Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae

Green Giant Arborvitae trees have a non-aggressive, shallow root system that spreads horizontally rather than vertically, making them a landscape-friendly choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and foundation plantings. Unlike some fast-growing evergreens, their roots are not known to cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, or foundations when planted with proper spacing. This makes Green Giant Arborvitae an excellent option for residential and commercial landscapes where space and structural proximity are considerations. Their root systems are more focused on supporting rapid vertical growth and dense evergreen foliage rather than deep soil penetration.

While not aggressive, the roots of Green Giant Arborvitae still require adequate space to grow and absorb nutrients and water efficiently. To ensure healthy root development, plant trees at least 5 to 6 feet apart when forming a hedge, and avoid planting too close to buildings or hardscape features. Adding mulch around the base of the tree helps conserve moisture and protect the roots from temperature extremes. With proper spacing and care, these trees will establish strong, stable root systems that support their fast-growing habit without becoming invasive or disruptive to nearby structures or plants.

Green Giant Arborvitae trees are among the fastest-growing evergreen conifers, making them a top choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking quick privacy or wind protection. Under ideal conditions—full sun, well-drained soil, and adequate moisture—these trees can grow an impressive 3 to 5 feet per year. Most Green Giant Arborvitae trees reach a mature height of 40 to 60 feet and a width of 12 to 18 feet, forming a dense, pyramidal screen within just a few years. Their rapid, upright growth and lush green foliage make them one of the most popular choices for living fences and natural borders.

This vigorous growth rate makes Green Giant Arborvitae ideal for establishing fast privacy screens in both residential and commercial settings. Unlike other evergreens that take decades to fill in, Green Giants quickly provide year-round coverage, visual interest, and noise reduction. Regular watering during the first few years and an annual spring application of slow-release fertilizer can help maximize their growth potential. With the right care, these low-maintenance trees will rapidly transform your landscape into a lush, secluded space with long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Staking your Green Giant Arborvitae trees at planting is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial in certain situations—especially for young trees exposed to strong winds or planted in loose or sandy soil. Because Green Giant trees are fast-growing and can reach impressive heights, stabilizing them early helps ensure straight, upright growth and prevents root disruption during storms or windy conditions. If your newly planted arborvitae feels unstable or leans after watering or exposure to wind, it's a good idea to use two or three stakes with soft ties placed low on the trunk to gently secure the tree without damaging the bark.

Typically, if the root ball is firm, the soil is compacted well, and the tree is sheltered from harsh wind, staking may not be required. Always remove the stakes after one growing season or once the tree has established strong anchoring roots to avoid girdling and promote natural trunk strength. Avoid tying too tightly, and ensure the tree can move slightly in the wind—this slight motion actually helps it grow stronger. With proper staking when needed, your Green Giant Arborvitae will develop a stable, upright structure ideal for use as a fast-growing privacy screen, hedge, or windbreak.

Yes, Green Giant Arborvitae trees are considered highly deer resistant, making them an excellent choice for landscapes in areas with heavy deer pressure. Unlike other arborvitae varieties such as Emerald Green Arborvitae, which are often damaged by browsing deer, Green Giant maintains its dense evergreen foliage year-round with minimal risk of defoliation. The strong scent, tough texture, and rapid growth rate of this hybrid cultivar make it less appealing to deer, even in winter months when food sources are scarce. This natural resistance makes it ideal for creating long-lasting privacy screens and hedges without the constant need for deer deterrents.

While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Green Giant Arborvitae consistently ranks among the most reliable deer-resistant evergreens available. For maximum protection, especially in areas with extremely high deer populations, consider pairing these trees with other deer-resistant plants or using temporary fencing while young trees establish. Once mature, Green Giant creates a lush, impenetrable barrier that not only enhances privacy and wind protection but also reduces the likelihood of deer damage. This combination of beauty, durability, and resistance makes Green Giant Arborvitae a smart, low-maintenance choice for suburban and rural landscapes alike.

To create an effective privacy screen with Green Giant Arborvitae trees, proper spacing and planting technique are essential for long-term success. Begin by choosing a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil, as these fast-growing evergreens thrive in a variety of soil types when drainage is adequate. Dig holes twice as wide and just as deep as the root balls, and space the trees 5 to 6 feet apart in a single row for a dense, overlapping screen. For a more natural or staggered look, plant them in a zig-zag (double row) formation with 6 to 8 feet between trees in each row. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around each tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the best trees for fast, living privacy fences thanks to its rapid growth—up to 3 feet per year—and dense, pyramidal form. Once established, the trees will quickly fill in the space between them, forming a tall, lush, evergreen barrier that offers year-round privacy, noise reduction, and wind protection. Regular watering during the first growing season, along with annual spring fertilization, will help them grow quickly and evenly. With proper planting and care, your Green Giant Arborvitae privacy screen will provide a beautiful, low-maintenance, and long-lasting solution to unwanted views or property boundaries.