Description
Description
If you’re looking to create privacy quickly—and beautifully—Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the best choices out there. This is a fast-growing evergreen that forms a tall, dense, living wall of rich green foliage. It’s incredibly popular for a reason: it gives you that full, lush screen much faster than most evergreens, while still maintaining a clean, refined look year-round.
Size & Presence
Green Giant lives up to its name. It typically grows 30–40 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide,forming a broad, pyramidal shape. The branches are full from top to bottom, often all the way to the ground, so you get complete coverage without gaps. It’s a strong visual presence—ideal when you want to block a view or define a space.
Light & Placement
For the fullest, densest growth, plant in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may cause it to thin out overtime. It’s perfect along property lines, behind patios, or anywhere you want privacy, wind protection, or a natural backdrop.
Soil & Water
Green Giant Arborvitae prefers moist, well-drained soil and does especially well in rich, loamy conditions. That said, it’s very adaptable—it can handle a range of soil types, including both slightly acidic and alkaline soils, and even some occasional wetness.
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it’s relatively low-maintenance but performs best with consistent moisture.
Seasonal Interest
- Spring: Small,subtle flowers appear and develop into small cones
- Summer: Dense, feathery green foliage creates a soft, full look
- Fall & Winter: Holds its rich green color better than many arborvitae, avoiding the bronzing you sometimes see in colder months
Landscape Uses
This is one of the most effective plants for creating structure and privacy in the landscape:
- Privacy screens and living fences
- Ever green hedges
- Windbreaks for exposed properties
- Property borders
- Large-scale plantings or stand alone specimen trees
If your goal is to block out neighbors, reduce noise, or create a secluded outdoor space, this is one of the most reliable solutions.
Care & Maintenance
Green Giant Arborvitae is easy to grow and requires minimal upkeep:
- Water regularly while establishing
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
- Prun elightly if shaping is desired,though it naturally maintains its form
- Space properly when planting a hedge to allow for mature growth
- Monitor occasionally for pests like bagworms or spider mites
With proper planting and spacing, it quickly becomes a dense,healthy,low-maintenance screen.
Source: Botanical characteristics adapted from the University of Connecticut Plant Database (UConn Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture)