Green Giant Arborvitae

Thuja x 'Green Giant'

Nature Hills Nursery

Rocket Growth Rate: Gains 3 to 5 feet annually to create instant privacy screens.
Exceptional Hardiness: Thrives in USDA Zones 5–8, resisting heavy snow and southeastern humidity.
Deer Resistant: Foliage is significantly less palatable to deer than other arborvitae varieties.
Dense Privacy: Thuja Green Giant forms a thick, evergreen wall that buffers wind and noise.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, this hybrid vigor variety withstands dry spells better than Leyland Cypress.

$17³²

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Quart Container #1 Container 2-3 Feet #3 Container 3-4 Feet

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Thuja Green Giant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily for dense, healthy growth. While partial shade is acceptable, it often results in thinner foliage and a slower overall growth rate. In hotter USDA Zones like 8 and 9, providing some relief from the intense afternoon sun can help protect the plant from heat stress.
Soil: This variety is exceptionally adaptable to various conditions, including heavy clay and sandy soils, provided they are well-drained. It is critical to avoid sites where water collects, as Green Giants are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged environments.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your trees deeply and regularly to help the root system establish, aiming for about an inch of water per week. Once established, the Green Giant is remarkably drought tolerant, but consistent moisture remains key to maintaining lush, vibrant foliage. Inconsistent watering during dry spells is a primary cause of foliage browning or overall plant stress.

Pruning Tips

This variety naturally maintains a stately pyramidal habit, so extensive pruning is rarely required for the health of the tree. If you want to shape your privacy hedge or control its height, do so in early spring or mid-summer before new growth begins to harden. Think of pruning like a light haircut that directs the plant's energy into denser growth rather than wild, leggy branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge to support its famous rocket-like growth rate. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, particularly with high-nitrogen products, as this can stimulate tender new growth that will not harden off in time for winter frost. Proper spring feeding ensures the tree has the nutrients necessary to resist pests like bagworms and environmental stressors.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

The "Overnight" Privacy Solution for Your Landscape

Imagine reclaiming your backyard sanctuary in just a few short seasons. The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae isn't just a tree; it’s the fastest, most reliable route to a lush, living wall. Whether you’re blocking a nosy neighbor, buffering street noise, or creating a windbreak, the Green Giant delivers the dense, evergreen coverage you need with a speed that seems almost magical. As one of the most sought-after privacy trees on the market, it turns "exposed" into "enclosed" faster than almost any other evergreen.

Why Gardeners Choose the Green Giant

Rocket-Like Growth Rate: You don't have time to wait decades for privacy. The Green Giant is famous for its vigor, capable of shooting up 3 to 5 feet per year once established. This hybrid vigor means a small investment today becomes a towering privacy hedge in a fraction of the time compared to traditional arborvitae.

Bulletproof Hardiness: Forget the finicky Leyland Cypress that succumbs to disease in the heat. The Green Giant is a tough-as-nails hybrid (a cross between Western Red Cedar and Japanese Arborvitae) that laughs at humidity, resists drought once established, and stands strong against heavy snow loads. From the humid soils of Georgia to the chilly winds of Michigan, this tree adapts and thrives.

Deer Resistance: For many of us, deer are the ultimate garden pest. While no plant is 100% deer-proof in a famine, the Green Giant is significantly more deer resistant than its cousins. Its foliage is less palatable, meaning your hedge stays green and full, not stripped bare to the trunk.

Growing Success: Positioning & Care

Sun & Soil Mastery: Your Green Giant craves sunlight. Plant it where it can soak up at least 6 hours of full sun a day for that iconic, dense growth. It’s incredibly forgiving regarding soil, tolerating heavy clays and sandy loams alike, provided they drain well.

Zones & Hardiness: Thriving in USDA Zones 5–8, this tree handles the swing from freezing winters to scorching summers with grace.

Mature Size: Plan for grandeur. This is not a small shrub. At maturity, a Green Giant can reach 40–60 feet tall and 12–18 feet wide. It creates a monumental backdrop for your landscape.

Seasonal Interest & Care

Year-Round Emerald Beauty: While deciduous trees leave you exposed in winter, the Green Giant keeps its rich, fern-like foliage all year. In colder zones, you might notice a natural bronzing on the tips during winter—don't panic! This is a normal protective reaction to the cold; they will brighten back to a vibrant spring green as temperatures rise.

Watering for Success: The "Sleep, Creep, Leap" rule applies here. Water deeply and regularly during the first year to establish the deep taproot. Once that root system is locked in, your trees become remarkably drought-tolerant.

Strategic Placement & Spacing

The Privacy Screen: To create that solid "living wall," space your Green Giants 5 to 6 feet apart. This allows the lower branches to interlock quickly, shutting out views and noise.

The Windbreak: If you are planting for wind protection or a more natural look, give them 8 to 12 feet of room. This spacing allows each tree to develop its classic pyramidal form fully.

Pro Tip: Avoid the "soldier row" look by planting in a staggered "zig-zag" pattern. This creates a thicker, more sound-absorbing barrier faster than a single straight line.

Ready to Reclaim Your Yard?

There is no better time to start your privacy project than now. Every season you wait is a season of lost growth. Order your Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae today, and watch your landscape transform into the private retreat you deserve.

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How wide do green giant arborvitae get?

Green Giant Arborvitae typically reaches 12-20 feet wide at maturity when left unpruned. Their natural pyramid shape fills out beautifully in full sun across zones 5-8. Space them 5-6 feet apart for a solid privacy hedge, or give them 15+ feet for specimen plantings.

Does Green Giant Arborvitae need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Green Giant Arborvitae needs at least 6 hours of full sun daily for its characteristic dense, vigorous growth. While it can survive in partial shade, you'll sacrifice that 3-5 foot annual growth rate and get a more open habit. For best privacy results, plant in full sun locations and shop quality specimens at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does Green Giant Arborvitae prefer, and does it tolerate clay or wet areas?

Green Giant Arborvitae tolerates a wide range of soils, from heavy clay to sandy loam, as long as they drain well. It's quite forgiving with soil conditions but won't thrive in consistently wet or waterlogged areas. Plant in well-draining soil with at least 6 hours of full sun daily.

How much water does Green Giant Arborvitae need, especially when newly planted?

Green Giant Arborvitae needs consistent moisture for the first 1-2 years while establishing its root system. Water deeply 2-3 times per week during dry spells, ensuring soil drains well to prevent root rot. Once established, this drought-resistant hybrid requires minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry periods.

What are common pests or diseases affecting Green Giant Arborvitae, like bagworms or canker?

Green Giant Arborvitae is notably disease-resistant compared to Leyland Cypress, though bagworms can occasionally appear. This hardy hybrid thrives in zones 5-8 with minimal pest issues when given proper sunlight and drainage. Check foliage annually and remove any bagworm cases by hand if spotted.

Does Green Giant Arborvitae require regular pruning or maintenance?

Green Giant Arborvitae requires minimal pruning due to its naturally dense, pyramidal growth habit. With its 3-5 feet annual growth rate, you may want to lightly trim the tips in late spring to maintain your desired height. Otherwise, this low-maintenance evergreen stays full and shapely on its own.

Will Green Giant Arborvitae turn brown or yellow, and why?

Green Giant Arborvitae rarely turns brown or yellow when grown in proper conditions with adequate sunlight and drainage. Browning typically occurs from insufficient light (needs 6+ hours daily), poor drainage, or extreme stress outside its USDA Zones 5-8 range. Ensure full sun placement and well-draining soil to maintain healthy green foliage year-round.

Can Green Giant Arborvitae be planted near other trees or in shaded areas?

Green Giant Arborvitae needs at least 6 hours of full sun daily for optimal dense growth and won't perform well in shaded areas. While it can be planted near other trees, ensure adequate spacing and that surrounding plants don't block its sunlight requirements. Choose a sunny location with good drainage for best results.