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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Plant Size

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

Product variants

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

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, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Fast-growing, Fragrant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	40-50 ft
Width	8-12 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate, Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant'
Species	standishii x plicata
Cultivar	Green Giant
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

About Green Giant Arborvitae

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.

Key Features

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 Requirements

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.

Landscape Uses

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.

Explore More from Nature Hills

Green Giant Arborvitae belongs to our collection of fast growing trees and deer resistant plants, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs and zone 6 plants, trees & shrubs regions. For help choosing between varieties, read our guide Emerald Green vs Green Giant Arborvitae: Which Is Right for Your Yard? or discover more about this versatile evergreen in Learn More About Arborvitae, the Tree of Life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How wide do green giant arborvitae get?

Green Giant Arborvitae typically reach 12-20 feet wide at maturity when left unpruned. Their natural pyramid shape fills out densely in zones 5-8. For privacy hedging, plant them 5-6 feet apart and trim annually to maintain your desired width.

Do Green Giant Arborvitae need full sun or can they tolerate partial shade?

Green Giant Arborvitae need at least 6 hours of full sun daily for their signature dense growth. While they can survive in partial shade, you'll sacrifice that thick, privacy-screen look. For best results in zones 5-8, choose the sunniest spot available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil do Green Giant Arborvitae prefer for optimal growth?

Green Giant Arborvitae are remarkably adaptable to different soil types, thriving in both heavy clays and sandy loams. The key requirement is good drainage - they won't tolerate waterlogged conditions. Plant in well-draining soil with at least 6 hours of full sun daily for optimal growth.

How fast do Green Giant Arborvitae grow per year?

Green Giant Arborvitae grows 3 to 5 feet per year once established. This exceptional growth rate makes it one of the fastest privacy trees available, turning a small planting into a substantial hedge within just a few seasons. Plant in full sun for best results.

Are Green Giant Arborvitae deer resistant?

Green Giant Arborvitae are significantly more deer resistant than other arborvitae varieties due to their less palatable foliage. While no plant is 100% deer-proof during harsh conditions, these hardy trees typically keep their dense growth intact. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable deer-resistant privacy screening.

How are Green Giant Arborvitae packaged and shipped to ensure they arrive healthy?

Green Giant Arborvitae are carefully packaged with their root systems protected in burlap or containers to maintain moisture during transit. Most arrive ready to plant immediately upon delivery. Inspect roots upon arrival and plant within a few days for best establishment in your Zone 5-8 landscape.

What plants pair well with Green Giant Arborvitae for landscaping?

Green Giant Arborvitae pairs beautifully with flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, spireas, and rhododendrons planted 8-10 feet in front of the hedge. Since it thrives in zones 5-8, consider adding ornamental grasses or perennials that share similar hardiness. Plant companions at least 6 feet from the arborvitae base to avoid root competition.

Do Green Giant Arborvitae need regular fertilizing and what type should I use?

Green Giant Arborvitae are light feeders that don't require regular fertilizing once established. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied in early spring can boost that famous 3-5 feet of annual growth. Focus on proper watering and full sun instead of heavy feeding.

How much spacing should I leave between Green Giant Arborvitae when planting a privacy hedge?

Space Green Giant Arborvitae 4-6 feet apart for a solid privacy hedge that will fill in within 3-5 years. Closer spacing (3-4 feet) creates faster screening but costs more upfront. For a windbreak, you can space them 6-8 feet apart and let their 3-5 foot annual growth rate do the work.