Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja x 'Green Giant'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Green Giant Arborvitae - #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
Click Here to learn more
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Green Giant Arborvitae highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
-
Brand
-
Botanical Name
-
Growing Zones
-
Mature Height
-
Mature Spread
-
Sun ExposureFull Sun
-
Moisture
-
Soil
-
Growth RateFast
-
Pruning Time
-
Bloom PeriodLate Spring
Growing Zones 5-8
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.".
