Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4' PP33,360

Nature Hills Nursery

Dwarf Emerald Petite Arborvitae Stays Compact yet Maintains Vivid Winter Color Year-Round
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 5-6 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$99⁴⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Ensure your Emerald Petite gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun creates the dense, vibrant emerald foliage you bought it for; too much shade often leads to a looser, thinner appearance.
Soil: These plants love moist, well-draining soil but hate having "wet feet" in soggy ground. If you are working with heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage and add a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base to keep roots cool and hydrated.

Watering Requirements

For the first growing season, give your arborvitae a deep soaking twice a week to help the roots establish in their new home. Once the root system is mature, these plants are moderately drought tolerant but still need supplemental water during hot, dry spells. Inconsistent watering is the quickest way to stress the plant, leading to browning needles or stunted growth.

Pruning Tips

Arborvitae only generate new growth from green stems, so never cut back into the bare, brown "dead zone" of old wood or the branch will not regrow. Plan your light shaping for early spring just before new growth emerges. Think of it like a trim rather than a chop; you are just tidying up the messy ends to maintain that crisp, pyramidal form.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring right as the plant wakes up for the season. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this forces soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Clay Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	5-6 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4' PP33,360
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	Thusid4
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae: Dwarf Evergreen Wonder

The Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae PP#33,360 (Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4') is a garden gem for those craving year-round greenery in a tidy, manageable form! This compact evergreen shrub boasts finely textured, scale-like foliage in a vivid emerald green hue that keeps its color even in winter.

As a dwarf Arborvitae variety of the beloved Emerald Green Arborvitae, Emerald Petite™ stays small, making it ideal for tight spaces, patios, or formal gardens. Plus, it's a low-maintenance and deer-resistant choice, yes, you heard right!

Naturally narrow and upright, this cultivar matures at just 5-6 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide, perfect for small gardens or as an accent in large mixed borders. Its foliage is soft to the touch and pleasantly aromatic when brushed, forming dense, vertical sprays that maintain their shape without shearing. No flowers or fruits to fuss over, just consistent color and structure all year long!

Culturally, it carries the symbolism of eternal life and protection, making it popular in traditional landscapes and sacred spaces. It's related to the classic Arborvitae clan, known for their adaptable evergreen presence and stalwart reliability in urban and rural gardens alike!

Key Features

Dwarf variety of Eastern Arborvitae
Dense, fragrant emerald green foliage
Naturally narrow, columnar habit, no shearing required
Deer-resistant, low-maintenance evergreen
Cold-hardy down to USDA Zone 3

Landscaping Uses

Use this dwarf evergreen as a narrow vertical element or lush green screen, it tops out at just 5-6 feet tall with a 1-2-foot spread. Hailing from native Eastern North American stock, this dwarf Thuja thrives in USDA Zones 3–7, handling frigid winters and humid summers with ease. It's bred for cold hardiness, pest resistance, and compact form.

Perfect as a formal foundation planting
Lined up as a low living hedge or privacy screen
Beautiful in symmetrical pairs flanking an entry
Excellent for tight spaces or small yards
Works well in large containers for patios, balcony gardens, or courtyards
Mixes nicely into Rock Gardens and perennial borders for year-round structure

Care and Maintenance

This woody, evergreen shrub is a tough, no-fuss garden essential. For a low-maintenance garden backbone, this is a drought-tolerant shrub that appreciates full sun. Read in-depth Arborvitae care information here.

Planting Time: Spring or fall is best
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy to sandy soil; tolerates clay if not soggy
Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly in the first season
Arborist Mulch: Use a 3–4 inch deep layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and insulate roots from heat and cold
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; shape in early spring if desired
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Pest0resistant
Deer-resistant
Pollution-tolerant
Extremely cold-hardy

Stay Sharp With Emerald Petite™ Softness

If you're looking for year-round green without the garden drama, Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae is your go-to. Its neat habit, charming color, and cold toughness make it a true garden stalwart, whether lining a walkway or standing proudly in a container. Small in stature but big on impact, this tree lives up to its lofty Arborvitae lineage!

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll ship at the perfect planting time for your region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the mature height and width of Emerald Petite Arborvitae?

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae reaches 5-6 feet tall and just 1-2 feet wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for tight spaces, foundation plantings, or narrow hedges. Plant 2-3 feet apart for screening or use as single specimens in small gardens.

How fast does Emerald Petite Arborvitae grow?

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae grows slowly, reaching just 5-6 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide at maturity. This dwarf evergreen typically adds 3-6 inches per year, making it perfect for small spaces that need long-term structure. Plan for a compact, low-maintenance hedge available at naturehills.com.

Can Emerald Petite Arborvitae be grown in containers or pots?

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae adapts well to container growing due to its compact 5-6 foot mature size and narrow 1-2 foot spread. This cold-hardy dwarf variety thrives in USDA Zones 3-7 and requires minimal maintenance in pots. Use a large container with drainage holes and protect roots during harsh winters in colder zones.

What are the care requirements for Emerald Petite Arborvitae, like watering and soil?

Emerald Petite Arborvitae is exceptionally low-maintenance and thrives in USDA Zones 3-7. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering during establishment, then becomes quite drought tolerant. Water deeply once weekly during dry spells and avoid wet, poorly drained sites.

When is the best time to plant Emerald Petite Arborvitae?

The best time to plant Emerald Petite Arborvitae is early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. This cold-hardy dwarf thrives in USDA Zones 3-7 and establishes quickly with consistent moisture. Plant yours from Nature Hills in early October for strong root development before winter.

How hardy is Emerald Petite Arborvitae in cold winters?

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae is exceptionally cold hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3-7 and handling frigid winters down to -40°F. This dwarf variety maintains its emerald green color even through harsh winter conditions. Plant it in fall for best root establishment before winter.

How much space should I leave between Emerald Petite Arborvitae plants for a hedge?

For a dense hedge, space Emerald Petite Arborvitae plants 2-3 feet apart on center. Given their mature width of 1-2 feet, this spacing creates a solid screen while allowing proper air circulation. Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment.

What common pests or diseases affect Emerald Petite Arborvitae, and how to prevent them?

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae is bred for pest resistance and rarely faces serious issues. Watch for bagworms in summer and spider mites during hot, dry spells. Provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and inspect regularly for early detection.

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4' PP33,360