Plant Spotlight: Green Giant Arborvitae
The Best Evergreen Hedge Plant
This is my favorite evergreen hedge plant. I have planted over 50 of them around our property for privacy screening, as a windbreak, and for a gorgeous green backdrop. Used as a hedge, they can be left untrimmed to grow into a tall, natural looking wall of green but they also do well when clipped and sheared or topped. In my experience, Emerald Green Arborvitae (another commonly used arborvitae) should be left alone to grow without shearing or topping. They just don't do well and can look shabby or sickly. Not the case with the Green Giants. They also make a good specimen tree when planted out in the landscape on their own.
I saw a row of established Green Giants lining the back fence of a yard that had been allowed to grow without shearing. IT WAS AWESOME. The neighborhood was about 20-25 years old and these Green Giants looked at least 40 feet tall and had grown into a dense hedge. Talk about privacy!
Green Giant Arborvitae Characteristics
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-7
Size: 60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide at maturity
Growth Rate: Fast, as much as 3 feet per year in ideal conditions
Habit (Form/Shape): Conical or tightly pyramidal
Light: Best in full sun
Soil: Adaptable, from sandy loams to heavy clays
Pests/Diseases: No serious pests or diseases
Weedy Pete
Sources
My backyard
