How to Grow Emerald Arborvitae
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Emerald Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald'
treeEmerald Arborvitae is a narrow, columnar evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant emerald-green foliage year-round and compact growth habit. It grows as a dense, upright tree with soft, feathery foliage that maintains its rich color even in winter, making it an excellent choice for screening, windbreaks, and ornamental landscaping. This cultivar is a superior selection of Eastern Arborvitae, offering better cold hardiness and disease resistance than many traditional varieties.
When should you plant Emerald Arborvitae in your zone?
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Example Emerald Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Emerald Arborvitae
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 Emerald Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Emerald Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.
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 Emerald Arborvitae timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development with modest above-ground growth. Foliage is emerald green but growth is relatively slow as energy goes belowground.
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Mulch heavily. Avoid fertilizing excessively. Prune only to remove dead branches. Stake if planted in windy location.
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree enters period of steady vertical and lateral growth, becoming more columnar and dense. Foliage deepens in color and fills in nicely.
Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells. Light pruning to maintain shape is acceptable. Reduce mulch as tree establishes. Monitor for spider mites in dry conditions.
Mature Form (Years 3-5)
24 monthsTree reaches its characteristic narrow, columnar shape with dense emerald foliage throughout. Typically 12-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity.
Water during extended droughts. Prune minimally to maintain natural shape. Remove any winter damage in spring. Apply balanced fertilizer if needed.
Established Tree (Year 5+)
Indefinite (20-40 year lifespan)Fully mature tree maintaining its narrow columnar form with vibrant emerald-green color year-round. Minimal growth, primarily maintenance phase.
Water only during drought. Light spring pruning acceptable. Remove any dead or diseased branches promptly. Watch for spider mites and bagworms, especially in stressed trees.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune out infested branches; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil in spring; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for bagworms
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Increase humidity with regular misting; use miticide spray if severe; ensure adequate water in hot, dry weather
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Prune out heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil spray in early spring before growth starts
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; remove affected trees; improve soil drainage with amendments
Uses
Screening & Privacy Hedges
HouseholdEmerald Arborvitae's narrow, dense columnar form makes it ideal for creating natural privacy screens, windbreaks, and living barriers. Its compact width (3-4 feet) requires minimal space while providing excellent coverage. [source]
Year-Round Landscape Color
OrnamentalThe tree maintains its rich emerald-green color throughout all four seasons, providing consistent visual interest when deciduous plants are bare. Especially valuable in winter landscapes. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Nesting
WildlifeDense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife. The structure offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]
Foundation Plantings
HouseholdIts narrow columnar form is perfect for flanking entryways, framing windows, and creating vertical interest in foundation plantings without overwhelming the space. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Greenery
CraftBranches can be cut for fresh floral arrangements and wreaths, offering elegant green foliage that holds well in water for several weeks. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental tree, not harvested for consumption. Prune selectively in early spring to remove winter damage or maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, which may not regenerate. Cuttings can be propagated in summer using rooting hormone.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Emerald Arborvitae was selected in 1950 in Denmark and is botanically known as 'Emerald' or 'Smaragd,' and it maintains its color significantly better than older arborvitae varieties even in harsh winter conditions.
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, reflecting the tree's historical importance in Indigenous cultures and its use in traditional medicine.
- 🌱 Unlike many arborvitae varieties that brown or discolor in winter, Emerald maintains its vibrant color year-round due to superior cold hardiness genes, making it a modern improvement over classic varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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