How to Grow Emerald Spreader Arborvitae
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Emerald Spreader Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Spreader'
shrubEmerald Spreader is a compact, spreading cultivar of Eastern arborvitae with fine-textured, feathery green foliage that maintains its vibrant color year-round. This low-growing evergreen shrub is ideal for foundation plantings, borders, and ground cover applications. It naturally spreads wider than it grows tall, creating a mounding habit.
When should you plant Emerald Spreader Arborvitae 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 Emerald Spreader Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Emerald Spreader 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 Spreader Arborvitae
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, highly cold-hardy and versatile across northern regions
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Get my Emerald Spreader Arborvitae timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung transplant with developing root system, foliage may appear slightly stressed
Water deeply and regularly; avoid transplant shock by keeping soil consistently moist; mulch around base; protect from harsh wind and winter sun exposure
Early Growth
1-2 yearsShoots extend outward and upward; foliage begins to fill in and deepen in color
Continue regular watering; begin light pruning only if needed to shape; maintain mulch layer; monitor for pests and disease
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsVigorous lateral spreading with increasingly dense canopy; characteristic mounding habit becomes pronounced
Reduce watering frequency as plant becomes established; light pruning to maintain shape; fertilize lightly in spring if desired; ensure good air circulation
Mature/Established
5+ years onwardFull-sized, dense evergreen mound with uniform foliage; rich green color year-round
Minimal watering except during drought; prune only for shaping or deadwood removal; monitor for spider mites and scale insects; no fertilizer needed if healthy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water or horticultural oil; apply miticide if severe; increase humidity; prune dense interior growth for better air circulation
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Prune out infested branch tips; apply systemic insecticides in early spring before larvae tunnel into foliage
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Inspect regularly; treat with horticultural oil spray in dormant season or late spring; remove heavily infested branches
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Hand-pick and destroy bags; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in late spring when caterpillars emerge
Uses
Landscaping & Ground Cover
HouseholdEmerald Spreader's low, mounding form makes it excellent for edging foundation plantings, covering slopes, or creating living borders. Its dense growth naturally suppresses weeds once established. [source]
Privacy & Wind Protection
HouseholdWhen massed together, these evergreens create a low privacy screen or windbreak that maintains color and structure year-round, providing visual interest even in winter. [source]
Ornamental Foliage
HouseholdThe fine-textured, feathery foliage and consistent emerald green color provide year-round visual appeal in mixed borders, rock gardens, and foundation designs. [source]
Wildlife Shelter
WildlifeDense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for songbirds and small wildlife, making it valuable for creating habitat in residential landscapes. [source]
Foliage for Floral Design
CraftArborvitae foliage can be cut for use in fresh floral arrangements and holiday decorations, though it sheds moisture quickly and is best kept cool and misted. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant. Prune selectively to remove dead wood, improve shape, or reduce size. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning as the plant does not regenerate well from old wood.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' comes from Latin meaning 'tree of life,' as early European explorers thought it could cure scurvy and other ailments.
- 🌱 Emerald Spreader is a patented cultivar specifically selected for its superior winter color retention—most arborvitaes develop bronze or brown tones in cold weather, but this variety stays vibrant green.
- 🌱 Thuja occidentalis has been used by Indigenous peoples and early colonists for various medicinal preparations, though modern uses are limited and its essential oils can be toxic in large quantities.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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