Images Depict Mature Plants
Junior Giant Arborvitae
Thuja x ‘Junior Giant’ PP31,297p2
The Junior Giant Arborvitae is the perfect mid-size evergreen tree. Some highlights of this tree include its uniform shape, year-round color and impressive hardiness to the elements.
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Junior Giant Arborvitae for Sale Online
Junior Giant Arborvitae trees boast the same qualities you love about our best-selling Thuja Green Giants but in a smaller, more manageable form for secluded landscapes.
Sporting deep green foliage and a pyramidal uniform shape, the Junior Giant Thuja tree is a rich addition to any landscape. Reaching a mature height of 15 to 20 feet, as opposed to a 60-foot tall green giant, the Junior Giant brings great coverage to an outdoor space without entirely overwhelming it.
The Junior Giant is best suited for hardiness zones 5-8. Best care practices for the Junior Giant include well-drained soils, full sun, and the application of a slow-release fertilizer in the growing seasons of spring and summer. Additionally, we recommend you water the tree regularly until it is established.
While these trees are incredibly hardy to the elements and can withstand freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions, your Thuja Junior Giant would benefit from the application of mulch around the base of the plant, especially in the winter and summer months. Mulch works to conserve moisture and protect the root ball in extreme conditions.
If you have limited space in the yard but want to install evergreen privacy, the Thuja Junior Giant Arborvitae is the way to go! Beyond their perfect size and form, these trees are known for their fast growth rate, lasting color, and lush foliage.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 15-20 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3-5 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Foliage color: | Dark green |
| Soil Conditions: | Any type of soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water until established |
| Growth Rate: | 3-5 Feet per year |
How to Care for Junior Giant Arborvitae
Be sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving for years to come!
HOW TO PLANT A Junior Giant Arborvitae
The Junior Giant Arborvitae does best when grown with a single leader, and extra main stems should be removed before planting. If you plant Junior Giant Arborvitae it in a wet area, it is suggested that the top of the root ball be placed roughly on an inch or so above the existing soil level. Otherwise, we typically recommend using the pot it was delivered in as a guide for measuring how deep to dig the planting well (approximately 8-12 inches deep) for traditional soil. Planting it deeper than the pot it was delivered in can cause rotting of the stem and death to the tree. Remove enough soil from the hole or trench so that the plants sit just an inch or so below the final level of the ground. It’s best if the soil underneath is firm so that your plant will not be pushed deeper as you plant.
How to Fertilize Junior Giant Arborvitae
When it comes time to fertilize your Junior Giant Arborvitae, we recommend Espoma Bio-Tone Plus Starter Plus fertilizer. We have tried many so-called “starter fertilizers” over the years and have come to rely on this one exclusively for our use. Simply mix the recommended amount of Bio-Tone Plus Starter Plus into the back-fill soil and water in generously when back-filled. We recommend adding fertilizer to the soil when the tree is freshly planted in its new home in your garden, and during early spring to give it the extra boost it needs to flourish and grow after the winter season. This will give new branches and foliage a chance to kick start growth before the season ends.
How To Water Junior Giant Arborvitae
For the first few weeks after planting, water your arborvitae by counting 5 seconds for every gallon in the pot it was delivered in (if your tree was delivered in a 3-gallon pot, you would water the tree for 15 seconds). Once the tree has had a chance to settle, you can reduce the frequency of the watering schedule. An easy way to determine this is to check the soil moisture yourself. It’s as simple as sticking a gardening tool in the ground and feeling the soil with your fingers - if it’s damp, you may want to wait a day to water it again.
How To Mulch Junior Giant Arborvitae
Mulching is not necessary but is highly recommended. This technique helps to keep weeds away which will compete with the tree for the water and nutrients it receives. We recommend using a high quality mulch made from ground hardwood or cypress. As you lay the mulch on top of the soil, leave an inch of space between the mulch and the base of the tree trunk. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch.
Additional Information
If you’ve had problems with the Leyland Cypress or Emerald Green Arborvitae in your yard, this plant is a great replacement. The smooth, delicate, dark-green foliage emits a pleasantly sweet aroma when crushed. What’s the point in planting a beautiful tree if you have to cover it up with burlap or deer netting every winter? This tree does just fine without those ugly protections.
Junior Giant Arborvitae trees are known for their ease of care and low maintenance, which makes them so popular. This class of trees is a perfect choice for any homeowner who has a busy or inconsistent schedule but still wants to enjoy the beauty and benefits of live plants.
How to create a PRIVACY SCREEN
If the goal is to create a privacy screen around your home or property, we recommend planting Junior Giant Arborvitaes in a line with about 8 feet apart from each other to create quick privacy. However, they can be planted at 10 to 12-foot intervals if you don’t mind waiting a bit for privacy; planting them closer together will reach the privacy goal faster.
Planting a Sound Buffer or Wind Break
Junior Giant Arborvitae trees make an excellent windbreak, standing up to the strongest of winter winds, due to its substantial root system. Windbreaks are a perfect way to reduce your heating bills in the winter time by blocking the cold winds that sneak into the house and create a cold environment. When planted in a staggered row, this tree can also act as a sound buffer and reduce noise coming from busy streets, loud neighbors, or anything else that can be disturbing your peace.
When creating a windbreak or privacy hedge, it's essential to know how far apart to space your plants. Remember, it is a pyramidal tree and can reach up to 60 feet tall and up to 18 feet wide so it’s important to give Junior Giant Arborvitae trees ample room to expand allowing for symmetrical growth.
Plant one row of trees with another row 6 to 8 feet in front of the first row filling in the gaps between the plants. This method creates instant privacy and will virtually eliminate unwanted sounds or wind once it fills in. See the diagram below for an example of the staggered planting pattern:
Junior Giant Arborvitae
