How to Grow American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green'
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American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green'
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
tree'Emerald Green' is a narrow, columnar evergreen conifer prized for screening, windbreaks, and ornamental hedging. It maintains a rich green color year-round and grows in a tight, upright form requiring minimal pruning. This cultivar is more cold-hardy and disease-resistant than many other arborvitae varieties.
When should you plant American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7
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Get my American Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung transplants establishing root systems, developing new growth
Water regularly; mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic mulch (keep away from trunk); protect from wind and harsh sun in first year
Early Growth
3-5 yearsActive vertical growth, developing narrow columnar form, branching densifies
Continue consistent watering; apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; prune lightly to maintain shape if needed; avoid heavy pruning
Maturation
5-15 yearsTree reaches desired height (15-20 feet); foliage becomes dense and rich green; form is fully columnar
Reduce watering frequency but maintain consistent moisture; fertilize annually in early spring; remove any dead or diseased branches; light shearing for hedge maintenance
Full Maturity
15+ yearsEstablished tree at full size and form; foliage fully dense with vibrant color year-round
Minimal maintenance; water during drought; monitor for pests and disease; selective pruning for shape; no fertilizer needed if soil is adequate
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early summer; prune infested branches
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to dislodge mites
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Remove and destroy infested foliage; spray with systemic insecticide in spring; prune for air circulation
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Install 8-foot deer fence; apply deer repellent sprays; plant in groups (less attractive to deer)
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and
(fungal: Cytospora, Phytophthora)
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid wounding branches; remove dead/diseased wood; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Privacy Hedges & Windbreaks
Household'Emerald Green' is one of the most popular choices for living privacy screens and windbreaks due to its narrow columnar form, dense foliage, and year-round coverage. A single row or double row creates an effective visual and wind barrier. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdThe striking rich green color and elegant columnar silhouette make 'Emerald Green' a premier ornamental focal point in formal and modern landscapes. It pairs well with contrasting textures and colors. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Nesting
WildlifeDense branches provide excellent shelter, nesting sites, and food for birds and small mammals. The thick foliage offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]
Aromatics (Cedar/Incense Scent)
CulinaryFoliage emits a pleasant coniferous, slightly citrusy aroma often described as 'cedar' scent. Dried branches can be used in potpourri, sachets, and natural incense preparations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHistorically, arborvitae foliage has been used in traditional herbal preparations, particularly by Native Americans, for respiratory support and immune function, though modern medicinal use is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for produce; instead, prune selectively for shape and hedge maintenance. Light trimming in early summer encourages dense foliage. Avoid heavy pruning into brown wood, which doesn't regenerate well.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Emerald Green' (also called 'Smaragd') was developed in Denmark and is the most popular arborvitae cultivar in North America, prized for being more cold-hardy and disease-resistant than the original 'Green Giant' variety.
- 🌱 The name 'Thuja' comes from the Greek word 'thyia,' and arborvitae means 'tree of life'—a name given by French explorers when Native Americans used the tree to cure scurvy due to its high vitamin C content.
- 🌱 'Emerald Green' can live 50-150+ years, making it an excellent long-term investment for landscape permanence and legacy planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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