Unveiling the Arborvitaes: Thuja Green Giant vs Emerald Green Arborvitae

Feb 01, 2024
By Lucas LaMontagne

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Intro to the Arborvitaes

In the world of landscaping and gardening, choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Two popular choices for creating lush, vibrant hedges and privacy screens are the Thuja Green Giant and the Emerald Green Arborvitae. While they may appear similar at first glance, a closer look reveals distinctive characteristics that can help influence your decision. Let's explore the nuances that set these arborvitaes apart.

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Shop these featured plants and add instant privacy to your landscape:

woman walking along privacy hedge of thuja green giant arborvitae

Thuja Green Giant Tree

$19.95

$49.95

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Emerald green arborvitae space chart for privacy hedge or wind screen

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Emerald Green Arborvitae

$29.95

$59.95

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Let's compare these two best selling arborvitaes...

Thuja Green Giant:

Thuja Growth Rate

One of the most notable features of the Thuja Green Giant is its impressive growth rate. This evergreen can grow up to 3 feet per year, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quick privacy or a natural barrier.

Thuja Green Giant Mature Size

At maturity, the Thuja Green Giant can reach heights of 25 to 40 feet, creating a towering and imposing presence. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to establish a swift and substantial green screen. Thujas are great trees for creating privacy fences and can help keep prying eyes or distracting activities away from your landscape.

Thuja Green Giant Versatility

The Thuja Green Giant thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is relatively low-maintenance, adapting well to different climates. Its versatility makes it a resilient and adaptable choice for various landscapes. Ideally, your thuja will receive 4-6 hours of sun per day and will be planted in soil that is moist, fertile, and well drained.

Woman in her garden picking ripe olives from her arbequina olive tree purchased from perfect plants nursery

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae Size

In contrast to the Thuja Green Giant, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is known for its more modest size. It typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet at maturity, making it a suitable option for smaller spaces or those desiring a more contained look.

Emerald Green Arborvitae Foliage

The Emerald Green Arborvitae boasts a lush and dense canopy of vibrant green foliage. This characteristic not only provides an attractive aesthetic but also enhances its effectiveness as a privacy screen.

Emerald Green Cold Tolerance

While both plants are hardy, the Emerald Green Arborvitae has a reputation for superior cold resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for regions with harsh winters, where it can maintain its vibrant green appearance even in colder climates.

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Choosing The Right Arborvitae For You

Arborvitae Spacing Considerations

If you have ample space and are looking for a fast-growing, towering green screen, the Thuja Green Giant may be the better choice. Especially when it comes to trying to build a privacy fence… The Thuja Green Giant offers maximum protection from prying eyes. However, for smaller yards or more controlled landscaping, the Emerald Green Arborvitae offers a compact yet effective solution. Both trees are also excellent for windbreaks and keeping harsh weather from impacting your house.

Arborvitae Maintenance Preferences

Consider your maintenance preferences and the time you can dedicate to care. The Thuja Green Giant, while robust, may require more pruning to maintain its size, while the Emerald Green Arborvitae's compact nature may reduce the need for frequent trimming.

Arborvitae Zoning

Assess your local climate conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, the cold-resistant qualities of the Emerald Green Arborvitae may make it a more resilient option. These trees can survive in USDA zones 3 & 4 unlike the Thuja Green Giant, which tends to thrive in area with winters that are slightly less harsh.

Picking The Right American Arborvitae

In the competition between the Thuja Green Giant and the Emerald Green Arborvitae, the right choice ultimately depends on your specific landscaping needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the rapid growth and towering presence of the Thuja Green Giant or the compact, dense beauty of the Emerald Green Arborvitae, both plants have earned their place as green giants in the world of landscaping. The best part? Both of these plants are amazing to behold in person, and are sure to add the curb appeal, or privacy, you may be looking for!