How to Grow Degroot's Emerald Green Arborvitae

Degroot's Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Emerald'

tree

Degroot's Emerald is a narrow, columnar evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant emerald-green foliage year-round. This cultivar maintains a compact, upright form without regular pruning, making it ideal for screens, windbreaks, and accent plantings. It grows slower than many arborvitae varieties but develops dense branching with excellent winter color retention.

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Example Degroot's Emerald Green Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Degroot's Emerald Green Arborvitae
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Degroot's Emerald Green Arborvitae
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Degroot's Emerald Green Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color and density

💧

Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply after planting for the first year. Established trees are relatively drought-tolerant but prefer consistent moisture. Reduce watering in winter.

📏

Spacing: 24 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 3-5 years to reach ornamental size; 10-15 years to full mature height

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury trunk

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy loam soil

pH: 6.0-8.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Mulch layer (2-3 inches) to maintain soil temperature and moisture

Growing Zones

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Zones 2-7; most vigorous in zones 3-6

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

6-12 months

Recently planted seedling or young transplant with developing root system and compact growth form

Water regularly to keep soil moist. Avoid transplant stress by planting in spring or early fall. Protect from wind. Do not fertilize in first year.

Juvenile Growth

2-3 years

Young tree beginning to develop its characteristic narrow columnar shape, 2-4 feet tall with densifying branching

Water consistently during dry periods. Mulch to regulate soil temperature. Light pruning to shape is acceptable but unnecessary if form is satisfactory.

Vegetative Development

3-8 years

Maturing tree establishing strong central leader and dense branching structure, 4-12 feet tall depending on age

Reduce watering frequency as tree establishes. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is slow. Prune only dead or diseased branches.

Mature Growth

Ongoing

Fully developed columnar form at 12-20 feet tall with rich emerald foliage and dense branching throughout the season

Minimal maintenance required. Water during extended drought. Prune selectively only to maintain shape or remove damaged branches. Monitor for pests.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Juniper Dwarf spruce Ornamental grasses Shade-tolerant perennials like hosta and hellebore Flowering shrubs such as rhododendron and azalea

Avoid planting near:

Trees competing for moisture (black walnut, maple, birch) Salt-heavy environments (near roads treated with de-icing salts) Poorly drained, waterlogged soil areas Heavy shade from larger trees

Common Pests

Prune and destroy affected foliage; insecticide applications in early summer; encourage natural predators
Strong water spray to dislodge; miticide if severe; increase humidity and avoid drought stress
Hand-pick bags in winter; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray in early summer; prune affected branches
Insecticidal soap or neem oil in spring; prune damage is usually cosmetic and not life-threatening
and (Phoma, Cytospora species)
Improve air circulation; avoid overwatering; prune dead branches; apply fungicide to fresh cuts if necessary

Uses

🏠

Privacy screens and windbreaks

Household

The narrow, columnar form and dense evergreen foliage make Degroot's Emerald ideal for creating tall privacy screens and windbreaks in residential and commercial landscapes without taking up excessive space. [source]

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Ornamental landscaping

Household

Year-round emerald-green color, compact form, and low-maintenance nature make this arborvitae a versatile accent plant for foundation plantings, formal gardens, and contemporary landscapes. [source]

🎨

Fresh greenery and floral arrangements

Craft

Cut branches retain their color and fragrance for weeks in water, making them excellent for fresh holiday wreaths, garlands, and winter floral arrangements. [source]

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Erosion control and slope stabilization

Household

The fibrous, spreading root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and embankments while the dense canopy reduces water runoff and helps prevent erosion. [source]

🦋

Wildlife habitat

Wildlife

Dense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for songbirds, including cardinals and finches, while seeds attract some wildlife, supporting local ecosystems. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental tree; no harvest is typical. Branches may be cut for fresh greenery arrangements in fall or winter. Use sharp pruners and cut just above a lateral branch or bud to maintain form.

Fun Facts

🌱 Degroot's Emerald was bred in the Netherlands and is known for retaining its vibrant emerald color even in harsh winters, unlike many other arborvitae varieties that bronze or yellow in cold weather.
🌱 Arborvitae foliage contains aromatic volatile oils that give the tree its characteristic pleasant smell; the name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, reflecting its historical use in traditional medicine.
🌱 This cultivar grows significantly slower than species arborvitae, typically adding only 12-18 inches per year, which allows for more controlled and predictable landscape design without excessive pruning.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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