How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Emerald Green Arborvitae
Enjoy effortless privacy with hedges that thrive in sun, shade, and any soil.
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a top pick for gardeners and landscapers seeking elegant, evergreen privacy screens. With their refined, columnar form and vibrant foliage, these trees offer year-round beauty and require little fuss once established. This guide details everything you need to know to plant, grow, and maintain healthy, attractive Emerald Green Arborvitae in your landscape.
About Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae shrubs are renowned for their:
- Compact, narrow growth habit â typically reaching 10â15 feet tall and 3â4 feet wide at maturity.
- Dense, rich green needles â maintain vibrant color throughout the seasons.
- Low-maintenance requirements â ideal for homeowners wanting easy-care evergreens.
- Applications â privacy hedges, natural fences, foundation plantings, or as formal accents.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ |
| Mature Height | 10â15 ft |
| Mature Width | 3â4 ft |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (6â9 in/year) |
| USDA Hardiness | Zones 3â8 |
| Light Needs | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well-draining, neutral to alkaline (pH 6â8) |
Where & How to Plant
Choosing the Right Spot
- Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Emerald Green Arborvitae tolerates light shade, but full sun ensures denser, healthier growth.
- Ensure the area is protected from excessive wind exposure, especially in winter.
- Avoid sites with standing water or poorly draining soils, as this increases rot risk.
Soil Preparation
- Emerald Green Arborvitae adapts to a broad range of soil types, but will thrive best in moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6â8).
- Before planting, loosen the area at least twice as wide as the root ball and amend with compost if working with heavy clay or poor soils.
- Test drainage by filling the hole with water â it should drain in a few hours.
Spacing & Layout
- For a dense privacy hedge, plant Arborvitae about 2â3 feet apart (trunk to trunk).
- As individual specimen trees, allow a 3â4 foot spread per plant for optimal airflow and form.
- Consider a staggered or zigzag pattern to achieve a fuller, more natural look.
Planting Steps
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball but twice as wide to allow room for roots to spread.
- Remove the Arborvitae from its container and gently loosen any circling roots.
- Center the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill with excavated soil, gently firming to remove air pockets but do not compact heavily.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
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Mulching
- Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips or bark) around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and disease.
Growing and Care Requirements
Light Needs
- Thrives in full sun but tolerates some partial shade.
- For optimal density and color, ensure a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Too much shade results in leggy growth and faded foliage.
Watering
- For the first few months after planting, water deeply 2â3 times per week to establish roots.
- After the first growing season, reduce to once weekly, providing 1/2 to 1 inch of water per week, more in extreme heat.
- Monitor soil moisture to avoid both under- and over-watering (yellowing may signal dryness; browning or limpness may indicate rot).
Temperature & Hardiness
- Emerald Green Arborvitae is cold hardy (zones 3â8) and tolerates winter snow and ice.
- Best suited to dry, cool climates. In very humid regions, monitor for fungal issues.
- Once established, moderately drought tolerant, though consistent moisture is preferred.
Fertilizing
- Generally does not require fertilization in fertile sites.
- If growth is sparse, feed in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 NPK).
- Organic options like Espoma Plant Tone (5-3-3) are effective; follow label instructions.
Pruning & Shaping
- Little pruning is required. In early spring, trim light leafy growth to thicken form if desired.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches immediately.
- For formal gardens, Arborvitae can be shaped into topiaries. Be cautious not to cut back into old wood.
- Annually, shake off dead needles that accumulate inside the shrub, especially in late winter to early spring.
Annual & Seasonal Care
Spring
- Inspect for winter damage and clean out dead inner needles as part of annual spring maintenance.
- Fertilize if needed, following manufacturer recommendations.
- Mulch as needed, refreshing any areas where the layer is thin.
Summer
- Water consistently during hot and dry spells.
- Inspect for pests, especially spider mites, which can be more active in the warm months.
Fall
- Seasonal needle drop is normalâinner (oldest) needles yellow and fall as the tree renews its foliage.
- Water deeply before the first freeze to help roots survive winter.
Winter
- Protect young plants from heavy snow or ice damage by tying up branches or using a protective burlap wrap if needed.
- In regions with heavy deer pressure, use guards or repellents, as Arborvitae is a favored browsing plant in winter.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Yellowing or Browning Leaves: Usually from underwatering, sunburn, or drought stress. Consistently check soil moisture.
- Root Rot: Signs include limp foliage and dieback, often from excess soil moisture. Ensure proper drainage at planting site.
- Fungal Diseases: Fungal blight or tip dieback may occur in persistently humid climates. Promote air circulation and prune out affected areas.
- Pests: Monitor for bagworms and spider mites. Remove bagworm cocoons by hand and spray with horticultural oil for mites if present.
- Deer Damage: In winter, Emerald Green Arborvitae is susceptible to deer browsing. Use repellents or fencing where needed.
Emerald Green vs. Other Arborvitae
| Type | Size at Maturity | Growth Rate | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Green (‘Smaragd’) | 10â15 ft tall, 3â4 ft wide | Moderate (6â9 in/yr) | Formal hedges, courtyards, small yards |
| Green Giant | 40â60 ft tall, 12â20 ft wide | Fast (3 ft/yr) | Large privacy screens, windbreaks |
| Techny | 12â15 ft tall, 6â8 ft wide | Moderate | Bigger hedges, foundation plantings |
Landscape Designs & Uses
- Plant in rows for dense privacy screens along property lines and patios.
- Use as a living fence â a green alternative to wood or vinyl fencing.
- Pair with perennials or ornamental grasses for a textured border.
- Grow in containers for a striking entryway statement (ensure adequate depth and winter protection).
- Combine with other evergreens or flowering shrubs for year-round interest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How big will Emerald Green Arborvitae get?
Emerald Green Arborvitae typically reaches a mature height of 10â15 feet and spreads 3â4 feet wide, forming a narrow, upright columnar tree ideal for small gardens or tight spaces.
Are Emerald Green Arborvitae fast-growing?
No, they grow at a moderate pace â typically 6â9 inches per year. While not the fastest-growing, this steady habit ensures controlled, manageable size with minimal maintenance required.
How far apart do I plant Emerald Green Arborvitae for a hedge?
For a privacy hedge, space plants 2â3 feet apart from trunk to trunk. Allowing up to 3â4 feet between individual specimens promotes airflow and robust health.
Is Emerald Green Arborvitae drought tolerant?
Once well established, these trees show moderate drought resistance, but young or newly planted specimens require regular watering for best growth.
What is normal needle drop, and should I be concerned?
Seasonal shedding of older, innermost needles in late fall is a normal and healthy process for all arborvitae. Yellowing inside needles dropping in autumn should not be confused with pest or disease issues.
When and how should I prune?
Prune lightly in early spring to encourage fuller growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches as you find them. Avoid cutting into old wood, as arborvitae rarely regrow from this tissue.
Which fertilizer is best?
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like 10-10-10 NPK or an organic blend such as Espoma Plant Tone (5-3-3). Fertilize in early spring according to package instructions.
Quick Reference Care Tips
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours for best density and color)
- Water: Deep soakings 2â3 times per week for new plants; once weekly thereafter
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline pH
- Mulch: 3″ layer, keeping 6″ away from trunk
- Fertilizer: Balanced (10-10-10) or organic option in spring if needed
- Pruning: Light in spring; clean out dead needles annually
- Spacing: 2â3 feet apart for hedges; 3â4 feet if planted singly
Conclusion
With their refined appearance, adaptability, and minimal upkeep, Emerald Green Arborvitae remain a staple in landscaping. By understanding their care needs â from planting site to pruning and troubleshooting â you can enjoy lush, living privacy screens and elegance in your garden year after year.
References
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