Green Giant Arborvitaes
Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Growth Rate: 3 FT / Year
Mature Height: 40 – 60 FT
Mature Width: 12 – 20 FT
Growth Form: Hedge or Tree Form
Foliage Color: Rich Green
Soil Conditions: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils
Recommended Plant Spacing: 5 – 8 FT
About our Green Giant Arborvitaes
Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing, evergreen tree prized for its tall, uniform shape and lush green foliage. It’s one of the most popular choices for creating natural privacy screens and windbreaks thanks to its rapid growth, dense coverage, and year-round color.
This hardy tree thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and is tolerant of heat, humidity, and even drought once established. Whether planted as a hedge, property border, or standalone specimen, Green Giant Arborvitae delivers instant landscape impact with minimal maintenance.
With its classic conical shape and rich green color, it provides both beauty and function—offering a natural barrier from wind, noise, and unwanted views. Ideal for residential and commercial properties alike, it’s a dependable choice for anyone looking to add fast, lasting privacy to their outdoor space.
Green Giant Sizes & Prices
Choose the dimensions for your privacy screen based on your patience level and budget. Larger sizes offer immediate privacy but at a higher cost. Ultimately, all trees will achieve the desired outcome, so your willingness to wait is key.
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Watering Instructions
Understanding Watering Needs: Green Giant Arborvitae thrives with consistent moisture, especially during its first year of establishment. While it's known for being low-maintenance once mature, keeping a proper watering routine is essential to promote healthy growth and prevent stress. Avoid both underwatering and waterlogging.
Soil Type: Green Giant Arborvitae prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It tolerates a range of soil types, but heavy clay or compacted soil should be amended with compost or sand to improve drainage. Proper soil aeration helps prevent root diseases.
Watering Frequency:
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Newly planted trees (0–3 months): Water 2–3 times per week.
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Establishing phase (3–12 months): Water once or twice per week.
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After 1 year: Water during extended dry periods, especially in summer.
Check soil moisture 2–3 inches below the surface. If dry, it's time to water.
Seasonal Variations: Increase watering in hot, dry weather and reduce it during cooler months when the tree’s water demand is lower. Be extra cautious during heatwaves or droughts, when deeper watering may be necessary.
Watering Technique: Use a slow, deep watering method that allows water to soak into the root zone. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are ideal for delivering water evenly without runoff. Avoid frequent shallow watering, as it promotes weak surface roots.
Avoid Overwatering: Constantly wet soil or poor drainage can lead to root rot and fungal problems. Symptoms of overwatering include yellowing foliage, poor growth, and soft, mushy roots. Always ensure proper drainage and allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base of the tree, extending out to the drip line. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Rainwater or Tap Water: Green Giant Arborvitae is not sensitive to tap water, but rainwater is always a healthier option when available. Avoid using softened water with added salt, which can damage the roots over time.
Temperature Consideration: Water in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during hot weather. Avoid watering during extreme heat or when the ground is
frozen, as this can stress the plant or cause inefficient absorption.
Monitor for Signs of Stress: Watch for browning or yellowing needles, which can signal watering issues. Overwatered trees may show root rot or mold near the base, while underwatered trees will often have dry, brittle foliage and slowed growth. Adjust your routine based on the tree’s appearance and soil conditions.
Trimming Instructions
Timing: The best time to trim Green Giant Arborvitae is in late spring to early summer, after the first flush of new growth. Light shaping can also be done in late summer. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter, as the plant enters dormancy and may not recover as well from cuts.
Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears for precise cuts on small branches, and hedge trimmers for shaping larger areas. For thicker limbs, use loppers or a pruning saw. Disinfect tools before and after trimming to prevent disease, and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Identify Areas for Trimming: Walk around the tree and look for uneven growth, dead or damaged branches, or spots where the tree has grown beyond its desired shape. Also check for areas that are too dense or crowded, which can block airflow and light.
Remove Dead or Damaged Growth: Start by cutting away any dead, yellowing, or diseased branches. Make clean cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Removing this unhealthy growth encourages better air circulation and promotes vigorous new growth.
Shape and Control Size: Trim the sides of the tree to maintain its classic pyramidal shape—wider at the base and narrower at the top. This shape allows sunlight to reach all parts of the tree and helps prevent lower branches from thinning. Trim the top only if you need to control height, and make cuts sparingly to preserve the tree’s natural form.
Avoid Cutting into Old Wood: Like other arborvitaes, Green Giant does not regenerate from old wood. Avoid trimming back into brown, leafless areas—these won’t grow back. Always make cuts in sections with green foliage to ensure healthy regrowth.
Promote Density: To encourage a fuller, thicker hedge, lightly trim the new growth just beyond the tips. This encourages branching and results in a more compact, uniform appearance over time.
Avoid Over-Trimming: Do not remove more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage in a single session. Over-pruning can stress the arborvitae, leading to slow recovery and potential dieback.
Clean Up Debris: Rake and remove all clippings and branches from the base of the plant to prevent pests, fungus, and diseases. This also keeps the surrounding landscape neat and healthy.
Monitor Growth: Green Giant Arborvitae grows rapidly—up to 3 feet per year—so regular light pruning every 6–8 weeks during the growing season can help maintain the desired shape and size. Watch for browning or thinning areas and adjust trimming as needed.
With proper trimming, Green Giant Arborvitaes develop into lush, towering green walls that provide instant privacy, beauty, and structure in any landscape.