How Fast Do Arborvitae Grow

If you’re planning a hedge or need a fast-growing evergreen for your yard, you’re probably wondering how fast do arborvitae grow. This is a key question for any gardener looking to fill space quickly with these reliable, verdant plants. The simple answer is that most popular arborvitae varieties grow at a moderate to fast rate, but the exact speed depends heavily on the type you choose and the care you provide. Understanding this growth rate helps you plan your landscape effectively, ensuring you get the privacy or structure you want without a long, frustrating wait.

Arborvitae, members of the Thuja genus, are North American and Asian natives prized for their dense, scale-like foliage and conical shapes. They are workhorses in residential landscaping, often used for living fences, windbreaks, or as stately specimen trees. Their growth habit is generally consistent and steady, offering predictable expansion each season. While they won’t shoot up like a weed, their reliable pace means you can see significant change in just a few years, which is very rewarding.

On average, most common landscaping arborvitae grow between 1 to 2 feet per year once they are established. This is considered a medium to fast rate for an evergreen tree. However, this is just a broad average. Some dwarf cultivars may only put on a few inches annually, while some of the giant species can surge more than 3 feet in a good year when young. The first year after planting is usually slower as the plant focuses energy on establishing its root system. You’ll typically see the most vigorous vertical growth in the following 3-10 years before it gradually begins to slow.

Growth Rate by Popular Variety

Choosing the right type is the single biggest factor determining your arborvitae’s speed. Here’s what you can expect from some of the most popular ones:

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’): The undisputed champion for speed. This hybrid can easily grow 3 feet or more per year under ideal conditions. It’s the go-to for a rapid, tall screen and can reach 40-60 feet tall.
Emerald Green (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’): A very popular choice for narrower hedges. It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 9 to 12 inches in height and 3-5 inches in width each year. It matures around 12-15 feet tall.
American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis): Also known as the Eastern White Cedar, its growth is moderate, around 1 foot per year. Its many cultivars, like ‘Nigra’ (Dark Green), have similar speeds.
Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’): Often called the ‘Mission’ arborvitae, it’s known for retaining rich green color in winter. It grows about 1 foot per year, forming a dense, broad pyramid.
Pyramidal Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis’): As the name suggests, it has a very narrow, pyramidal form. It grows at a moderate pace, similar to the Emerald Green.
Dwarf Globe Arborvitae (e.g., Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’): These stay small and rounded. Their growth is very slow, often just 1-3 inches per year, making them perfect for foundations or small gardens.

The 5 Key Factors That Control Growth Speed

Even a fast-growing variety like ‘Green Giant’ will stall if its needs aren’t met. Think of these as the essential ingredients for speed.

1. Sunlight: The Non-Negotiable Fuel

Arborvitae need full sun to partial shade to grow at their best rate. “Full sun” means at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. With less light, growth becomes significantly slower, sparser, and more leggy as the plant stretches for the sun. The inner foliage may also thin out and die back. For the quickest growth, choose the sunniest spot in your yard that fits your plan.

2. Soil Conditions: Getting the Foundation Right

This is where many gardeners run into problems. Arborvitae prefer moist, well-drained soil. They dislike both soggy, waterlogged roots and bone-dry conditions.

Drainage is Critical: Poorly draining clay soil can suffocate roots and cause fatal root rot. If you have heavy soil, plant in a raised mound or amend a large area with compost to improve texture.
Soil pH: They thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). A simple soil test can tell you if you need to adjust it.
Planting Depth: Never plant too deep! The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Burying the trunk flare is a major cause of slow growth and decline.

3. Watering: Consistency is Everything

Proper watering, especially in the first two years, directly controls growth speed. Here’s a simple schedule:

First Year: Water deeply 2-3 times per week, depending on rainfall. The goal is to keep the root ball consistently moist but not soaked. A soaker hose is ideal.
Second Year: Water deeply once a week during dry periods.
Established Plants: Generally, they need about 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation. During hot, dry spells, supplemental watering keeps them growing steadily.

Mulching with 2-3 inches of wood chips or shredded bark helps tremendously by retaining soil moisture and regulating temperature.

4. Nutrition: The Growth Boost

While not heavy feeders, arborvitae benefit from an annual feeding to support their rapid foliage production. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens or acid-loving plants in early spring, just as new growth begins. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can push tender new growth that won’t harden off before winter. Over-fertilizing can burn roots and actually harm the tree, so always follow label instructions.

5. Climate and Hardiness Zone

Your local climate sets the stage. Arborvitae grow most actively during the cool, moist periods of spring and early summer. Growth often slows or pauses during the peak heat of midsummer. They are also cold-hardy, but extreme winter winds and sun can cause desiccation (winter burn), which damages foliage and forces the plant to use energy on repair rather than new growth. Choosing a variety rated for your USDA Hardiness Zone is the first step to ensuring it can grow well in your area.

Step-by-Step: How to Plant for Maximum Growth Rate

Doing this right from the start prevents problems and gets your arborvitae off to a racing start.

Pick the Right Spot: Confirm it has full sun and enough space for the tree’s mature width.
Dig a Great Hole: Dig 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball is tall. Roughen the sides of the hole to help roots penetrate.
Check the Roots: If pot-bound, gently tease the outer roots apart. For balled-and-burlapped trees, remove any wire or synthetic burlap after placing in the hole.
Position the Tree: Set it in the hole. Ensure the trunk flare is visible. The top of the root ball should be slightly above ground level.
Backfill: Use the native soil mixed with a little compost. Do not use rich potting mix alone. Fill in around the roots, tamping gently to remove air pockets.
Water Deeply: Create a soil berm around the edge to form a watering basin. Soak the entire area thoroughly.
Mulch: Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch in a wide circle, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk itself.

Pruning and Shaping for Density and Health

Pruning doesn’t necessarily make arborvitae grow taller faster, but it encourages denser, bushier growth, which is crucial for hedges. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth starts, or in mid-summer after the first growth flush has hardened.

Always use sharp, clean tools.
Never cut back into old, brown wood that has no green foliage; it may not resprout.
For hedges, trim the sides so the base is slightly wider than the top. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, preventing them from going bare.
To encourage height, you only need to lightly shape the sides; avoid cutting the central leader (the main top shoot).

Troubleshooting Slow or Stunted Growth

If your arborvitae seems to have stalled, check for these common issues:

Poor Drainage / Root Rot: Yellowing or browning foliage, especially starting at the bottom, can indicate soggy roots. Improving drainage is urgent.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck sap, causing foliage to look dusty, yellow, or bronzed. Spray with a strong jet of water or use horticultural oil.
Bagworms: Look for small, cone-shaped bags hanging from the branches. Hand-pick them off or use an appropriate insecticide in early summer when the larvae are active.
Deer Damage: Deer love to browse arborvitae, especially in winter. This can severely set back growth. Use physical barriers or repellents if deer are a problem in your neighborhood.
Winter Burn: Browning on the south or windward side is often winter desiccation. Anti-desiccant sprays in late fall and proper fall watering can help prevent it.

Realistic Timeline: What to Expect Year by Year

Managing expectations is part of gardening. Here’s a typical timeline for a moderate-growing variety like ‘Emerald Green’:

Year 1: The “settling in” year. Focus is on root establishment. You might see only 4-6 inches of new top growth.
Year 2 & 3: The “take-off” years. With established roots, growth should hit or exceed the expected rate (e.g., 9-12 inches per year). The plant begins to fill in noticeably.
Year 4-7: The “bulking up” phase. The hedge or tree gains significant height and density, starting to provide real privacy and structure.
Year 8+: The “maturation” phase. Vertical growth slows as the plant nears its mature size. Maintenance shifts to shaping and health care.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered

What is the absolute fastest growing arborvitae?
The ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae is widely considered the fastest, often growing 3+ feet per year.

Can I make my arborvitae grow faster?
You can optimize conditions (full sun, good soil, consistent water, proper fertilizer) to ensure it grows at its maximum genetic potential, but you cannot make it grow faster than its natural limit.

How quickly will arborvitae create a privacy screen?
If you plant 5-6 foot tall ‘Green Giant’ trees 5-6 feet apart, you can have a solid 10-12 foot screen in about 3-4 years. With slower types, it may take 6-8 years.

Why are my newly planted arborvitae not growing?
The first year is for root growth. Be patient. Also, check for planting depth (too deep is common), watering issues, or poor site conditions.

Do arborvitae stop growing after a certain height?
Yes, growth slows dramatically as they approach their mature height, which varies by variety. They don’t completely stop, but it becomes very minimal.

Is it better to plant smaller or larger arborvitae for a fast screen?
Smaller, younger trees (3-5 gallon size) often establish faster and catch up to larger, more expensive boxed trees because they suffer less transplant shock and adapt quicker.

Understanding how fast do arborvitae grow gives you the power to plan a beautiful, effective landscape. By selecting the right variety for your goal and providing attentive care during the critical establishment years, you can enjoy the quick and steady growth these versatile evergreens are known for. Remember, the key to speed is a combination of the plant’s innate genetics and the quality of its environment. With good sunlight, proper soil, and regular water, your arborvitae will reward you with years of lush, green growth and the privacy or structure you desire in your garden.