If you’re planning a hedge or a standout specimen plant, one of your first questions is likely, ‘how tall does emerald green arborvitae grow?’ This popular evergreen is a favorite for good reason, offering both predictable structure and lush, year-round color. Understanding its mature size is the key to placing it perfectly in your landscape.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about its growth, from its ultimate height and width to the factors that can speed it up or slow it down. You’ll learn how to plan for its space and keep it looking its best for years to come.
How Tall Does Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow
The typical mature height for an Emerald Green arborvitae is 12 to 15 feet tall. In ideal growing conditions, some specimens may even reach up to 18 feet, but this is less common. This relatively narrow, columnar shape typically reaches a width of 3 to 4 feet at its base, making it an excellent choice for tight spaces where you still want significant height.
It’s important to remember that this is not a fast-growing tree in the long run. While it may put on a foot or more per year when its young, its growth rate slows considerably as it approaches its mature size. Patience is key when growing these evergreens.
Key Growth Factors That Influence Height
Several elements in your garden directly impact how tall and how fast your arborvitae will grow. By optimizing these, you give your plants the best chance to reach their full, impressive potential.
* Sunlight: Full sun is non-negotiable for best growth. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Less sun leads to slower growth, thinner foliage, and a plant that may never reach its expected height.
* Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil is critical. Arborvitae hate “wet feet.” Soggy soil leads to root rot, which stunts growth and can kill the plant. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soil.
* Watering: Consistent moisture, especially for the first few years and during droughts, is essential. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent sprinkles. It encourages deep roots, which support healthy upward growth.
* Climate Zones: Emerald Green arborvitae thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7. They struggle in the intense heat and humidity of southern zones, where growth may be stunted.
Typical Growth Rate Per Year
When you plant a young Emerald Green, you can expect a moderate growth rate. Here’s a general timeline:
1. Establishment Phase (Years 1-2): The plant focuses energy on root development. Above-ground growth may be modest, often 6-12 inches per year.
2. Active Growth Phase (Years 3-10): This is when you’ll see the most vertical gain. Under good conditions, growth of 1 to 2 feet per year is possible.
3. Maturation Phase (Year 10+): As the tree nears its genetic height limit, growth slows to just a few inches per year until it reaches its mature size.
Width and Spacing: Giving Your Plants Room
Planning for width is just as important as planning for height. Crowding plants leads to poor air circulation, increased disease risk, and competition for resources.
For a dense, continuous hedge, space your Emerald Green arborvitae about 2 to 3 feet apart, measured from the center of one trunk to the next. This allows the foliage to knit together while each plant still has some room. If you prefer to see each plant’s individual form, space them 4 feet or more apart.
Always plant them at least 3 to 4 feet away from your house, fence, or property line to account for their mature width. This prevents future maintenance headaches and ensures good air flow around the structure.
Pruning for Health and Controlled Height
While you can lightly prune to encourage density, Emerald Green arborvitae generally require very little shaping to maintain their natural columnar form. Heavy pruning to control height is not usually recommended, as cutting back into old wood that has no needles may result in permanent bare spots.
The best practice is to prune for health and light shaping:
* When to Prune: The ideal time is in early spring before new growth starts, or in mid-summer after the first growth flush has hardened.
* How to Prune: Use clean, sharp shears. Only trim the green, needled growth. Avoid cutting back into the brown, woody inner branches.
* Goal: Remove any dead or damaged branches and lightly shear the sides to maintain neatness. To slightly reduce height, you can snip the central leader, but be aware this may encourage multiple leaders to form.
Common Problems That Stunt Growth
If your arborvitae isn’t growing as expected, these common issues could be the culprit:
* Bagworms: These pests create conspicuous bags in the foliage and can defoliate branches quickly, severly stunting the plant.
* Spider Mites: Causing foliage to look dusty or bronzed, a bad infestation weakens the plant.
* Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage, this is often fatal. Signs include discolored, wilting foliage and stunted growth.
* Winter Burn: Browning or bleaching of foliage on the windward side from winter sun and wind can damage the plant, forcing it to use energy on repair rather than growth.
* Deer Damage: In many areas, deer will browse on the foliage, especially in winter, which can ruin the shape and health of the tree.
Planting for Success: A Step-by-Step Guide
Giving your arborvitae a great start is the best way to ensure it reaches its full height. Follow these steps:
1. Choose the Right Spot: Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Check for overhead wires or structures, remembering the mature height.
2. Dig the Hole: Make it two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
3. Prepare the Root Ball: Gently loosen any circling roots. If the plant is pot-bound, you may need to score the sides of the root ball with a knife.
4. Place and Backfill: Set the plant in the hole. Backfill with the native soil, unless it is very poor, in which case you can amend it with some compost.
5. Water Deeply: Create a small soil berm around the planting hole to form a water basin. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
6. Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, like shredded bark, around the base. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.
FAQ: Your Emerald Green Arborvitae Questions Answered
Q: How fast do Emerald Green arborvitae grow per year?
A: You can expect about 1 to 2 feet of growth per year during its active growth phase, once its established. It starts slower and slows down as it matures.
Q: Can I keep an Emerald Green arborvitae short?
A: It’s not ideal. While you can lightly shear the top, severely topping it to keep it short will ruin its natural shape and may cause permanent bare spots. It’s better to choose a dwarf variety if you need a shorter plant.
Q: What is the lifespan of an Emerald Green arborvitae?
A: With proper care and in the right conditions, these trees can live for 25 years or much longer. Their lifespan is often cut short by problems like root rot from poor drainage.
Q: How close to my house can I plant them?
A: Plant them at least 3 to 4 feet away from your foundation. This accounts for their mature width and allows for air circulation, which helps keep your siding dry and prevents pest issues.
Q: Do they grow well in pots or containers?
A: They can be grown in large containers for a several years, but their growth will be limited by the pot size. Eventually, they will become root-bound and may need to be planted in the ground to continue thriving. Winter hardiness is also a greater concern for potted plants.
By understanding the answer to ‘how tall does emerald green arborvitae grow,’ you can make an informed decision for your garden. Their reliable, columnar form and rich green color provide a fantastic backdrop for other plants or a clean, living fence. With the right placement and basic care, these evergreens will provide structure and beauty in your landscape for many seasons to come.