When choosing between Italian Cypress vs Emerald Green Arborvitae for your privacy screen, the growth rate differences can be truly remarkable. While researching options for my own yard, I discovered that some varieties like the Leyland Cypress can grow an astonishing 3-5 feet annually, quickly creating a lush green barrier in just a few growing seasons. Similarly impressive, the Green Giant Arborvitae can reach heights of 50-60 feet at maturity while growing 3-5 feet yearly.
However, not all varieties offer the same benefits. For instance, the Emerald Green Arborvitae grows at a more moderate 1-2 feet per year, while the Italian Cypress creates a distinctly different aesthetic. When considering the best arborvitae for privacy, you'll need to weigh factors beyond just growth rate. The Italian Cypress privacy wall offers a different visual appeal compared to the dense foliage of options like the Green Giant. Additionally, the choice between Emerald Green arborvitae vs Italian cypress often comes down to your specific climate conditions and available space. In this guide, we'll compare these popular privacy trees across several key factors to help you make the best choice for your home's landscape.
Which Grows Faster and Taller?
The speed at which your privacy screen develops makes a significant difference in property enjoyment. Let's examine how these two popular evergreens measure up in growth characteristics.
Annual Growth Rate: 3 ft vs 1 ft
Italian Cypress trees display impressive vertical growth, typically adding 1-2 feet in height annually. Some gardeners report even faster development, with certain specimens gaining up to 3 feet per year in ideal conditions. This rapid upward growth creates a distinctive columnar shape that quickly becomes a landscape focal point.
On the other hand, arborvitae growth rates vary dramatically by variety. The popular Emerald Green Arborvitae grows at a modest pace of approximately 1 foot or less annually. In stark contrast, the Green Giant Arborvitae surges upward at an astonishing rate of 3-5 feet per year, making it one of the fastest-growing privacy options available.
Mature Height: 60 ft vs 15 ft
The height difference between these evergreens is substantial. Italian Cypress trees reach impressive mature heights of 40-60 feet, yet remain remarkably slender with widths of merely 4-5 feet. This creates an elegant, vertical accent that doesn't consume significant horizontal space.
Conversely, the Emerald Green Arborvitae tops out at approximately 15 feet, making it more suitable for modest privacy needs. For those requiring taller screens, the Green Giant Arborvitae can reach 50-60 feet at maturity, rivaling the Italian Cypress in height but with a broader spread.
Time to Full Privacy Coverage
Given these growth patterns, the timeframe to achieve complete privacy varies considerably. With Italian Cypress planted 3 feet apart, you'll establish a tall, narrow screen that provides moderate privacy within 2-3 years, though gaps may remain between trees.
For the fastest coverage, Green Giant Arborvitae outperforms all competitors. At 3-5 feet of annual growth, this variety creates a substantial privacy wall in just 2-3 growing seasons. The slower-growing Emerald Green Arborvitae requires patience, taking 5-7 years to form a dense 8-10 foot screen.
Overall, your choice between Italian Cypress vs arborvitae should factor in not just growth rate but also your desired privacy timeline and available space.
Design and Landscaping Fit
Beyond growth characteristics, the visual impact and practical application of your privacy screen truly defines your landscape. Both Italian Cypress and Emerald Green Arborvitae offer distinctive aesthetics that serve different design needs.
Italian Cypress for Narrow Spaces
The slender, columnar silhouette of Italian Cypress makes it perfect for tight spaces where vertical presence is desired. With a mature width of merely 3-5 feet, these Mediterranean masterpieces can be planted as close as 3 feet apart. Their dramatic height creates formal elegance that transforms ordinary entrances into grand statements.
Italian Cypress excels in specific landscape applications:
- Framing driveways and entrances with sophisticated symmetry
- Creating vertical accents in formal garden designs
- Lining property boundaries without consuming valuable yard space
Their distinctive blue-green foliage and tight columnar form deliver that coveted Mediterranean atmosphere, reminiscent of Tuscan landscapes. Furthermore, their architectural quality makes them ideal for emphasizing key focal points throughout your property.
Emerald Green Arborvitae for Dense Green Screens
Whereas Italian Cypress offers dramatic height, Arborvitae varieties primarily excel at creating dense, uniform privacy screens. Notably, the Emerald Green Arborvitae develops into a tight living wall, reaching 12-14 feet tall while maintaining a narrow 3-4 foot width.
For those seeking a substantial green barrier, Arborvitae presents exceptional qualities:
- Dense foliage creates a solid visual barrier
- Multiple varieties accommodate different space requirements
- Tolerates pruning for maintaining precise shapes and heights
The Emerald Green variety specifically works beautifully in groups and privacy screens yet stands confidently as a specimen planting.
Emerald Green Arborvitae vs Italian Cypress in Suburban Yards
In typical suburban settings, your choice essentially boils down to aesthetic preference and practical considerations. Italian Cypress delivers striking vertical drama and Mediterranean elegance, especially valuable for formal landscape designs. In contrast, Emerald Green Arborvitae creates a more traditional, dense privacy hedge that many homeowners find appealing.
Space constraints often dictate the final decision. With a mature height of 40-60 feet yet minimal width, Italian Cypress suits narrow side yards perfectly. Alternatively, Emerald Green Arborvitae's modest 12-14 foot height works better beneath utility lines or where height restrictions exist.
As you browse our selection of privacy trees, consider both the immediate impact and long-term vision for your landscape. Each option brings distinct characteristics that can dramatically transform your outdoor living experience.
Climate Suitability and Zone Adaptability
Climate considerations often determine success when selecting privacy trees. Italian Cypress vs Emerald Green Arborvitae present distinctly different adaptability profiles that directly impact their performance in your specific location.
Hardiness Zones: 3-8 vs 7-11
The climate tolerance gap between these privacy options is substantial. Arborvitae thrives across a broad range of USDA zones 3-8, making it adaptable to most northern and central regions. Italian Cypress, in contrast, requires warmer conditions, performing best in zones 7-11, where Mediterranean-like conditions prevail.
Performance in Cold vs Warm Regions
Italian Cypress demonstrates remarkable heat tolerance, withstanding temperatures up to 125°F for brief periods. Yet it requires protection when temperatures drop below 10°F. Emerald Green Arborvitae vs Italian Cypress presents a clear choice for cold-climate gardeners - Arborvitae remains the superior option for regions with harsh winters.
Humidity and Soil Preferences
Soil conditions further distinguish these privacy contenders. Italian Cypress demands excellent drainage and performs poorly in waterlogged conditions. Consider these soil preferences:
- Italian Cypress: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5) soil
- Emerald Green Arborvitae: Adapts to various soil types including clay, loam and sand
Regarding humidity, Italian Cypress tolerates hot humidity better than cold, wet air. For a successful Italian cypress privacy wall, prioritize locations with good air circulation and minimal winter moisture.
Cost, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value
Long-term investment considerations make the financial aspects of privacy screens equally important as their aesthetic qualities. Let's examine how Italian Cypress vs Emerald Green Arborvitae compare in economic terms.
Initial Cost and Availability
When purchasing privacy screening, price differences remain modest between these options. Italian Cypress typically costs slightly more per specimen due to slower production cycles and specialized growing requirements. Nevertheless, since you'll need fewer Italian Cypress trees for the same linear coverage (planting 3 feet apart), the total project cost often balances out.
Availability varies by region, with Arborvitae more readily accessible in northern nurseries, consequently making Italian Cypress occasionally challenging to source in colder climates.
Trimming and Disease Resistance
Maintenance requirements differ significantly between these evergreens. Italian Cypress demands minimal upkeep once established. It typically needs no pruning beyond removing occasional dead branches, though light shearing can maintain its formal shape. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance and deer resistance.
In contrast, Arborvitae varieties like Emerald Green require moderate maintenance, including periodic pruning to maintain desired shape. Both trees face potential disease challenges, with Italian Cypress susceptible to cypress canker from the fungus Seiridium cardinal, plus occasional issues with bagworms and mites.
Lifespan and Replacement Frequency
Regarding longevity, Italian Cypress demonstrates remarkable persistence, living 50-150 years in typical landscape settings. Indeed, in its native Mediterranean environment, specimens have survived beyond 1,000 years.
Arborvitae generally offers shorter lifespans, yet still provides decades of privacy screening without replacement. Given this substantial lifespan difference, Italian Cypress presents superior long-term value despite its slightly higher initial investment.
Conclusion
After comparing Italian Cypress and Emerald Green Arborvitae extensively, the choice between these privacy screen contenders ultimately depends on your specific needs and growing conditions. Italian Cypress offers dramatic vertical impact with minimal width, making it perfect for tight spaces where Mediterranean elegance is desired. Conversely, Arborvitae varieties provide denser foliage and better cold-climate performance, particularly for homeowners in northern regions.
Growth rate differences certainly matter when planning your landscape timeline. The Green Giant Arborvitae stands out with its remarkable 3-5 feet yearly growth, while Italian Cypress develops more gradually at 1-3 feet annually. Therefore, your patience level and immediate privacy needs should factor into this decision.
Climate compatibility remains perhaps the most critical consideration. Though Italian Cypress brings undeniable aesthetic appeal, its limited cold hardiness restricts its use in zones below 7. Meanwhile, Arborvitae thrives across a much broader climate range, adapting well to various soil conditions throughout most of North America.
Long-term value deserves equal attention when investing in your landscape. Italian Cypress offers exceptional longevity, potentially serving your property for generations with minimal maintenance. However, Arborvitae typically requires less specialized care while still providing decades of reliable screening.
Before making your final decision, I recommend you browse our selection of privacy trees to compare specific varieties side by side. Additionally, consulting with local nursery experts about performance in your specific microclimate will help ensure success. Whichever evergreen option you select, both Italian Cypress and Emerald Green Arborvitae can transform ordinary boundaries into stunning landscape features that enhance property value and outdoor enjoyment for years to come.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main differences between Italian Cypress and Arborvitae for privacy screens? Italian Cypress grows taller (40-60 feet) and faster (1-3 feet per year) with a narrow columnar shape, ideal for Mediterranean-style landscapes. Arborvitae varieties like Emerald Green are shorter (12-15 feet), grow slower, and create denser foliage, better suited for traditional privacy hedges.
Q2. Which tree is more suitable for colder climates? Arborvitae is more cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 3-8. Italian Cypress prefers warmer climates and performs best in zones 7-11, making it less suitable for regions with harsh winters.
Q3. How do maintenance requirements compare between Italian Cypress and Arborvitae? Italian Cypress requires minimal maintenance once established, needing little pruning beyond removing dead branches. Arborvitae varieties like Emerald Green need more regular pruning to maintain shape. Both trees can face disease challenges, but Italian Cypress is generally more drought-tolerant.
Q4. Which tree provides faster privacy coverage? The Green Giant Arborvitae variety offers the fastest coverage, growing 3-5 feet annually and creating a substantial privacy wall in 2-3 growing seasons. Italian Cypress grows more slowly but still provides moderate privacy within 2-3 years when planted close together.
Q5. How do Italian Cypress and Arborvitae compare in terms of longevity? Italian Cypress demonstrates exceptional longevity, typically living 50-150 years in landscape settings, with some specimens surviving over 1,000 years in their native environment. Arborvitae generally has a shorter lifespan but still provides decades of privacy screening without replacement.