Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
168 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Average to high humidity
Lifespan
25-40 years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Evergreen conifer with a narrow, upright growth habit, making it suitable for hedges and privacy screens. Maintains a rich green color throughout the year and is resistant to winter burn.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
- Maintain even moisture during the first growing season.
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly in early spring to shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape in early spring
- Fertilize with a balanced evergreen fertilizer annually
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
- Do not disturb roots during the growing season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Emerald Green Arborvitae questions
What zones can Emerald Green Arborvitae grow in?
Emerald Green Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Emerald Green Arborvitae deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Emerald Green Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Emerald Green Arborvitae bloom?
Emerald Green Arborvitae typically blooms in spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Emerald Green Arborvitae need full sun?
Emerald Green Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Emerald Green Arborvitae drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Emerald Green Arborvitae handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Thuja to compare
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Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'
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Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'
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Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'
Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
Fire Chief Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Fire Chief'
Keep exploring
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Grow Emerald Green Arborvitae with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
