The Arborvitae (Thuja) is native to North America and East Asia that is characterized by its dense foliage and beautiful greenery that remains throughout the year. Arborvitaes can vary in size and shape, ranging from small shrubs to medium-sized trees. The name “arborvitae” translates from Latin to “tree of life,”.
Arborvitaes are popular for decorating or creating privacy on residential properties, commercial businesses, and parks/outdoor spaces. Here we are going to discuss the two most popular species of arborvitaes that can be used in landscaping for their ornamental purposes, privacy screens, or even help your home/building acting as windbreakers.
1. Emerald Green (Also known as an Evergreen Arborvitae)
The Emerald Green Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis, stands out as a beloved choice among arborvitaes. Renowned for its dense emerald-green foliage, this compact evergreen shrub grows upright, making it perfect for privacy screens, hedges, or as a focal point in smaller landscapes and narrow spaces.
It’s no surprise that this variety is one of our top picks for customers. Its vibrant green hue and robust growth make it a favorite. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, adding to its appeal. However, it’s important to note that the Emerald Green Arborvitae are not deer-resistant. If deer are a concern in your area, you might want to consider the Green Giant Arborvitae instead, as it boasts deer resistance.
Key Features of the Emerald Green Arborvitae:
- Narrow width reaching to the height of 10-15 feet tall with a width of 3-4 feet at maturity
- Maintains shape without extensive pruning (great for low maintenance customers!)
- Prefers full sunlight and a well draining soil but can tolerate partial shade. At least 6 hours of sunlight is needed.
- Not deer resistant (unless fencing or a net is placed around the area the arborvitaes are planted in)
- Regular watering is needed in the 6+ weeks of planting but once establish minimal watering is required and is tolerant to droughts
- Adds a lighter green vertical accent in a smaller landscape and is a preferred plant for creating a privacy screen, wind break, or a hedge.
2. Green Giant
The Green Giant Arborvitae, also referred to as Thuja standishii x plicata, is a hybrid of the Japanese arborvitae and the Western Red Cedar. This impressive species can reach heights of 30-60 feet at maturity, with a spread of 12-18 feet wide. Its dense branching structure makes it an excellent choice for two-story homeowners seeking privacy screens or windbreaks.
One of its most impressive features is its rapid growth rate, earning it the name “Green Giant.” In optimal conditions, this shrub can grow up to 1-3 feet or more per year. Additionally, it carries a higher resistance to deer, diseases, insects, and periodic droughts.
While the fast growth rate is an advantage, it can also pose challenges. In regions like Michigan with harsh winters and heavy snowfall, the tall shrub may be susceptible to being weighed down by snow, potentially causing it to bend or even fall. Furthermore, maintaining its shape through pruning, trimming, or shaping may require attention 2-3 times a year, depending on desired aesthetics.
Key Features of the Green Giant Arborvitae:
- Impressive height growth, reaching 30-60 feet tall and 12-18 feet wide – Has a greater resistance from deer (compared to the Emerald Green Arborvitae)
- Prefers full sun when planting, at least 6-8 hours of sunlight is recommended daily.
- Regular watering is needed in the 6+ weeks of planting but once establish minimal watering is required and is tolerant to droughts
- Might need to be trimmed more often compared to the Emerald Green Arborvitae due to rapid growth rate
- Adds a darker green colonial shape to landscapes When is the best time of year to plant arborvitaes?
The best time to plant arborvitaes is in early Spring or early Fall. These times of the year are perfect weather conditions for the roots to become well established before stronger weather conditions, i.e. burning hot or freezing cold temperatures set in.
Early Spring:
After there is no longer a worry of freezing temperatures becomes the perfect time to plant new arborvitaes, this allows for the root system to grow and mature before the onset of winter weather. With the moderate temperature and consistent rain fall during the spring time, this improves the moisture levels in the soil that helps with growth.
Early Fall:
When the temperature starts to cool around the middle of September and the soil is still warm is another great time to plant arborvitaes. The arborvitae will experience less stress when the temperatures are cooling down and it will help the roots and overall plant grow without the worry of quick dehydration that could happen during the summer time.
By planting arborvitaes around these times of the year, you will give them the best opportunity to grow and thrive for years to come.
Conclusion:
Emerald Green and Green Giant Arborvitaes can improve the aesthetics of your landscape and can bring a vibrant foliage to your property. These arborvitaes provide more than just ornamental values; they serve practical benefits such as natural barriers, giving a shield your property from unwanted views, noise, and wind. Additionally, their evergreen foliage ensures a constant splash of greenery throughout the year, even during the dreary winter months.
If you’re interested in learning more information about planting arborvitaes, contact us today! At Metro Detroit Tree, we can help you pick out the right arborvitaes for your space and plant them for you; plus we can give you additional tips to help your freshly planted arborvitae grow and flourish.
