Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'The Arborvitae ‘Emerald Green’ is a robust and slow-growing evergreen that serves as an excellent choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and ornamental landscaping. This compact, lush conifer is well-loved for its dense, upright growth habit and deep green foliage, which remains vibrant year-round. Known for its manageable size and adaptability, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a reliable addition to any landscape requiring structure, privacy, and aesthetic appeal.
Growth and Appearance
Reaching a mature height of 10-15 feet with a spread of 3-4 feet, the Emerald Green Arborvitae forms a narrow, columnar shape that provides instant vertical interest. Unlike larger arborvitae varieties, this cultivar grows at a moderate rate, adding 6-12 inches per year under optimal conditions. The lush, scale-like foliage remains thick throughout the seasons, offering an evergreen presence that enhances gardens, property boundaries, and commercial landscapes alike.
This variety is particularly valued for its cold-hardiness and disease resistance, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of climates. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, tolerating both cold winters and warm summers with ease.
Ideal Planting Conditions
To ensure the best growth and longevity of the Emerald Green Arborvitae, consider the following planting guidelines:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy, or slightly acidic soil is ideal. Avoid areas with prolonged water retention.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the first year. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.
- Spacing: For privacy screens, plant trees 2-3 feet apart. If used as a standalone specimen, allow ample space for mature growth.
Maintenance and Care
One of the biggest advantages of the Emerald Green Arborvitae is its low-maintenance nature. This tree requires minimal upkeep while still providing lasting beauty and functionality.
- Pruning: Rarely needed, but can be trimmed in early spring to maintain shape.
- Fertilization: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Pest/Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common pests and diseases, including deer browsing, due to its dense and aromatic foliage.
- Winter Care: Unlike some evergreens that suffer from winter burn, the Emerald Green retains its rich green color throughout the colder months.
Uses in Landscaping
Due to its dense growth habit and manageable height, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is frequently used in the following ways:
- Privacy screens and hedges: Its thick foliage makes it an excellent natural barrier.
- Windbreaks: Provides effective protection from harsh winds.
- Foundation plantings: Adds height and texture near buildings.
- Ornamental accents: Can be used as a standalone feature in gardens or mixed with flowering shrubs for contrast.
- Commercial landscapes: Frequently planted in parks, business properties, and along roadsides for year-round greenery.
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is an excellent investment for those looking for a hardy, compact, and low-maintenance evergreen. Whether you need to create a lush privacy screen, enhance your property’s curb appeal, or establish a formal landscape design, this conifer delivers outstanding results. With proper care, this resilient tree will provide beauty, privacy, and function for decades to come.
