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Emerald Green Arborvitae
Will it grow where you live?
Zones 3-7
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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts
From our farm to your front door
- Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
- Soil secured so it stays put in transit
- Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you
At a glance
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
- Water
- When the top 2" of soil is dry
- Growth & size
- Slow to moderate growth rate, typically adding about 6–12 inches per year. Reaches approximately 10–15 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide at maturity.
- Botanical name
- Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
- Hardiness
- Zones 3-7
- Tolerates
- Cold hardyWind tolerant
Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.
Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
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Size guide & what arrives
Size Facts
| *Trade size | **Pot size |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 6" |
| 3 gallon | 8 to 10" |
| 5 gallon | 10 to 12" |
| 7 gallon | 14" |
| 10 gallon | 15 to 17" |
| 15 gallon | 17" |
| "Jumbo" | 7 or 10 or 15 gallon |
*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons.
**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.
Please note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.
For more information on sizing, please see our sizing guide.
What arrives
Good to know
Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally maintains a narrow, upright shape, making it ideal for smaller landscapes where wider privacy trees may not fit.
In hotter climates, consistent watering during establishment and periods of extreme summer heat is essential to help maintain healthy foliage and reduce stress.
What customers are saying
4.8
out of 5 · 71 verified reviews
rated it 4 or 5 stars
Why customers love it
Healthy, well-rooted plants
Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.
Delivered to your door
Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.
Real plant experts
Ask us anything before or after planting.
1-year guarantee
If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.
Care made simple
Plant it right once and it does the rest.
Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Pick the spot before you dig.
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.
Grows in
Zones 3-7
Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.
Your first year together
- 1Day 1
Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.
- 2First few weeks
Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.
- 3First summer
Water deeply during hot, dry spells.
- 4Next spring
New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.
Planting instructions
Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than the rootball itself. Position the top of the rootball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, water deeply after planting, and apply mulch around the base while keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade. Trees planted in full sun typically develop the densest foliage and most vibrant emerald-green color.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade. Trees planted in full sun typically develop the densest foliage and most vibrant emerald-green color.
Care guide
What does "Jumbo" mean?
Shipping & what's inside
Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.
1-year guarantee
Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.
Answered by Simply Trees plant expertsHow big does Emerald Green Arborvitae get?
Emerald Green Arborvitae typically grows 10–15 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide at maturity, making it one of the best evergreen privacy trees for smaller yards and narrow planting spaces.
How fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?
Emerald Green Arborvitae is considered a slow to moderate-growing evergreen tree and typically grows approximately 6–12 inches per year under favorable growing conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is commonly planted along property lines, driveways, fences, and landscape borders where a narrow evergreen privacy screen is desired.
How far apart should I plant Emerald Green Arborvitaes for privacy?
For a dense privacy screen, plant Emerald Green Arborvitaes approximately 2½–3½ feet apart from center to center. Wider spacing creates a more natural look, while closer spacing fills in more quickly.
How can I help my Emerald Green Arborvitae establish successfully after planting?
Plant your Emerald Green Arborvitae in well-draining soil and water deeply at the base when the top 2–3 inches of the rootball begin to dry. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to help maintain consistent soil moisture, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. During the first growing season, regularly check the soil rather than following a strict watering schedule, as moisture needs will naturally change with rainfall, temperature, soil type, and season.
Does afternoon shade help Emerald Green Arborvitae in hot climates?
Yes. Emerald Green Arborvitae grows in full sun to partial shade, and some afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress in hotter climates. However, shade does not replace proper watering or drainage, and trees still need adequate sunlight for dense, healthy growth.
Should I water Emerald Green Arborvitae every day during summer?
Typically, no. Daily watering can keep the root zone overly wet, especially in clay soil or areas with poor drainage. Check the soil 2–3 inches deep at the rootball before watering and water deeply only when it begins to dry. Hot, dry, or windy conditions may increase watering needs, so always use the soil as your guide rather than following a strict schedule.
Why do Emerald Green Arborvitae struggle during summer after planting?
Newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae are especially sensitive to heat and moisture stress while their roots become established. During hot summer weather, the dense evergreen foliage can lose moisture faster than the developing root system can replace it. Careful soil moisture monitoring and deep watering at the rootball are especially important during the first growing season.
When is the best time to plant Emerald Green Arborvitae?
The best time to plant Emerald Green Arborvitae is in early spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler and the tree can establish its roots before summer heat or winter cold. Container-grown trees can also be planted during much of the growing season with proper watering and care.
Why do homeowners love Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Homeowners love Emerald Green Arborvitae for its elegant narrow shape, year-round evergreen color, low-maintenance care, and ability to create beautiful privacy screens without taking up much space. Its compact habit makes it one of the best privacy trees for smaller landscapes.
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