How to Care for Emerald Green Arborvitae: FAQs and Maintenance Guide

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a favorite among homeowners and landscapers for its compact size, dense foliage, and year-round green color. Whether used as a privacy hedge, border plant, or stunning accent in your garden, this hardy evergreen is low-maintenance and easy to grow with the right care. In this guide, we answer frequently asked questions about Emerald Green Arborvitae care, growth, and troubleshooting to help your plants thrive.

How Big Does an Emerald Green Arborvitae Get?

Emerald Green Arborvitae typically grows to a mature height of 10–15 feet with a spread of 3–4 feet. This compact, columnar shape makes it perfect for privacy hedges or smaller gardens.

Are Emerald Green Arborvitae Fast Growing?

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows at a moderate rate, adding about 6–9 inches per year. While not considered fast-growing, they provide steady growth, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscaping.

How Far Apart Should I Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae?

For a dense privacy hedge, plant Emerald Green Arborvitae 2–3 feet apart. If planting as individual specimens, allow 3–4 feet of spacing to ensure healthy airflow and avoid overcrowding.

How Long Does It Take for Emerald Green Arborvitae to Establish?

Emerald Green Arborvitae typically takes 1–2 years to establish after planting. During this time, consistent watering and proper care are crucial to help the plant develop strong roots.

How Often Do You Water Arborvitae After Planting?

Water newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae deeply 2–3 times per week during the first few months. After the first growing season, reduce watering to once a week or only during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as these plants prefer well-draining soil.

Why Is My Arborvitae Turning Brown?

Browning in Arborvitae can be caused by several factors, including overwatering, drought stress, poor soil drainage, or winter burn. In some cases, natural needle shedding in the fall may also cause interior browning, which is normal.

How Do You Fix Browning Arborvitae?

To fix browning Arborvitae, first identify the cause:

• Overwatering: Reduce watering and ensure proper soil drainage.

• Drought stress: Water deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

• Winter burn: Wrap the plant in burlap during winter to protect it from harsh winds.

Prune away any dead or damaged foliage to promote healthy regrowth.

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 in early spring to feed Emerald Green Arborvitae. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the roots. For established plants, fertilizing once a year is sufficient.

Is It OK to Cut the Top Off Emerald Green Arborvitae?

While it’s generally best to maintain the natural shape of an Emerald Green Arborvitae, you can trim the top to control its height. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid removing too much foliage at once, as this may stress the plant.

How Do I Prune the Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Prune Emerald Green Arborvitae in early spring or late summer to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Trim lightly along the sides to encourage dense growth, but avoid cutting into old wood, as the plant may not regrow from these areas.

Create a lush, green privacy screen with Emerald Green Arborvitae!

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