All trees & hedges guides
The short version
Arborvitae are the most popular privacy hedge in much of the US because they're evergreen, narrow and grow fast. Most problems come from three early mistakes:
- Picking the wrong variety for the space. Some arborvitae stay fairly narrow. Others become large trees.
- Planting too close. Crowded plants stay damp, compete for water and invite disease and pests.
- Poor care in the first years. New plants need steady water, and the area around the trunk needs to stay clean and dry.
The guides in this section cover each of these. Sizes, zones and care advice come from university extension services.
Start here
- Haven't bought yet? Read Emerald Green vs Green Giant arborvitae first. It's the decision that matters most.
- Planning the row? How far apart to plant arborvitae.
- Already planted? Arborvitae care guide.
- Seeing brown needles? Why is my arborvitae turning brown?
Emerald Green or Green Giant?
These two names cover most arborvitae sold in US garden centers, and they're very different plants.
| 'Emerald Green' | 'Green Giant' | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical mature size | About 20 ft tall, 6 ft wide | 40 to 60 ft tall, 12 to 18 ft wide |
| Best for | Narrow side yards, smaller screens | Tall screens and windbreaks with room to spread |
Sizes are from NC State Extension's Green Giant plant profile and its arborvitae problems alert. NC State lists 'Green Giant' for USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b and warns that it can quickly outgrow a space that's too small.
The common mistake: planting 'Green Giant' along a narrow side yard because it grows fast. In a few years it's pushing against the fence and the house. Full comparison in Emerald Green vs Green Giant.
Spacing
Spacing depends on the variety's mature width and how quickly you want a solid screen. Closer spacing closes the gap sooner but crowds the plants later. Wider spacing takes longer to fill but gives each plant air and light. Georgia horticulturist Walter Reeves backed a reader who planted 'Green Giant' 10 feet apart rather than the 5 feet he'd read about, and suggests trimming limb tips between neighbors so they don't grow together. Details by variety in How far apart to plant arborvitae.
Care basics
NC State's arborvitae problems alert points to a few habits that prevent most trouble:
- Avoid heavy shade. Shaded plants stay wet longer after rain, which favors canker disease.
- Keep grass clippings away from the base. Clippings blown under the plants hold moisture against the bark. Aim the mower discharge away from the hedge.
- Clean out dead interior needles at least once a year so they don't trap moisture.
- Watch hot, exposed spots for spider mites, such as the southwest side of a building.
- Don't overplant. Crowded arborvitae give disease and insects an easy start.
The full year of care is in Arborvitae care guide.
Brown needles
Some browning is normal. Arborvitae shed their older interior needles, and NC State notes that interior browning on its own is natural needle drop. Browning on the outside, on one side, or spreading through the plant points to something else, such as drought, winter damage, pests or disease. Why is my arborvitae turning brown? walks through the causes and what to check.
All tree and hedge guides
FAQ
Which arborvitae grows fastest?
'Green Giant' is one of the fastest, up to 3 to 4 feet a year in good conditions according to NC State Extension. It also gets very large, so it needs room.
How tall does Emerald Green arborvitae get?
NC State Extension puts it at about 20 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It stays much narrower than 'Green Giant'.
Is it normal for arborvitae to lose needles?
Yes. Older needles on the inside of the plant turn brown and drop. Browning on the outer foliage is the kind to investigate.
Can I plant arborvitae close together for instant privacy?
You can, but crowded plants stay damp and compete with each other, which invites disease and pests. Spacing for the mature width is the safer long-term choice.
What zones do arborvitae grow in?
It depends on the variety. NC State lists 'Green Giant' for USDA zones 5a to 8b. Check the tag or your local extension office for other varieties.
Should I fertilize new arborvitae?
Focus on water first. If you do fertilize, follow the product label, and ask your local extension office about a soil test.