Emerald Green Arborvitae

Name: Emerald Green Arborvitae
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 15036
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.65 (46 reviews)

Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'

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

$52³³

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In Stock

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

Product variants

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 to 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!

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.

Other Arborvitae varieties

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Thuja occidentalis 'Thin Man'

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Private Jet™ Arborvitae
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(8)

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Amber Gold Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar' PP22,296

(19)

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Hetz Midget Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

(1)

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Cheer Drops® Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Cheer Drops'

(2)

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North Pole® Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Art Boe'

(3)

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Sting® Arborvitae
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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Time will tell

Of the 6 we planted 1 seems to be developing some brown at top. As we enter fall we shall see

Browning at the top of a newly planted arborvitae can sometimes be transplant stress working itself out, especially as the tree settles in before winter. Keep an eye on the moisture levels going into fall since consistent watering through the first season makes a real difference. If that one continues to decline rather than stabilize, reach out to our support team and they can take a closer look at what might be going on.

Very cool little

Very cool little tree

Emerald Green Arborvitae has a way of looking sharp even when young, so it's good to hear yours is off to a solid start, Billy. As it matures it will tighten into that classic dense column, which makes it a reliable evergreen anchor in just about any landscape. Thanks for sharing.

Highly recommend

The Arborvitae came very well packet, healthy trees and arrived quickly. Highly recommend.

Emerald Green Arborvitae ship well when they're packed carefully, and it sounds like yours arrived in good shape and ready to get in the ground. Thanks for the recommendation, Patricia. Give them a good soak at planting and they should settle in nicely. The Nature Hills Team

I was hesitant about ordering online but so happy I did! The plants arrived healthy

I was hesitant about ordering online but so happy I did! The plants arrived healthy. I did have an issue with my large order but they corrected quickly. Customer service is 5 stars.

Ordering plants online for the first time takes a leap of faith, so it's good to hear the Emerald Greens arrived in solid shape. We're glad the team was able to sort out the issue with your order without too much hassle. These arborvitaes settle in quickly once they're in the ground, so you should see good growth by next season. Thanks for giving us a shot, Andrew.

VERY HEALTHY AND GROWING ALREADY!

ALL 5 ARE LOOKING VERY HEALTHY AND GROWING ALREADY AFTER ONLY A FEW WEEKS IN OUR FRONT AND BACK YARDS!

Five for five and already putting on new growth, that is a great sign they settled in well. Arborvitae can sometimes sulk after transplanting, so seeing active growth this early means the roots are happy. Thanks for the update, Alan, and enjoy the privacy screen as they fill in over the coming seasons.

healthy plants

The reason I gave 4 stars was due to being smaller than expected plants. I have been spoiled by Natures Hills plants in the past being larger than expected. I'm sure these will catch up but right now they are the size of a bowling ball.

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback with us. We truly appreciate your loyalty and kind words about the health of your plants! We understand how exciting it is to receive larger-than-expected specimens and how a more petite size might feel a bit surprising.

While these particular plants arrived smaller than you anticipated, their compact size often allows them to adjust more easily to new environments, and we’re confident they’ll grow and thrive beautifully with a little time and proper care. If you’d like, we’d be happy to share some specific tips tailored to your plant variety to help encourage vigorous growth in the coming weeks.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or for further advice — our team is always here to support your planting journey.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

healthy plants

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We truly appreciate your honest feedback and homespun loyalty to Nature Hills plants. We completely understand how receiving smaller-than-expected plants can be a little surprising, especially after having enjoyed larger specimens before.

Rest assured, many healthy plants start out compact as they acclimate and develop strong root systems. With your care, they’ll likely thrive and flourish just as beautifully in no time. To help the process along, be sure to monitor watering, provide them with adequate light, and consider feeding with a balanced fertilizer if you haven’t already. If you’d like, we can also send along some personalized care tips based on the specific plants you ordered—just let us know!

Thanks again for trusting us with your garden. We are excited to see your plants grow and catch up to your expectations!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Emerald Green Arborvitae

All 9 plants arrived in perfect condition! Thank you!!

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that all 9 of your Emerald Green Arborvitae plants arrived in perfect condition. It’s always our goal to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your garden. If you ever need any care tips or have questions as your arborvitae start to grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Emerald Green Arborvitae

All 9 plants arrived in perfect condition! Thank you!!

Dear Linda,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that all 9 Emerald Green Arborvitae plants arrived in perfect condition. It’s always our goal to ensure your plants reach you healthy and ready to thrive in your garden. If you ever need tips on planting or ongoing care to help your arborvitaes flourish, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Emerald Green Color

My order from Nature Hills arrived in great condition and the emerald green color is outstanding. Very happy with our purchase.

Hello Dandy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your Emerald Green Arborvitae arrived in such great condition and that the vibrant color added a special touch to your garden. Seeing this variety thrive and bring joy to our customers is truly rewarding.

If you have any questions about care or would like tips to help your arborvitae maintain its striking green throughout the seasons, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening journey every step of the way.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Emerald Green Color

My order from Nature Hills arrived in great condition and the emerald green color is outstanding. Very happy with our purchase.

Dear Dandy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your Emerald Green Arborvitae arrived in excellent condition and that you’re thrilled with its rich, vibrant color. It’s always our goal to provide plants that not only thrive but also add a special touch to your landscape. Be sure to keep an eye on its watering needs and provide some afternoon shade if you’re in a hotter climate to help maintain that beautiful emerald hue.

If you ever need any tips for ongoing care or planting advice, don't hesitate to reach out— we're here to help your garden flourish every step of the way.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Box

My Emerald Greens all arrived in good shape in a well constructed box. It appears they have been doing tree shipping for a long time.

Hi Dandy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Emerald Green Arborvitae! We're delighted to hear they arrived in great condition and that our shipping methods met your expectations. We’ve certainly honed our packaging over the years to keep plants safe and healthy during transit.

If you ever need tips on planting or caring for your Arborvitae, we’ve got plenty of resources on our website, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Proper watering and sunlight will help these beauties thrive in your landscape!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Box

My Emerald Greens all arrived in good shape in a well constructed box. It appears they have been doing tree shipping for a long time.

Dear Dandy,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! We are delighted to hear that your Emerald Green Arborvitae plants arrived in great condition and that you noticed the care we put into our packaging. We have indeed refined our shipping methods to ensure your plants travel safely from our nursery to your home.

If you have any questions about planting or caring for your Arborvitae, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you keep them healthy and thriving. For additional tips, you might also explore our planting guides on the NatureHills website, which offer detailed advice tailored for Arborvitaes.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great Trees!

I love the clean traditional look of these.We purchased two 2-3 foot Emerald Green Arborvitaes from Nature Hills about a month ago.They arrived at our front door about week after ordering. They were packed so well. Green and healthy with not one broke or bent branch.We planted them on either side of our garage and they are doing great.Nature Hills will be our go-to in spring when we start on our backyard.So excited!

Hi Kimberly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderfully detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Emerald Green Arborvitaes arrived healthy and beautiful, and that they’ve already found a perfect home flanking your garage. Your care in planting and recognizing the quality we strive to deliver means a great deal to us.

As you move toward your backyard project this spring, we’d love to help you select plants that complement your Arborvitaes and suit your space. Feel free to explore our wide selection and let us know if you need guidance on plant combinations, soil preparation, or seasonal care tips.

Thank you again for choosing Nature Hills—we look forward to supporting your garden’s journey every step of the way!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Great Trees!

Hi Kimberly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with our Emerald Green Arborvitaes! We’re delighted to hear that they arrived healthy, beautifully packed, and that they’re thriving beside your garage. The clean, traditional look of the Emerald Green is such a great choice for framing a home — they really do add timeless charm.

Since you’re excited to start working on your backyard this spring, feel free to reach out if you need tips on placement, soil preparation, or seasonal care for your upcoming projects. Our team loves helping gardeners like you create lasting greenery!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great arborvitae

I planted 3 of these 5 years ago and they are full and beautiful. To Lewis who had browning on the south side of the trees:These definitely need to be watered well the first 2 years and it sounds as if yours had winter burn. I sprayed mine with an anti-desiccant the first two years.

Dear Ivan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Emerald Green Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear that your three trees have flourished beautifully over the past five years. Your thoughtful advice to Lewis about proper watering and using an anti-desiccant spray in the early years is incredibly helpful—winter burn can certainly be a challenge, and those preventative steps truly make a difference.

If you ever want to explore additional care tips or have any questions about other plants, we’re here to help. Consistent watering in the establishment phase and protecting young evergreens in harsh winter months are vital steps that often ensure long-term health. Thank you for being such a keen observer and contributing to our nature-loving community!

Cultivating beauty together,
Nature Hills – Expert Plant Advice

Great arborvitae

Dear IvanHound,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Emerald Green Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear that your plants have grown full and beautiful over the past five years. Your suggestion about using an anti-desiccant and ensuring adequate watering during the crucial first couple of years is an excellent tip — we’re sure it will be incredibly helpful for others, especially those dealing with challenges like winter burn.

If you’re interested, we often recommend mulching around the base to help maintain soil moisture and protect the roots in colder months. Additionally, gradual acclimation to sun and wind can also safeguard against browning. If you ever need more care resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thanks again for contributing such valuable advice to our Nature Hills community.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Love these trees

In winter when everything is brown and bare, these are a bright green especially when the sun hits them. I planted a few dozen of 4-5' trees last December and this summer they are growing so nicely with so much new green growth. I do water them a lot and give them buckets of rain water when it rains so they thrive in the heat. These hedges are beautiful, there's no mess of leaves and stay green all year. Excellent specimen for your yard.

Hi Ron,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Emerald Green Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear how vibrant and lush your hedges have remained throughout the seasons. It sounds like your thoughtful care—especially the regular watering with rainwater—is really helping them thrive, even in the summer heat. Your attention to detail truly highlights the resilience and beauty of these evergreens.

If ever you’re interested, Emerald Green Arborvitaes also benefit from light mulch around the base to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperature during warmer months—a handy tip that can further support your already impressive growth.

Thank you again for choosing Nature Hills and for your keen observations. May your yard continue to be an evergreen oasis that brings you joy year-round!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Love these trees

Hello Ron,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear how beautifully your Emerald Green Arborvitaes are thriving and adding vibrant color to your winter landscape. It’s great that you’re attentive to their watering needs, especially using rainwater—this really supports healthy growth during the hot months. These trees are indeed outstanding for evergreen appeal with minimal maintenance, and it sounds like your hedge will be a brilliant green sanctuary for years to come.

If you ever want to encourage even denser growth or keep them looking neat, occasionally pruning any overly long branches in early spring can help maintain their classic shape. Also, monitoring soil moisture to avoid overwatering ensures the roots stay healthy and robust.

Thanks again for sharing your experience; we love seeing these trees make a cheerful impact through all seasons!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Attractive

Emerald Green arborvitaes grow so nice and straight. They form a very neat row.

Hi Darci,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with our Emerald Green Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear that they’re growing straight and forming such a neat row — they really are a beautiful choice for anyone looking to create an elegant, uniform hedge. For best results, make sure your Arborvitaes have well-drained soil and receive consistent moisture as they establish themselves. Pruning gently each year can also help maintain that tidy appearance you love.

If you ever want tips on complementary plants or additional care advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your thriving garden every step of the way!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Attractive

Emerald Green arborvitaes grow so nice and straight. They form a very neat row.

Hello Darci,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Emerald Green Arborvitae! We're delighted to hear how beautifully they’re growing in such a neat, straight row – these trees are certainly known for their elegant form and ability to add both structure and beauty to any landscape.

If you're looking to keep them thriving, remember they appreciate full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will encourage healthy growth. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep roots cool. Should you ever want tips on pruning for an even tidier look or advice on protecting them during extreme weather, feel free to reach out!

Thanks again for taking the time to let us know how satisfied you are—we love being part of your gardening journey.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Impressed

Just received my 3 gallon emerald green arborvitaes. I usually don't take the time to do reviews but you guys are impressive. The trees were packed well, very full & lush & taller than what I expected. Thanks Nature Hills! I'll definitely be back.

Dear M.T.,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your emerald green arborvitaes arrived lush, full, and beautifully packed — we always aim to exceed expectations, and it’s wonderful to know we hit the mark for you. Your support means the world to us, and we’re so glad you choose Nature Hills as your go-to source for plants.

If you ever need tips on caring for your arborvitaes or want advice on planting—such as spacing, watering schedules, or best fertilizer options—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to ensure your trees thrive for years to come!

Looking forward to welcoming you back soon.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

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.

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Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'

Popular Emerald Green Arborvitae