Emerald Petite® Arborvitae

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES
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Emerald Petite® Arborvitae is a compact, narrow evergreen with dense green foliage and a naturally tidy, upright shape. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for privacy screens, borders, foundations, entryways, and landscapes where a full-size arborvitae would take up too much room.

  • Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4' PP33,360
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT
Grows best in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight encourages the densest growth and richest foliage color.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 3–8. Emerald Petite® is exceptionally cold hardy and performs best in cool to temperate climates. It can tolerate warmer conditions within its recommended range when provided with adequate moisture and good drainage.

Newly planted arborvitae are particularly sensitive to both dry root balls and consistently saturated soil. Check moisture within the actual root ball rather than judging watering needs solely by the surrounding soil or based on a "schedule".

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Emerald Petite® Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4' PP33,360, is a compact evergreen with dense, upright growth and rich green foliage that provides year-round color. Its naturally narrow, tidy habit makes it an excellent choice for small-space privacy screens, foundation plantings, borders, entryways, and compact landscapes. With the classic look of an arborvitae in a smaller footprint, Emerald Petite® adds structure without overwhelming the surrounding landscape.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 5-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity.

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 Petite® Arborvitae grows best in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight generally produces the densest, most compact growth, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in warmer climates.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Emerald Petite® naturally maintains a compact, upright shape, so regular pruning is usually unnecessary. If needed, lightly trim new growth to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if needed. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.

WINTER PROTECTION
Emerald Petite® is very cold hardy and generally needs little winter protection once established. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk. In exposed locations, protection from harsh winter winds can help prevent foliage from drying out.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Remove the nursery pot or any wrapping around the root ball, then gently loosen tightly bound or circling roots. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill using only the native soil removed from the planting hole without adding compost, peat moss, sand, rock, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil and water slowly and deeply throughout the root ball and surrounding soil. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

For individual plants, space Emerald Petite® approximately 2–3 feet apart. For a tighter hedge or privacy screen, plants can be positioned closer together based on the desired finished look.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 3-8

Emerald Petite® Arborvitae grows best in USDA Zones 3–8 and is especially well suited to cool and temperate climates. Its excellent cold hardiness allows it to handle harsh northern winters while maintaining evergreen foliage year-round. It also grows well through much of the Upper South when provided with adequate moisture, but it may struggle in extremely hot, dry climates. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and soil that drains well but does not remain excessively dry.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Emerald Petite® Arborvitae reaches approximately 5-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity. Its narrow, compact habit makes it especially useful in landscapes where a traditional arborvitae would become too tall or wide.

Emerald Petite® has a slow to moderate growth rate and can typically grow approximately 6–12 inches per year once established under favorable conditions. Growth varies depending on sunlight, climate, soil, moisture, and overall plant health.

Plant Emerald Petite® in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Its compact footprint works especially well along foundations, property lines, walkways, entryways, patios, and smaller areas where you want year-round structure or screening.

For individual specimens with some separation at maturity, space Emerald Petite® approximately 2–3 feet apart. For a denser hedge or screen, plants can be positioned closer together depending on how quickly you want the foliage to fill in.

Yes. Its dense foliage and narrow upright habit make Emerald Petite® an excellent choice for a compact privacy hedge or screen, especially where planting space is limited. Keep in mind that its mature height is only around 6 feet, so it is best for moderate-height screening rather than a tall privacy wall.

Emerald Petite® grows best in full sun to partial shade. Providing around 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day generally results in denser foliage and a more compact habit, although some afternoon shade can be beneficial in warmer climates.

Yes. Its compact size makes Emerald Petite® a good candidate for a large outdoor container, provided the container has excellent drainage and enough room for the root system. Container-grown plants require more frequent moisture checks and may need additional winter protection in colder climates because their roots are more exposed to freezing temperatures.

Very little pruning is usually necessary. Emerald Petite® naturally develops a dense, tidy shape, so you can simply remove dead or damaged growth and lightly trim it if you want a more formal appearance.

Yes. Emerald Petite® is hardy in approximately Zones 3–8, making it a strong option for landscapes with cold winters.

Browning can occur from several types of stress, but improper soil moisture is one of the first things to check. Both a root ball that becomes too dry and soil that remains consistently saturated can cause browning. Check the soil 1–2 inches within the root ball before watering and adjust based on actual moisture rather than following a fixed schedule.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.