Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'

Nature Hills Nursery

Vibrant Emerald Green Color Stays Rich Year-Round, Even in Winter Cold
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 15 ft Tall, 4 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Great Choice for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$17³²

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Plant Size

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

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: The 'Emerald Green' thrives on a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily; this is key to developing its deep green color and characteristic tight, columnar form. While it can handle four to six hours of partial shade, be aware that less sun will result in thinner, less dense foliage, and the shape may become slightly looser.
Soil: Plant this Arborvitae in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If you have heavy clay, blend in plenty of well-aged compost or coarse sand to ensure water moves freely, as good drainage is critical for its health. For sandy, fast-draining soil, organic matter like compost will help the roots retain the necessary moisture.

Watering Requirements

During its first two growing seasons, ensure the root ball receives a deep watering once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, to encourage deep root establishment. Once mature, the 'Emerald Green' has moderate drought tolerance, but inconsistent moisture, especially during dry spells, will cause the foliage to thin out and turn brown, often starting at the base of the plant. A thorough, deep drink is always better than light sprinkling to keep it fully stress-free.

Pruning Tips

The beauty of this columnar evergreen is its minimal need for shaping, as it maintains its tight, pyramidal form naturally and grows on new wood. If you need to tidy up the plant or slightly reduce its size, use hand pruners or shears to lightly clip the tips of the current year's green growth in early spring before the new flush begins. Always avoid cutting back past the green foliage into the woody, brown center, as Arborvitae does not reliably regenerate growth from old wood.

Fertilizer Needs

If your soil is poor or you notice stunted growth, apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens or a balanced 10-10-10 blend in early spring as the ground begins to thaw. The slow-release formula ensures a steady feed throughout the critical spring growth period. A crucial tip is to avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer after mid-summer, as this promotes tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the winter, potentially leading to severe winter burn.

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	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Fast-growing, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	15 ft
Width	4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	Smaragd
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Popular Emerald Green Arborvitae

Hardy Formal Evergreen
Grows 1-2 Feet Per Year!
Can Tolerate Urban Conditions
Upright Narrow Pyramidal Form
Dense, Soft Foliage
Quick Screen or Hedge
Wildlife Tree
Easy Care Privacy
Narrow Form Fits Perfectly
Living Wall Creates Garden 'Rooms'!

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') is a selection of native White Cedar with incredibly vibrant green foliage all year round. The color deepens into a lovely emerald shade of green as it gets older. And the pretty foliage sprays are nice and soft to the touch.

This is a very popular selection because of the overall uniform, narrow, and upright pyramid shape. Cold hardy, these are beautiful workhorses that provide a full, lush screen. Best of all? They are quick growers.

Arborvitae means the "Tree of Life" and this selection will act like a breath of fresh, clean air in your landscape. If Green Giant Arborvitae grow too tall for you, try this variety on for size. It's a great size and shape for today's smaller yards.

They feature bright green foliage that has a soft sheen. These will stand out in your garden, but not in a flashy way. Instead, these become the "bones" of your garden. They'll give structure and definition year-round.

Speedy-growing Emerald Green Arborvitae are easy-care! These Thujas tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including poorly draining clay soil and pollution. Arborvitae love full sun, but they can grow fine in partial shade or dappled shade with a slightly looser, more open habit.

All this in a smaller package which is why it has become so popular. Order today!

How to Use Emerald Green Arborvitae in the Landscape

They make amazing green walls to define an outdoor room. Use them to gain some privacy near your patio, or to screen off an unsightly view.

They fit beautifully in tight spaces, such as along garage walls, along the driveway, in side yards, and on the border of your property.

If you need a solid screen quickly, simply plant them close together every 3 or 4 feet. The plants will grow together and form a solid mass without any space between them.

Emerald Green Arborvitae have a uniform and even look. They'll work well in either formal or informal settings.

If you'd like, they can be trimmed as a formal hedge in early spring. You can also allow them to grow into their natural form, where they will look fresh and tidy with literally no work on your part! It's no trouble to gently shape them in spring, they'll do just fine.

Emerald Green Arborvitae is great for wildlife cover and protection for small birds, especially in colder climates. Use as a windbreak against gusty prevailing winds.

Accent your front yard with a single tree or a grouped display of 3 planted in a triangle.

They make a terrific backdrop to a showy shrub border, or to your flower and perennial gardens. Imagine some of our woody Hydrangea selections planted in front of them to really show off their pink and white flowers. Or, how about reblooming Lilacs or Azaleas? Gorgeous!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Arborvitae are very fibrous-rooted and easy to transplant. They have a shallow, spreading root system, and Arborvitae are not known for being aggressive, unlike a Willow.

They prefer a well-drained soil but are very forgiving. They’ll tolerate drier soils once established, or soils that may be wetter for short periods of time. Just make sure you don't plant them too deep. Instead, place them at the same soil level as their growing container.

Their root zones are shallow, so apply a generous amount of mulch over the soil. Be sure not to heap mulch near the trunk, give about 4 inches of clearance all around the trunk.

Plant Emerald Green with Nature Hills Root Booster to encourage new root production. Once your planting hole is dug, add the Root Booster to the bottom of the hole, where it will nourish the root ball.

Water well at planting and keep them watered until they have roots established in your soil. It's always a great idea to water well in late fall before the soil freezes. Use the "Finger Test" by sticking your finger into the soil near the roots to the second knuckle. If it's moist, skip watering that day. If dry, a nice long drink is best.

You'll really appreciate these wonderful trees both as a beautiful accent and for full privacy. These are in demand by shoppers across the country, so place your order today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA planting zones are suitable for Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it cold hardy across most of the United States. This native White Cedar selection can handle harsh winters while maintaining its vibrant green color year-round. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best results.

Will Emerald Green Arborvitae survive in Zone 10 or warmer climates?

Emerald Green Arborvitae are cold-hardy trees that struggle in Zone 10's intense heat and humidity. These Thuja occidentalis selections prefer cooler climates and may experience stress, browning, or decline in consistently warm temperatures. Consider heat-tolerant alternatives available at naturehills.com for your warmer climate needs.

How far apart should I plant Emerald Green Arborvitae for a tight privacy hedge?

For a tight privacy hedge, plant Emerald Green Arborvitae 3-4 feet apart on center. This closer spacing will create a solid screen faster while allowing room for their narrow, upright growth habit. Plant them in a straight line for the most uniform appearance.

Do Emerald Green Arborvitae need a lot of watering, especially in the first year?

Newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae need regular watering their first year to establish strong roots. Once established, these hardy trees are quite drought tolerant and low-maintenance. Water deeply once or twice weekly the first season, then reduce frequency as they mature.

What type of soil and pH does Emerald Green Arborvitae prefer?

Emerald Green Arborvitae tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poorly draining clay soil. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) but adapt well to various soil types. Plant in well-draining soil when possible for best growth rates of 1-2 feet per year.

What should I look for when buying Emerald Green Arborvitae, like central leader or pot size?

Look for a strong central leader and healthy, dense foliage that's bright green without browning. Choose larger pot sizes (3-gallon or bigger) for faster establishment since these grow 1-2 feet annually. Inspect the root system to ensure it's not pot-bound, and plant in spring or early fall for best results.

Are Emerald Green Arborvitae skinny or bushy, and is there uniform sizing/grading?

Emerald Green Arborvitae have a narrow, upright pyramidal form rather than being bushy. They maintain a uniform shape naturally, which is why they're so popular for formal hedges and screens. Plant them closer together for denser screening or space them out for individual specimens.

How is Emerald Green Arborvitae shipped or packaged, and does it arrive healthy?

Emerald Green Arborvitae ships as healthy, well-rooted plants in containers or balled-and-burlapped depending on size. These hardy evergreens are carefully packaged to protect their soft foliage during transit. Plant immediately upon arrival for best results.

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'