing, climate, and overall care. Healthy trees in good conditions will usually grow faster than stressed trees in shade, soggy soil, or dry soil.
| Time After Planting | Typical Growth Pattern | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| First year | Slow to moderate | Tree focuses on root establishment |
| Years 2-3 | More noticeable growth | Tree begins filling in and gaining height |
| Years 4-5 | Steady growth | Privacy screen becomes fuller with proper spacing |
| 5+ years | Mature structure develops | Tree continues to thicken and hold its columnar shape |
The first year is often the slowest visually. Do not judge the tree too early. If the foliage looks healthy and the soil is staying evenly moist without being soggy, the tree may simply be building roots before pushing more top growth.
How Big Does Emerald Green Arborvitae Get?
Emerald Green Arborvitae is known for its compact, columnar form. It grows upright rather than wide, which makes it useful for privacy screens in smaller yards and tight planting areas.
At maturity, Emerald Green Arborvitae usually stays much narrower than larger privacy trees. That is one of the main reasons homeowners choose it for patios, side yards, front yard borders, and smaller backyard screens.
Emerald Green Arborvitae is commonly used for:
- Compact privacy screens
- Formal evergreen rows
- Foundation plantings
- Side yard screening
- Patio privacy
- Narrow property lines
For a compact evergreen privacy tree, shop Emerald Green Arborvitae from Simply Trees.
Why Emerald Green Arborvitae Grows Slower the First Year
It is common for Emerald Green Arborvitae to look like it is growing slowly after planting. This does not always mean something is wrong.
After transplanting, the tree has to adjust to its new location. It also needs to grow roots into the surrounding soil. During this establishment period, above-ground growth may be limited.
First-year growth may be slower because of:
- Transplant adjustment
- Root establishment
- Watering changes
- Heat or drought stress
- Soil differences from the nursery pot
- Seasonal timing
As long as the tree stays green, hydrated, and stable, slower first-year growth is usually not a reason to panic.
How Long Until Emerald Green Arborvitae Creates Privacy?
Emerald Green Arborvitae can create a beautiful evergreen privacy screen, but it takes time. The timeline depends on the size of the trees at planting, how far apart they are spaced, and how well they grow after planting.
If you start with larger trees and plant them at privacy-screen spacing, you will get coverage sooner. Smaller trees will take longer, but they can still create a strong screen over time with proper care.
| Privacy Goal | What Affects Timeline | Best Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Quick visual softening | Starting tree size | Plant larger trees for faster impact |
| Dense privacy row | Spacing and fullness | Use consistent spacing and proper watering |
| Long-term evergreen screen | Sunlight, soil, and care | Focus on healthy establishment |
| Small-yard privacy | Mature width | Give each tree enough room to fill in naturally |
Emerald Green Arborvitae is best when you want a neat, compact evergreen screen. For broader privacy planning, read our guide to the best privacy trees for backyard screening.
How to Make Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow Faster
The best way to help Emerald Green Arborvitae grow faster is to reduce stress. A healthy tree in the right location will grow better than a tree that is crowded, dry, overwatered, shaded, or planted too deeply.
To support stronger growth:
- Plant in a location with enough sunlight.
- Water deeply during establishment.
- Use well-draining soil.
- Mulch around the root zone.
- Avoid planting too deeply.
- Give each tree enough spacing.
- Fertilize only when appropriate.
- Avoid heavy pruning that removes too much foliage.
Growth comes from consistent care, not forcing the tree. Overwatering, overfertilizing, or crowding trees too tightly can slow growth instead of helping.
Sunlight and Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth
Sunlight plays a major role in how full and strong Emerald Green Arborvitae becomes. These trees grow best with good sun exposure. More light usually means denser foliage, better shape, and stronger growth.
In too much shade, Emerald Green Arborvitae may grow more slowly and look thinner. If your goal is privacy, density matters just as much as height.
For best growth:
- Choose a sunny planting location when possible.
- Avoid deep shade.
- Make sure nearby trees or structures do not block too much light.
- Use proper spacing so each tree receives light on all sides.
For full care guidance, see our Emerald Green Arborvitae Care Guide.
Watering and Growth Rate
Watering is one of the biggest factors in Emerald Green Arborvitae growth, especially during the first year after planting. New trees need consistent moisture while their roots establish.
The goal is to water deeply, not lightly. A quick sprinkle may wet the surface but leave the root ball dry. Deep watering helps moisture reach the root zone where the tree needs it most.
Watering tips for better growth:
- Water deeply after planting.
- Keep soil evenly moist during establishment.
- Check the soil before watering again.
- Do not let the root ball dry out completely.
- Avoid constantly soggy soil.
- Adjust watering during heat, drought, wind, or heavy rain.
For more help, read the Simply Trees Guide to Watering.
Soil Conditions That Help Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best in soil that holds some moisture but still drains well. Soil that dries out too quickly can stress the tree, while soggy soil can lead to root problems.
If the planting area has heavy clay, compacted soil, or poor drainage, growth may be slower. Improving planting conditions from the start gives the tree a better chance to establish and grow well.
Good soil should be:
- Well-draining
- Not constantly soggy
- Loose enough for root growth
- Able to hold moderate moisture
- Free from long-term standing water
If water sits around the roots for long periods, address drainage before planting or choose a better location.
Does Fertilizer Make Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow Faster?
Fertilizer can support healthy growth when the tree actually needs nutrients, but it is not a magic shortcut. Overfertilizing can stress the plant and may do more harm than good.
For newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae, focus first on watering, soil, sunlight, and proper planting. Once the tree is established, light fertilizing during the growing season may help support steady growth.
Fertilizing tips:
- Use fertilizer only when the tree is actively growing.
- Follow label directions carefully.
- Do not overapply fertilizer.
- Avoid fertilizing a drought-stressed tree.
- Prioritize watering and soil health first.
For general feeding guidance, read the Simply Trees Guide to Fertilizing.
Spacing and Growth Rate
Spacing affects both growth and privacy. If Emerald Green Arborvitae trees are planted too far apart, the screen may take longer to fill in. If they are planted too close together, they may compete for water, nutrients, airflow, and sunlight.
The right spacing depends on your privacy goal. A tighter row creates a fuller screen sooner, while wider spacing gives each tree more room to keep its natural shape.
Spacing affects:
- How quickly the screen fills in
- Airflow between trees
- Root competition
- Long-term health
- Maintenance needs
- Overall privacy density
When planting a row, plan for the mature size of the trees, not just their size on planting day.
Emerald Green Arborvitae vs. Thuja Green Giant Growth Rate
Emerald Green Arborvitae and Thuja Green Giant are both popular evergreen privacy trees, but they grow differently.
Thuja Green Giant is usually the better choice when speed and large-scale privacy are the top priorities. Emerald Green Arborvitae is better when you need a narrower, more compact evergreen for smaller yards or tighter spaces.
| Feature | Emerald Green Arborvitae | Thuja Green Giant |
|---|---|---|
| Growth rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Best use | Smaller yards, formal rows, compact screens | Large privacy screens, property lines, fast coverage |
| Shape | Narrow and compact | Larger and broader |
| Privacy speed | Steady over time | Faster coverage in larger spaces |
| Space needed | Less width | More room to mature |
For a full comparison, read Emerald Green Arborvitae vs. Thuja Green Giant.
Why Is My Emerald Green Arborvitae Not Growing?
If your Emerald Green Arborvitae is not growing much, first consider how long it has been planted. Slow visible growth in the first year can be normal. But if the tree remains thin, stressed, or stagnant over time, there may be an underlying issue.
| Problem | How It Affects Growth | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Not enough sunlight | Can lead to thin, slow growth | Check shade from fences, buildings, or other trees |
| Underwatering | Roots cannot support new growth | Check soil moisture around the root ball |
| Overwatering | Soggy roots become stressed | Look for poor drainage or standing water |
| Planted too deeply | Root flare may be buried | Check planting depth around the trunk |
| Poor soil | Roots may struggle to establish | Look for compaction, clay, or drainage issues |
| Crowding | Trees compete for light, air, water, and nutrients | Review spacing between trees |
The fix depends on the cause. Do not automatically add fertilizer to a struggling arborvitae. First check watering, drainage, light, and planting depth.
How to Tell If Emerald Green Arborvitae Is Growing Well
A healthy Emerald Green Arborvitae may not always grow dramatically fast, but it should look stable, green, and gradually fuller over time.
Signs of healthy growth include:
- Consistent green foliage
- New growth during the growing season
- Firm, upright branching
- Gradual thickening
- No major browning or thinning
- Soil that stays evenly moist but not soggy
Some interior browning can happen naturally as older foliage sheds, but large sections of browning, thinning, or dieback may point to stress.
Should You Prune Emerald Green Arborvitae to Make It Grow Faster?
Pruning does not usually make Emerald Green Arborvitae grow faster. In fact, heavy pruning can slow growth if too much foliage is removed.
Light pruning can help maintain shape, remove damaged growth, and keep a row looking clean. But Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally has a tidy form, so it usually does not need aggressive pruning.
Pruning tips:
- Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- Remove dead or damaged branches.
- Avoid cutting too far into old wood.
- Do not remove large amounts of green growth at one time.
- Let young trees establish before heavy shaping.
Common Mistakes That Slow Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth
Planting Too Deeply
Planting too deep can stress the roots and trunk base. The root flare should sit at or slightly above soil level.
Watering Too Lightly
Light watering may not reach the root ball. Deep watering is more effective, especially during establishment.
Overwatering
Emerald Green Arborvitae does not want to sit in constantly soggy soil. Poor drainage can slow growth and damage roots.
Planting in Too Much Shade
Shade can cause thinner growth and slower development. Choose a bright location for the fullest privacy screen.
Spacing Trees Too Closely
Crowded trees may struggle for water, nutrients, sunlight, and airflow. This can reduce long-term health.
Expecting Thuja Green Giant Speed
Emerald Green Arborvitae is not usually chosen for maximum speed. It is chosen for its compact size, narrow shape, and polished evergreen look.
FAQ: Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate
How fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?
Emerald Green Arborvitae has a moderate growth rate. It may grow slowly during the first year while establishing roots, then grow more steadily once settled into the landscape.
How long does it take Emerald Green Arborvitae to grow tall?
The timeline depends on starting size, sunlight, watering, soil, spacing, and climate. Larger planted trees create faster visual impact, while smaller trees take longer to form a full screen.
Why is my Emerald Green Arborvitae growing slowly?
Slow growth may be caused by first-year establishment, low light, inconsistent watering, poor drainage, compacted soil, deep planting, or overcrowding.
Can fertilizer make Emerald Green Arborvitae grow faster?
Fertilizer can support healthy growth when nutrients are needed, but it will not fix poor watering, poor drainage, shade, or planting problems. Avoid overfertilizing.
Does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow faster in full sun?
Emerald Green Arborvitae usually grows fuller and stronger with good sun exposure. Too much shade can lead to slower, thinner growth.
How long does it take Emerald Green Arborvitae to make a privacy screen?
It depends on tree size at planting, spacing, and care. Larger trees planted at privacy-screen spacing will provide coverage sooner, while smaller trees take longer to fill in.
Is Emerald Green Arborvitae fast growing?
Emerald Green Arborvitae is better described as moderate growing. It is not as fast as Thuja Green Giant, but it is more compact and easier to use in smaller spaces.
What is the best way to help Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?
Plant it in good sunlight, water deeply during establishment, use well-draining soil, mulch properly, avoid planting too deep, and give each tree enough spacing.
Can Emerald Green Arborvitae grow in shade?
It can tolerate some shade, but growth may be slower and less dense. For the best privacy screen, plant it where it receives good sunlight.
Should I prune Emerald Green Arborvitae while it is growing?
Light pruning can help maintain shape, but heavy pruning is not recommended. Removing too much foliage can slow growth and affect the tree’s natural form.
Final Thoughts
Emerald Green Arborvitae is a steady, compact evergreen tree that works beautifully for privacy screens, formal rows, side yards, patios, and smaller landscapes. It does not grow as quickly as Thuja Green Giant, but its narrow shape makes it much easier to fit into residential spaces.
For the best growth, plant Emerald Green Arborvitae in a bright location, water deeply during establishment, use well-draining soil, mulch properly, and give each tree enough space. With consistent care, it can grow into a dense, polished evergreen screen that provides structure and privacy year-round.
