Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Smaragd’)

Emerald Green Arborvitae is considered a slow to moderate grower, typically putting on up to about 12 inches of height per year once established under good conditions. That steady pace is fast enough to build privacy within a few seasons but slow enough that you are not constantly wrestling it back into scale. In many residential landscapes, trees reach an average of 12–14 feet tall with a spread of 3–4 feet at maturity.

In cooler climates or lean soils, growth may be slightly slower, while warmer zones with rich, well-drained soil can push the high end of the range. Most gardeners can plan on a compact, upright evergreen that tops out around one to one-and-a-half stories tall, making it ideal for suburban lots, driveways, and foundation plantings where huge trees would feel out of place.

Emerald Green Arborvitae wakes up in spring with a flush of soft, bright green new growth at the branch tips. This fresh foliage gradually deepens into the classic rich emerald tone as the season progresses, creating subtle layers of texture and color across the plant. Because the foliage is composed of tight, scale-like sprays, the overall effect is a smooth, dense surface rather than a coarse, needle-like look.

Unlike some arborvitae that bronze or brown in winter, ‘Smaragd’ is prized for holding its green color remarkably well through cold weather. In most zones, it remains an attractive, deep green even in snow and ice, which makes it especially valuable as a four-season privacy hedge. You can expect the main growth flush in spring, with smaller, secondary pushes in summer and early fall depending on climate and watering.

Emerald Green Arborvitae is not a major nectar source for pollinators the way flowering perennials and shrubs are, since it produces only small, inconspicuous cones instead of showy blooms. However, it still adds important habitat value to a backyard ecosystem by offering dense evergreen cover. Birds often use Emerald Green hedges as shelter from wind and predators, and some species will perch or roost within the foliage.

Those same cones can provide modest food for certain birds and small wildlife, especially in winter when options are limited. For a truly wildlife-friendly planting, pair Emerald Green with flowering shrubs, native perennials, and berry-producing plants nearby. That way the arborvitae supplies structure and shelter, while surrounding plants deliver nectar, pollen, and fruit.

Emerald Green Arborvitae is evergreen and maintains its rich green foliage through all four seasons, which is one of the reasons it is so popular for privacy hedges in colder climates. It is less prone to winter bronzing than many other arborvitae cultivars, so your hedge looks vibrant instead of rusty from fall through spring.

However, it is not reliably deer-proof. In areas with heavy deer pressure, hungry animals may browse on foliage in winter when other food sources are scarce. Some references list it as only moderately deer resistant, and browsing can be significant in tough years.

Protect young hedges with deer fencing or repellents until plants are taller and consider mixing in more strongly deer-resistant evergreens if deer pressure is extreme in your area.

Yes, Emerald Green Arborvitae can be grown in large containers, especially when young, making it a great option for framing entries, patios, or rooftop gardens. Choose a sturdy, weather-resistant pot with drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix that drains well but retains some moisture. Container-grown plants will dry out faster than in-ground trees, so consistent watering and occasional feeding are more important, particularly during hot weather.

On gentle slopes, Emerald Green works well as a structural evergreen that visually terraces the grade and helps anchor the landscape design. While its fibrous root system is not a substitute for engineered erosion-control solutions on steep banks, a staggered planting of arborvitae combined with deep-rooted groundcovers and ornamental grasses can help knit soil together and reduce runoff over time.

For a solid, fast-forming living wall, plant Emerald Green Arborvitae about 2–3 feet apart on center. That close spacing allows the narrow trees to grow together fairly quickly, creating a dense hedge that screens views and muffles noise. Many growers and landscape pros recommend roughly 2.5 feet apart for a balance of quick coverage and long-term health.

If you prefer a more defined, individual look where you can still distinguish each tree, increase the spacing to about 3–4 feet apart. For looser rows along a driveway or property line, especially when mixing with other shrubs, you can push spacing to 4–5 feet and fill gaps with companion plants. Always keep Emerald Green at least 3–4 feet away from fences, walls, or structures to allow airflow and avoid future crowding.