Images Depict Mature Plants
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Smaragd’)
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
"Arborvitae Emerald Greens are my go-to privacy tree when space is tight. Emerald Green Arborvitae gives you a lush evergreen screen without overpowering your landscape. Plant it once, water well the first season, and enjoy a neat, natural fence for years—low maintenance, high impact!” — Woodie
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Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Smaragd’) – Narrow Evergreen Privacy Hedge
Create a living wall of rich green with Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Smaragd’). This narrow evergreen stays a tidy 3–4 feet wide while reaching 10–15 feet tall, making it the perfect choice for small yards and tight property lines. Its naturally columnar shape gives you a classic, formal hedge without constant pruning.
Cold-hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, Emerald Green Arborvitae stands up to snow, ice, and winter winds with minimal bronzing. Once established, it shows steady, moderate growth and adapts to a range of soils—providing full sun to part sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering in the first season helps the hedge root deeply for long-term resilience.
For a dense privacy screen, plant trees 2–3 feet apart and mulch 2–3 inches deep to conserve moisture. Light annual trims keep the hedge uniform, while a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring supports healthy new growth. Whether you need a classic driveway border or a compact backdrop for a garden patio, Emerald Green Arborvitae delivers year-round color and dependable privacy with very little effort.
| Hardiness Zone: | 2-7 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 12 to 15 feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to Part Shade |
| Foliage Color: | Glossy bright green |
| Growth Form: | Dense upright and conical |
| Soil Conditions: | Grow best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Will not tolerate extremely dry conditions. |
| Water Requirements: | Weekly during establishment period |
How to Care for Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Smaragd’)
Once you buy an Emerald Green Arborvitae, make sure to read about the care instructions that are required and recommended to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Emerald Green Arborvitae for a healthy privacy hedge?
Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Smaragd’) in full sun to part sun where the soil drains well. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and just as deep, setting the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Space plants 2–3 feet apart to create a dense, evergreen privacy hedge that matures to 10–15 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. After planting, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch locks in moisture and moderates soil temperature, which is especially important in the first growing season.
What is the best way to water Emerald Green Arborvitae after planting?
During the first 10–12 weeks after planting, water deeply two to three times per week, depending on weather and soil type. A slow drip or soaker hose is ideal—it allows water to penetrate to the deep roots and helps prevent runoff. This consistent moisture encourages strong root development and reduces the risk of winter browning in Emerald Green Arborvitae privacy hedges. Once established, these cold-hardy evergreens need less frequent watering. Check soil moisture by feeling the top two inches; water only when it feels dry. In extended heat or drought, give a thorough soak every 7–10 days. Continue to keep a 2–3 inch mulch ring to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature year-round.
When and how should I fertilize Emerald Green Arborvitae for best growth?
Feed Emerald Green Arborvitae once a year in early spring, just before the new growth flush. Use a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer—such as one labeled for arborvitae, conifers, or privacy trees—and follow the package rate based on tree size. Spread fertilizer evenly around the drip line, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid root burn. A second light application in mid-summer can help maintain steady, moderate growth if the trees are in sandy soils or if you want a thicker hedge faster. Water the fertilizer in well to carry nutrients to the roots. Regular feeding combined with full sun and well-drained soil ensures your Emerald Green Thuja hedge keeps its deep green color through all four seasons.
What is the proper way to prune or shape Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Prune lightly once per year, ideally in late spring after the first flush of growth, to maintain the classic narrow shape. Use clean, sharp shears and trim only the outermost foliage, avoiding cuts back to bare wood—arborvitae do not regenerate from old wood. This gentle shaping keeps your 2–3 foot wide hedge dense and uniform while preserving the natural columnar form that buyers love. If you need a tighter look, you can perform a light touch-up in mid-summer, but avoid heavy pruning in late fall, which can expose tender shoots to winter damage. Remove any broken or snow-damaged branches promptly to maintain the hedge’s neat appearance and to protect the tree from pests or disease. Regular, modest pruning ensures your Emerald Green Arborvitae privacy screen stays healthy and vibrant year-round.
