How to Grow Emerald Arborvitae
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Emerald Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd')
shrubEmerald Arborvitae is a narrow, columnar evergreen shrub with vibrant green foliage that remains color-rich even in winter. It grows in a tight, pencil-like form making it ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and privacy screens. This cultivar is a superior selection of Eastern Arborvitae, prized for its uniform shape and disease resistance.
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
3-6 monthsYoung plants settling after transplanting; initial root development
Water deeply 2-3 times weekly for first season; mulch around base (2-3 inches) keeping away from trunk; avoid fertilizer first year to prevent tender growth
Vegetative Growth
1-3 yearsRapid vertical and lateral branching; densifying foliage in classic columnar form
Prune lightly only to maintain shape; avoid heavy heading cuts; apply light fertilizer in spring; continue consistent watering; monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions
Hedge Development
3-8 yearsPlant reaches desired height and width for screening or hedge use; dense branching throughout
Annual light pruning in spring or early summer to maintain columnar form; hedge shears work well for formal shaping; fertilize annually in spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Mature Specimen
8+ years (long-lived)Full-sized plant with dense, deep green foliage; reaches ultimate height of 12-20 feet and width of 3-4 feet
Minimal pruning needed; remove any dead or diseased branches; maintain mulch layer; water during prolonged droughts; monitor for winter damage or deer rubbing
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet to remove webbing; use miticide if severe; increase humidity to discourage; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer; use dormant oil spray before growth begins
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Prune and destroy infested branch tips; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil in early spring; maintain plant vigor with proper care
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and
Install 7-8 foot tall fencing; apply deer repellent sprays; use motion-activated sprinklers; select resistant varieties (Emerald is relatively deer-resistant)
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; space plants for air circulation; do not plant in poorly drained areas; improve soil with sand or perlite
Uses
Privacy Screening & Windbreaks
HouseholdThe columnar form and dense foliage make Emerald Arborvitae ideal for creating tall, narrow privacy screens and windbreaks in residential landscapes. Requires minimal width (3-4 feet) while reaching 12-20 feet tall, efficiently blocking views and wind. [source]
Fresh Greenery & Holiday Arrangements
CraftFresh branches are prized in floral arrangements, wreaths, and holiday decorations for their vibrant green color and pleasant aromatic foliage. The branches hold well in water and maintain their color throughout the season. [source]
Formal Hedge & Topiary
HouseholdThe naturally tight, columnar form responds well to formal pruning, making it suitable for creating structured hedges and geometric topiary shapes. Regular annual pruning maintains crisp lines and dense foliage. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Nesting Habitat
WildlifeDense branching provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for small birds and beneficial wildlife. The evergreen foliage offers year-round cover and protection from predators. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalThuja species have been used in traditional medicine and herbal preparations, though internal use requires caution due to potential toxicity. Modern herbalists may use it in small quantities for respiratory support, though scientific evidence 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
Emerald Arborvitae is not harvested for crop. Branches may be cut for fresh evergreen arrangements or wreaths in late fall/winter. Cut healthy branches with clean pruners, making cuts near branch junctions. Can be lightly pruned annually to maintain shape, but avoid cutting into dead wood as regrowth is slow.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Emerald Arborvitae (Smaragd) was selected in Denmark and introduced to North America in the 1950s; 'Emerald' and 'Smaragd' are the same cultivar—the names differ by region and marketing.
- 🌱 The name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, given because early European explorers believed it had medicinal properties for treating scurvy during long voyages.
- 🌱 Emerald Arborvitae retains its vibrant green color in winter unlike some other Thuja cultivars, making it one of the few evergreens that doesn't bronze in cold weather.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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