Arborvitae are famous for being fast growers, but not all varieties hit the gas pedal at the same speed. When it comes to the ‘Emerald Green’ (Thuja Smaragd), we’re looking at a medium-paced grower. Even if it’s not the fastest kid on the block, its elegant shape and vibrant color make it a real standout in any yard.
How Big Does an ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae Get?
Folks love the ‘Emerald Green’ primarily for its beautiful, narrow pyramidal shape. While it isn’t quite as dense as some other varieties and requires a little more TLC, its stats are still pretty impressive:
- Height growth: about 4 inches per year
- Width growth: up to 2 inches per year
- Max height: up to 15 feet
- Max width: up to 5 feet
Pro tip: As soon as you trim the main leader (the top vertical branch), the plant stops focusing on height and starts filling out horizontally. Hold off on snipping that top until your tree has reached the height you’re dreaming of!
Can You Speed Up the Growth of an ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae?
A healthy tree starts with how you plant it. To give your ‘Emerald Green’ the best start, loosen up the soil nice and deep. If your dirt is heavy, mix in some gravel to help with drainage. You can also boost the soil quality by mixing in some mature compost or well-aged manure with a handful of horn shavings. If your soil is super acidic, a little lime can help balance out the pH.
Once your arborvitae is settled in its new home, regular maintenance is key. Keep in mind that a hedge usually needs a bit more attention than a single, free-standing tree. Here are the main factors that influence growth:
- Consistently moist soil
- Avoiding “wet feet” (standing water)
- An annual trim
- Moderate fertilizing
What Should You Keep in Mind When Caring for Your ‘Emerald Green’?
These trees are a bit like Goldilocks—they don’t like it too dry, but they hate sitting in puddles. During summer heatwaves, make sure you’re watering them well. It’s actually better to give them one deep soak a week rather than a light sprinkle every day. When it comes to fertilizing, stick with organic options to avoid the risk of over-fertilizing and burning the roots.
When it’s time to prune, wait for a cloudy but dry day to prevent stress on the branches. If your ‘Emerald Green’ isn’t happy with its care, it’ll let you know by developing brown spots on the tips. Keep an eye out for those signals!
