Arborvitae is a go-to choice for many gardeners because it fills in so quickly to create a lush, private screen. But keep in mind, not all varieties are created equal! The ‘Emerald Green’ (Thuja Smaragd) has a more moderate growth rate, though there are definitely a few tricks to help it along.
How fast does an ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae actually grow?
Even though the ‘Emerald Green’ grows a bit slower and isn’t quite as massive as some other Thuja varieties, it’s a total fan favorite for hedging. Why? It’s all about that elegant, narrow shape and those gorgeous, deep green needles. On average, you’re looking at about 4 inches of vertical growth per year. However, if you give it the perfect environment, you can definitely see that growth rate jump up to about 8 inches annually.
Can you speed up the growth of an ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae?
If you want your tree to reach its full potential, it needs to be “happy.” While you can’t force it to grow three feet overnight, you can certainly maximize its pace by optimizing its environment. Here are the big factors that help pick up the speed:
Location is everything
Arborvitae are not fans of the deep shade—they’ll grow painfully slow there. To see real progress, plant them in full sun or at least partial shade. You’ll also want to prep the soil so it’s well-draining and nutrient-rich. I always recommend using natural fertilizers, like a good quality compost, to get them off to a great start.
Better care equals faster growth
A well-maintained tree is a fast-growing tree. When your ‘Emerald Green’ gets exactly what it needs, it doesn’t just grow taller; it becomes much more resistant to pests and diseases. Keep these tips in mind:
Don’t skip the spacing!
It’s tempting to plant them right on top of each other for an instant wall, but a crowded hedge is an unhealthy one. When roots are too close, they end up fighting over water and nutrients. This stress often leads to those dreaded brown patches or, in the worst cases, the tree dying off completely. For a healthy ‘Emerald Green’ hedge, make sure to space your plants at least 24 to 32 inches apart.
