Fast-Growing Green Giant Arborvitae Tree For Privacy!

Looking for fast-growing evergreens to create an instant living privacy screen? Meet the Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja x 'Green Giant'), a hybrid of Western Red Cedar and Japanese Arborvitae that's earned its place as one of the most popular privacy trees in the U.S. With a stunning growth rate of 3-5 feet per year, this giant Thuja outpaces almost every other evergreen shrub or tree on the market, making it a top pick for fast-growing privacy trees.

Not only is this a fast-growing evergreen, but it also boasts dense, feathery sprays of soft, dark green foliage from top to bottom. The vibrant color stays true all year long, even through harsh winters. With a strong pyramidal shape and soft, fragrant foliage that starts right at the base, this beauty builds a natural wall of greenery in record time. Plus, it can be left to grow naturally fluffy or easily sheared into a formal hedge.

Whether you're looking for evergreen privacy, a green backdrop, or the perfect solution for blocking wind and noise, the Green Giant Arborvitae (a type of Thuja occidentalis) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub that checks all the boxes. Hardy across USDA growing zones 5 to 8, this fast-growing conifer tolerates humidity, cold winters, and hot summers alike.

Key Features

• Fast growth rate: 3-5 feet per year!
• Soft, aromatic, rich green evergreen foliage
• Triangular/pyramidal form with thick branching
• Cold-hardy, drought-tolerant once established
• Excellent for screening, windbreaks, and privacy
• Resistant to pests, disease, and heavy snow damage
• Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions
• Native hybrid (Thuja plicata × Thuja standishii)

Landscaping Uses for Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae

The Green Giant Arborvitae matures at 40-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide, forming a full-figured upright evergreen tree perfect for screening and structure.

• Plant in rows for an instant privacy hedge
• Use as a windbreak or living wall
• Great for Snow Drift barriers
• Great in commercial settings to hide unsightly views
• Single specimen for structural elegance - Great at the corners of your home's foundation
• Frame a garden or highlight an entryway
• Background/backdrop plant in large garden beds
• Add height and exclamation points to mixed shrub borders
• Excellent option for fast-growing evergreens in larger lots

Care and Maintenance

This Arborvitae is a woody evergreen conifer that is low-maintenance, sun-loving, and tough as nails. It's ideal for creating a quick, tall privacy hedge or windscreen.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall for best results
• Sun Needs: Full sun preferred; part shade tolerated
• Soil Needs: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and wet sites (not standing water)
• Moisture Needs: Water regularly the first year; drought-tolerant once established. Use the Finger Test to check soil moisture
• Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of arborist mulch over the root zone; keep away from the trunk
• Fertilization Needs: Use a slow-release granular fertilizer like Dr. Earth Life Organic and Natural All Purpose Fertilizer in spring
• Pruning Info: Optional but can be lightly sheared to shape for formal hedges; prune in late winter or early spring if needed
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:
• Deer-resistant (especially as it matures)
• Handles snow loads
• Pest and disease-resistant, cold-hardy, and tolerant of urban conditions
• Adaptable to a wide pH range

The "Giant" In Green Giant Isn't Just For Show

Whether you're shielding your yard from prying eyes or creating a majestic wall of evergreen privacy, the Green Giant Thuja makes it happen fast. With unmatched speed, dense foliage, and reliable performance in almost any setting, this is the ultimate pick for those who want big results - fast!

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery and we'll deliver straight to your doorstep at the right planting time for your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Green Giant Arborvitae grow?
It can grow 3-5 feet per year in ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing evergreens available.

What is the mature size of Green Giant Arborvitae?
It reaches 40-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide at maturity.

What is the difference between Green Giant and Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') is a smaller cultivar, maturing around 12-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, ideal for small yards or narrow hedges. Green Giant grows much taller and wider, making it ideal for larger privacy screens.

Is Green Giant Arborvitae deer resistant?
Yes, it is generally considered deer resistant, especially once it's mature. However, young plants may need protection in areas with high deer pressure.

Does Green Giant Arborvitae need pruning?
Not necessarily! It has a naturally tidy form. However, it can be pruned or sheared to shape into a formal hedge or kept at a desired height.

Can I use Green Giant Arborvitae in wet soil?
It tolerates periodic wetness but should not be planted in spots with standing water.

What are the best fast-growing privacy trees?
Thuja Green Giant tops the list for privacy trees, followed closely by Leyland Cypress, Willow Hybrid, and other fast-growing conifers.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!

Customer Review

"I usually purchase nursery items from Lowe's/Home Depot, this was my first time purchasing trees online. I bought 6 Green Giant Arborvitae from Nature Hills, which were shipped/delivered very quickly, and arrived in pristine condition/very healthy looking.

Based on my experience with them, I would definitely recommend Nature Hills Nursery.

We have had Green Giants over the years, and they are the fastest growing/best looking/most disease-resistant of the evergreens.".