Family: Arborvitae
Type: Shrub
Other Common Name: Eastern White Cedar
Emerald Green Arborvitae, known scientifically as Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’, is a lush, evergreen shrub with a compact, pyramidal shape. This popular landscaping plant is renowned for its vibrant emerald green foliage and its ability to maintain color throughout the year. It’s a top choice for creating natural privacy screens or adding vertical interest to gardens.
Standing 12-14 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3-4 feet, Emerald Green Arborvitae is ideal for narrow spaces. It grows upright without much width, making it perfect for tight areas where space is limited. This arborvitae variety is known for its dense foliage, which makes it an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens.
This hardy shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, is drought-tolerant once established, and requires minimal care, making it a suitable choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. Its resistance to common pests and diseases adds to its appeal as a low-maintenance landscaping option.
Hardiness Zone: 4a-3a
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 12
Average Spread (feet): 4
Average Life Span (years): 30
Form: Columnar
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Scale
Bark Color: Indian red
Bark Texture: Shaggy
Emerald Green Arborvitae is perfect for creating elegant, formal hedges or privacy screens. Its upright growth habit and dense foliage provide a neat, uniform look that requires minimal pruning. Plant it along property lines or around patios for privacy and wind protection.
Use Emerald Green Arborvitae as a foundation plant for home landscapes. Its compact size and evergreen nature make it an excellent choice for year-round visual interest. This variety is also suitable for planting in rows to create a living fence or a windbreak.
Due to its columnar form, Emerald Green Arborvitae is ideal for framing entryways or pathways. It can be used as a standalone specimen or in symmetrical plantings for a balanced, formal appearance.
In formal gardens, Emerald Green Arborvitae's symmetrical shape and consistent coloring make it an ideal choice for creating structured designs and hedges.
For contemporary gardens, its sleek form and dense foliage complement modern design elements, adding a touch of elegance.
In urban gardens, where space is often limited, Emerald Green Arborvitae's vertical growth habit makes it a practical and attractive choice.
Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae in areas where its height and color can be fully appreciated. Use it as a natural backdrop for flowering plants or as a year-round green feature.
Select our pre-made garden layouts to create a landscape that’s uniquely yours. Simple, smart, and customizable!
In spring, Emerald Green Arborvitae bursts into vibrant green, offering a fresh look as the garden awakens.
During the summer, it maintains its lush appearance, providing a cool and calming presence in the landscape.
In the fall, while other plants lose their leaves, Emerald Green Arborvitae retains its color, standing out in the garden.
In winter, the arborvitae's evergreen foliage offers a stark contrast against the bare and snowy landscape, adding beauty and structure during the colder months.
Emerald Green Arborvitae shines in spots with full sun to partial shade. Perfect for borders, hedges, or as a standout specimen, it needs a spot where its growth won’t be restricted.
This arborvitae loves full sun but can handle partial shade. More sun equals denser foliage, so pick a sunny spot for the best results.
It's not picky – well-drained soil is all Emerald Green Arborvitae asks for. It adapts to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for different gardens.
Give these plants room – about 3-4 feet apart. This spacing ensures each arborvitae has enough space to grow fully and stay healthy.
The ideal planting times are spring and fall. These seasons offer moderate temperatures that are perfect for root establishment.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Set the plant in, fill the hole, water it well, and you’re all set.
Regular watering during its first season sets the stage for a drought-tolerant future. After establishment, occasional deep watering does the trick.
A bit of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports healthy growth and luscious foliage.
Pruning? Hardly needed. If you must, do it in late winter or early spring to keep things tidy.
Spring's for rejuvenation. Check for winter damage, prune if needed, and kick-start the season with some fertilizer.
Keep an eye on watering during dry spells. Summer's easy-going for Emerald Green Arborvitae.
Ease up on watering as winter approaches. Fall's more about preparation than active care.
Winter is chill time – literally. No special care needed, but a layer of mulch keeps the roots cozy.
Expect a mature height of 12-14 feet and a width of 3-4 feet – perfect for adding vertical interest without taking up too much space.
It’s pretty resilient, but heavy snow can weigh down the branches. Gently brush off snow to prevent damage.
It’s more deer-resistant than many other plants, but if deer are hungry enough, they might give it a nibble.
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