How to Grow Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja standishii × plicata 'Green Giant'
treeGreen Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing, columnar evergreen conifer prized for privacy screens and windbreaks. It combines the vigor of its hybrid parentage with a dense, deep green foliage that maintains color year-round. This cultivar can reach 40-60 feet tall with a 12-20 foot spread, making it one of the fastest-growing evergreen trees available.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung transplant with fresh green foliage; root system developing
Water consistently 2-3 times weekly; avoid root stress; mulch around base; stake if windy; avoid fertilizer year one
Rapid Growth Phase (Years 2-5)
4 yearsVigorous upward growth of 3-4 feet annually; columnar form becoming pronounced; dense branching
Water during dry spells; apply balanced fertilizer in spring; prune only to remove dead branches or shape if needed; monitor for pests
Structural Development (Years 6-12)
7 yearsTree reaching 25-40 feet; branching structure fully formed; thick, dense foliage
Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases; minimal pruning needed; maintain shape with light trimming if desired
Mature Growth (Years 13+)
OngoingReaches full size of 40-60 feet; dense columnar form established; deep green year-round
Minimal watering except during severe drought; no fertilizer needed; prune only for shape maintenance or damage removal
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in June; use insecticidal sprays if severe
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Increase humidity with water spray; apply miticide or insecticidal soap; maintain tree health
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Prune and remove infested branches; apply insecticide in spring; maintain tree vigor
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Install deer fencing; apply deer repellents; plant in areas away from high deer activity
Uses
Privacy Screens & Windbreaks
HouseholdGreen Giant Arborvitae is widely used to create dense, fast-growing privacy barriers and windbreaks. A single row can establish a living screen that blocks wind and noise within 5-8 years. [source]
Landscaping & Screening
HouseholdIts narrow columnar shape makes it ideal for accent plantings, property boundaries, and hiding unsightly views. Often planted in rows as a natural fence alternative. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeProvides shelter and nesting sites for birds, deer, and small mammals. The dense foliage offers protection during harsh winters. [source]
Aromatic Foliage
CraftFoliage has a mild, pleasant cedar-like scent when crushed or brushed. Occasionally used in dried arrangements or as a natural air freshener. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalArborvitae has been used traditionally in herbal medicine, though modern evidence is limited. Not recommended for internal use without professional guidance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
N/A (ornamental tree, not harvested for produce; can collect cones in fall for seed if desired)
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Green Giant is a hybrid between two arborvitae species—Japanese and Western arborvitae—combining the best traits of both parents, resulting in vigor and cold hardiness.
- 🌱 It can grow 3-4 feet per year in ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing evergreen trees and an excellent choice for impatient gardeners.
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin; this ancient name reflects its historical use in traditional medicine and ornamental landscapes worldwide.
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