How fast do arborvitae grow? The answer depends entirely on the variety. Some arborvitae add less than 6 inches a year and stay under 3 feet tall. Others push 3 to 5 feet of new growth annually and reach 60 feet at maturity. Knowing the growth rate of each variety before you plant saves years of frustration and puts you on the fastest path to the results you want.
This guide covers the actual growth rates of the most popular arborvitae varieties, the factors that speed up or slow down growth, and the specific care practices that help your trees reach their full potential.
Arborvitae Growth Rates by Category
Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) growth rates fall into three categories: slow, moderate, and fast. The table below compares the most widely planted varieties so you can match the right growth rate to your timeline and space.
| Variety | Growth Rate | Annual Growth | Mature Height | Mature Width | USDA Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Giant | Fast | 3-5 ft. | 40-60 ft. | 12-18 ft. | 5-8 |
| Spring Grove | Fast | 3-4 ft. | 25-40 ft. | 10-15 ft. | 5-8 |
| American Pillar | Fast | 3-4 ft. | 20-25 ft. | 3-4 ft. | 5-8 |
| Full Speed A Hedge Thin Man | Fast | 2-3 ft. | 12-15 ft. | 3-4 ft. | 3-7 |
| Techny (Mission) | Moderate | 1-2 ft. | 12-15 ft. | 6-8 ft. | 2-8 |
| Emerald Green | Moderate | 1-2 ft. | 12-15 ft. | 3-4 ft. | 3-8 |
| North Pole | Moderate | 1-2 ft. | 10-15 ft. | 3-5 ft. | 3-7 |
| DeGroot's Spire | Moderate | 6-12 in. | 15-20 ft. | 4-5 ft. | 3-8 |
| Hetz Midget | Slow | 3-6 in. | 3-4 ft. | 3-4 ft. | 3-7 |
| Danica Globe | Slow | 2-4 in. | 2-3 ft. | 2-3 ft. | 3-8 |
| Mr. Bowling Ball | Slow | 2-4 in. | 2-3 ft. | 2-3 ft. | 3-8 |
Keep in mind that these numbers represent growth under good conditions once the plant is established. First-year growth is typically slower as the root system develops.
Best Fast-Growing Arborvitae for Quick Privacy
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') is the fastest-growing arborvitae available, adding 3 to 5 feet per year once established. It is the top pick for large-scale privacy screens and windbreaks across zones 5 through 8.
Zones 5-8 | Mature Size: 40-60 ft. tall, 12-18 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 3-5 ft./year
Green Giant reaches a towering 40 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 12 to 18 feet, so it needs room. Space plants 5 to 6 feet apart for a solid screen or 10 to 12 feet apart for a windbreak. Its hybrid vigor gives it strong resistance to deer browsing and common diseases like bagworms and leaf blight. For large properties in zones 5 through 8, nothing fills in faster.
Spring Grove Arborvitae (Thuja plicata 'Spring Grove') is another fast grower at 3 to 4 feet per year. It matures to 25 to 40 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide in zones 5 through 8, making it a slightly more manageable option than Green Giant for medium-sized properties.
Zones 5-8 | Mature Size: 25-40 ft. tall, 10-15 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 3-4 ft./year
American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar') grows 3 to 4 feet annually but stays remarkably narrow at just 3 to 4 feet wide. It reaches 20 to 25 feet tall in zones 5 through 8. That columnar form makes it ideal for property lines where you need fast height without sacrificing yard space. Space them 3 to 4 feet apart for a tight screen.
Zones 5-8 | Mature Size: 20-25 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 3-4 ft./year
Best Moderate-Growing Arborvitae for Hedges and Screens
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') grows a steady 1 to 2 feet per year and tops out at 12 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide in zones 3 through 8. It is the most popular hedge arborvitae in America for good reason: the narrow form fits tight spaces, the foliage holds bright green color through harsh winters, and its moderate pace means less pruning to keep it in check.
Zones 3-8 | Mature Size: 12-15 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 1-2 ft./year
Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Techny'), also called Mission Arborvitae, grows 1 to 2 feet per year and matures to 12 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Its wider spread creates a denser, fuller screen with fewer plants. Techny thrives in zones 2 through 8, making it one of the most cold-hardy options for northern gardeners.
Zones 2-8 | Mature Size: 12-15 ft. tall, 6-8 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 1-2 ft./year
North Pole Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Art Boe') adds 1 to 2 feet per year with a mature height of 10 to 15 feet and width of 3 to 5 feet. Its compact pyramidal form works well in zones 3 through 7 where you need a medium-height screen without the bulk of wider varieties.
Zones 3-7 | Mature Size: 10-15 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 1-2 ft./year
For a detailed head-to-head breakdown of the two most popular varieties, see our Emerald Green vs Green Giant Arborvitae comparison.
Slow-Growing Arborvitae for Foundation Plantings and Borders
Not every landscape calls for speed. Slow-growing dwarf arborvitae add just 2 to 6 inches per year and stay compact for decades, making them perfect for foundation beds, borders, rock gardens, and container planting.
Danica Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Danica') is a tidy globe that stays 2 to 3 feet tall and wide in zones 3 through 8. It grows just 2 to 4 inches per year and rarely needs pruning.
Zones 3-8 | Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 2-4 in./year
Hetz Midget Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget') grows 3 to 6 inches per year and matures to just 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Its round form and fine-textured foliage make it a natural choice for low borders and symmetrical plantings in zones 3 through 7.
Zones 3-7 | Mature Size: 3-4 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 3-6 in./year
Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam') is another compact globe at 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a soft, lacy texture that sets it apart from other dwarf varieties. It thrives in zones 3 through 8 and requires almost no maintenance.
Zones 3-8 | Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 2-4 in./year
What Affects Arborvitae Growth Rate?
Every arborvitae variety has a genetically determined growth ceiling, but how close your plant gets to that ceiling depends on growing conditions. Here are the six biggest factors that influence how fast your arborvitae actually grows.
Sunlight
Arborvitae grow fastest in full sun, defined as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Partial shade (4 to 6 hours) slows growth and produces thinner, less dense foliage. Deep shade results in sparse, leggy plants that never fill in properly. If you are planting for privacy, prioritize a full-sun location.
Soil Quality and Drainage
Rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 supports the fastest growth. Arborvitae roots need both moisture and oxygen, so compacted clay or waterlogged areas cause root suffocation and dramatically slow growth. If your soil is heavy clay, amend the planting area with compost and consider planting the root ball 1 to 2 inches above grade to improve drainage.
Water
Consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons is critical. Newly planted arborvitae need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, delivered through a slow soaker hose or drip irrigation. Use the finger test: push your finger 2 inches into the soil near the root zone. If it feels dry, water deeply. Once established, most arborvitae tolerate moderate dry spells, but prolonged drought stress slows growth and can cause browning.
USDA Hardiness Zone
Planting an arborvitae variety within its recommended zone range ensures the plant spends energy growing instead of surviving. A Green Giant planted in zone 4 will struggle and grow slowly (if it survives), while the same plant in zone 6 or 7 hits peak growth rates. Always match the variety to your zone for best results.
Mulch
A 3 to 4 inch layer of arborist wood chip mulch around the base (kept 3 inches away from the trunk) retains soil moisture, regulates root temperature, and feeds soil biology as it breaks down. Mulched arborvitae consistently outperform unmulched ones, especially during hot summers and the critical establishment period.
Fertilizer
A balanced slow-release evergreen fertilizer applied in early spring gives arborvitae a growth boost right when they need it most. Avoid fertilizing after midsummer, as late-season growth flushes do not harden off before winter and can suffer frost damage. Over-fertilizing causes salt burn and root damage, so follow the product label rates.
How to Maximize Your Arborvitae Growth Rate
You can give your arborvitae the best possible start by following these six steps. The first two growing seasons set the foundation for long-term growth speed.
- Start with a larger container size. Bigger plants have more established root systems and hit their stride faster after transplanting. The upfront cost pays back in time saved.
- Use a root stimulant at planting. Nature Hills Root Booster contains mycorrhizal fungi that colonize the root zone and improve nutrient and water uptake for years after planting.
- Plant at the right depth. Set the root ball so the root flare sits at soil level or slightly above. Planting too deep smothers roots and stunts growth.
- Water consistently for two full seasons. Deep weekly watering during establishment is the single biggest factor separating strong performers from struggling ones.
- Apply mulch immediately after planting. A 3 to 4 inch layer of wood chip mulch retains moisture, cools roots, and reduces weed competition.
- Prune lightly in mid to late spring. Removing the tips of new growth after the spring flush encourages branching. Each cut produces two new shoots, thickening the overall form and filling in gaps faster.
Pruning Arborvitae to Encourage Faster, Fuller Growth
Proper pruning is one of the most overlooked tools for speeding up arborvitae development. A well-timed trim redirects energy into lateral branching, creating a denser plant in less time.
When to prune: Mid to late spring, after the first flush of new growth has extended but before it hardens off. Avoid pruning in fall or winter. Late-season cuts leave fresh wounds exposed to cold and increase the risk of winter damage.
Pruning techniques:
- Pinching: Squeeze off the soft tips of new growth by hand to encourage branching in targeted areas. This works well for filling in thin spots.
- Shearing: Use hedge shears to trim the outer layer uniformly. This creates a dense, manicured surface but only works on varieties with tight growth habits like Emerald Green.
- Selective hand pruning: Use bypass pruners to cut individual branches at a 45-degree angle, about a quarter inch above an outward-facing bud. This allows you to shape the plant precisely without the flat-topped look that shearing can produce.
One critical rule: never cut into old, brown wood. Arborvitae do not regenerate from bare branches. Always leave green foliage on every branch you prune.
How Long Until You Have a Full Privacy Screen?
Your timeline depends on the variety, the starting size, and how well you care for the plants. Here is a realistic expectation for the most common privacy arborvitae, assuming you start with 3 to 4 foot container-grown plants:
| Variety | Years to 8 ft. | Years to 12 ft. | Years to Full Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Giant | 1-2 | 2-3 | 2-4 |
| Spring Grove | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| American Pillar | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Emerald Green | 3-4 | 5-7 | 5-7 |
| Techny | 3-4 | 5-7 | 5-7 |
Green Giant and Spring Grove deliver a functional privacy screen in as little as 2 to 3 years. Emerald Green and Techny take longer to reach full screening height, but their moderate pace means less maintenance once they reach your target height.
Browse Arborvitae by Growth Rate
Ready to choose your arborvitae? Browse our full selection organized by use:
- Arborvitae Trees for tall screening and windbreak varieties
- Arborvitae Shrubs for compact globes and foundation plantings
- Fast Growing Trees for the quickest options across all species
- Privacy Trees for the best screening plants at every size
Every arborvitae we ship is container-grown with an established root system, ready to start growing as soon as it goes in the ground. Pick the variety that matches your timeline, your zone, and your space, then give it the care outlined above. These trees reward good planning with years of reliable, low-maintenance performance.
#ProPlantTip: The single fastest way to get a privacy screen is to start with the largest container size you can afford. A 5 to 6 foot Green Giant in a #7 container can reach 10 feet in just one to two growing seasons with proper watering and mulch.
