When choosing between Thuja Green Giant vs Emerald Green Arborvitae for privacy landscaping, the difference in growth potential is striking. Thuja Green Giants can reach towering heights of 25 to 40 feet, while Emerald Green Arborvitae typically maxes out at just 10 to 15 feet.
Furthermore, the growth rate between these two popular privacy trees is equally dramatic. The Green Giant can surge upward at an impressive rate of 3 to 5 feet per year under optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing evergreen conifers available. In contrast, Emerald Green Arborvitae grows at a more modest pace of about 6 to 9 inches annually. Both varieties, however, offer excellent resistance to pests and diseases, giving you peace of mind regardless of which you choose.
If you're trying to decide between Green Giant vs Emerald Green arborvitae for your landscape, the right choice depends largely on your specific needs and space constraints. For smaller yards, the Emerald Green vs Green Giant comparison tends to favor the more compact Emerald Green. Meanwhile, if rapid privacy is your priority, the Thuja Green Giant vs Emerald Green debate swings decidedly toward the faster-growing option.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about these popular privacy trees to help you make the best choice for your particular situation and landscape goals.
Which Grows Faster and Taller for Privacy?
The growth differences between these two popular privacy trees are substantial, making this a critical factor when planning your landscape.
Growth Rate: 3-5 ft/year vs 6-12 in/year
Speed is where Thuja Green Giant truly earns its name. Under optimal conditions, Green Giants surge upward at an impressive 3 to 5 feet annually once established. In comparison, Emerald Green Arborvitae exhibits a more modest growth rate of approximately 6 to 12 inches per year. This dramatic difference means Green Giants can create privacy barriers much faster.
Mature Height: 35-40 ft vs 10-15 ft
Size distinction between these varieties is equally significant. Thuja Green Giant ultimately reaches towering heights of 35 to 40 feet with a substantial spread of 12 to 15 feet. Some sources indicate they can grow even taller—up to 50 or 60 feet in perfect conditions.
Conversely, Emerald Green Arborvitae maintains a more manageable mature height of 10 to 15 feet with a narrower spread of only 3 to 4 feet. This compact nature makes Emerald Green ideal for smaller properties or situations requiring more controlled growth.
Time to Full Coverage: 5 Years vs 12+ Years
The timeline to achieve full privacy differs dramatically between these varieties. Green Giants typically take about 3 years to become fully established in your landscape. Following this establishment period, they grow rapidly, creating substantial privacy within 5 years of planting.
For Emerald Greens, patience becomes necessary. Given their slower growth rate, these arborvitaes require approximately 12 to 18 years to reach their full height of 10 to 15 feet. This extended timeline should factor significantly into your planning process.
Notably, spacing requirements also differ. Green Giants need more room to accommodate their broader spread, generally requiring 4-5 feet between plants for a hedge. Emerald Greens can be planted closer together at 3-4 feet apart, but you'll need 8-9 plants to cover the same distance that 4-5 Green Giants would span.
How Well Do They Handle Your Climate?
Climate adaptability represents a crucial factor when deciding between these two privacy trees, as each variety thrives under different environmental conditions.
Cold Hardiness: Zone 3 vs Zone 5 Minimum
Emerald Green Arborvitae demonstrates exceptional cold tolerance, surviving in USDA hardiness zones as low as zone 3, where temperatures can plummet to -40 degrees. This impressive resilience makes it the superior choice for northern landscapes with harsh winters.
In contrast, Thuja Green Giant shows less cold hardiness, rated for USDA zones 5 through 9, withstanding temperatures only down to -20 degrees. Nevertheless, it still performs admirably in most northern regions, just not in the coldest climates where Emerald Green excels.
For homeowners in frigid areas (zones 3-4), the choice becomes clear—Emerald Green maintains its vibrant appearance even through brutal winter conditions. Those in moderate climates have flexibility to choose either variety.
Heat and Drought Tolerance: Green Giant Advantage
Despite its lesser cold tolerance, Thuja Green Giant outperforms in hot conditions. It flourishes in dry, southern areas where other evergreens struggle. Particularly in humid regions, Green Giants resist fungal diseases better than their Emerald counterparts.
Both varieties demonstrate impressive drought resistance once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering except during extreme conditions. Yet for southern gardens or areas prone to extended dry periods, Green Giant holds a distinct advantage.
Snow and Ice Damage: Multi-Leader vs Single Leader
The structural difference between these trees becomes especially relevant during winter storms. Emerald Green Arborvitae grows with multiple leaders (stems) that often splay open under heavy snow loads—much like a "blooming onion" appetizer. This characteristic makes them susceptible to permanent damage during significant snowfall events.
Thuja Green Giant, with its strong central leader growing habit, stands up to snow, ice, and wind more effectively. Its compact root structure, centrally located around the trunk, provides additional stability during storms.
For either variety, preventive measures like wrapping trees with burlap or strapping before winter can minimize damage. Remember to remove these wraps in spring to prevent girdling the branches.
Which Tree Is Easier to Maintain Long-Term?
Maintenance considerations often sway the final decision when comparing Thuja Green Giant vs Emerald Green Arborvitae for privacy landscaping.
Pruning Frequency: Green Giant Needs More
Due to its rapid growth rate, Thuja Green Giant typically requires more frequent pruning to maintain desired height and shape. Though naturally elegant in form, its vigorous growth means you'll need to trim it back more often than its compact counterpart. Conversely, Emerald Green's slower growth and naturally compact size translate to less frequent maintenance sessions.
Deer Resistance: Green Giant Wins
In areas with deer populations, Green Giant holds a clear advantage. While no evergreen is completely deer-proof, Green Giants are substantially more resistant to browsing than Emerald Green varieties. Side-by-side comparisons show deer frequently damage Emerald Green while leaving Green Giant largely untouched.
Soil and Sunlight Needs: Both Are Adaptable
Both varieties demonstrate impressive adaptability regarding growing conditions. Neither is particularly picky about soil type, thriving in everything from sandy to clay-based soils. Additionally, both prefer full sun locations but tolerate partial shade, though Green Giants grow more quickly with maximum sunlight.
Watering and Fertilizer: Low Maintenance for Both
Once established, both trees require minimal care. Initially, they need watering every other day for the first couple weeks, then once or twice weekly for several months. Subsequently, both varieties become drought-tolerant. Neither requires regular fertilization—though an optional spring application of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can boost growth if desired.
Which Is Better for Your Yard Type and Goals?
Selecting the right privacy tree depends primarily on your yard constraints and landscaping objectives. When comparing Thuja Green Giant vs Emerald Green Arborvitae, each excels in specific situations.
Small Yards and Tight Spaces: Emerald Green
Emerald Green Arborvitae is the ideal choice for compact areas. With a mature height of only 10-15 feet and narrow spread of 3-4 feet, these trees fit perfectly in limited spaces. Their slender profile makes them excellent foundation plants and suitable for container growing. For property borders or driveways where space is restricted, Emerald Green's controlled size prevents overcrowding.
Fast Privacy for Large Areas: Green Giant
For expansive properties requiring quick coverage, Green Giant Arborvitae stands unmatched. Reaching impressive heights of 40-60 feet with spreads of 12-20 feet, these giants create substantial privacy screens rapidly. Plant them approximately 5-6 feet apart for optimal coverage. As you browse our selection of privacy trees, consider that Green Giants fill large spaces efficiently, making them cost-effective for extensive boundaries.
Windbreaks and Noise Barriers: Green Giant
Green Giant excels as a protective barrier against environmental elements. Their dense foliage effectively blocks wind, absorbs sound, and reduces dust. With strong central leaders and flexible branches, they withstand heavy snow and ice without splaying. Multiple rows of Green Giants can substantially reduce traffic noise, creating peaceful outdoor living spaces protected from both elements and unwanted sound.
Formal Hedges and Borders: Emerald Green
For manicured landscapes requiring precision, Emerald Green provides a classic appearance. Their naturally compact form and consistent growth pattern create elegant formal hedges with minimal maintenance. When planted approximately 2 feet apart, they form dense, uniform borders. Their vibrant green color persists through winter, ensuring year-round visual appeal.
Conclusion
Both Thuja Green Giant and Emerald Green Arborvitae offer excellent privacy solutions, albeit with distinct advantages that make each suitable for specific situations. After examining their growth patterns, climate adaptability, maintenance needs, and yard compatibility, clear recommendations emerge for different homeowners.
Green Giants undoubtedly win the race for rapid privacy, growing 3-5 feet annually compared to Emerald Green's modest 6-12 inches per year. Therefore, anyone seeking quick results should consider Green Giants their top choice. Additionally, their impressive final height of 35-40 feet makes them ideal for screening large properties or creating substantial windbreaks.
Conversely, Emerald Green Arborvitae proves superior for smaller yards where controlled growth matters more than speed. Their compact 10-15 foot mature height prevents the overwhelming presence that Giant Thujas might create in limited spaces. Emerald Greens also demonstrate remarkable cold hardiness down to zone 3, making them the better option for northern gardens with harsh winters.
Climate considerations significantly influence which variety will thrive in your location. While Emerald Greens handle extreme cold better, Green Giants show greater resilience in heat, drought, and resistance to deer browsing. Both trees adapt well to various soil conditions and require minimal care once established, though Green Giants demand more frequent pruning due to their vigorous growth.
Long-term planning must factor into your decision as well. Green Giants achieve privacy within approximately 5 years, whereas Emerald Greens might take 12-18 years to reach full maturity. This time difference matters significantly when developing landscape timelines.
Ultimately, your specific yard constraints and privacy goals should guide your choice between these two excellent evergreens. Small spaces, formal landscapes, and northern climates favor Emerald Green Arborvitae. Large properties, quick privacy needs, and southern gardens benefit from Thuja Green Giants. Whichever you choose, both offer beautiful, long-lasting solutions that enhance property value and create peaceful outdoor sanctuaries for years to come.
FAQs
Q1. Which arborvitae grows faster for privacy screening? Thuja Green Giant grows significantly faster, at 3-5 feet per year once established, compared to Emerald Green Arborvitae's 6-12 inches annually. This makes Green Giant the better choice for quick privacy.
Q2. How tall do these arborvitae varieties grow? Thuja Green Giant reaches impressive heights of 35-40 feet at maturity, while Emerald Green Arborvitae tops out at a more modest 10-15 feet. The height difference is substantial and should be considered based on your space and privacy needs.
Q3. Which variety is more cold-hardy? Emerald Green Arborvitae demonstrates superior cold hardiness, thriving in zones as low as 3 where temperatures can drop to -40°F. Thuja Green Giant is hardy to zone 5, withstanding temperatures down to -20°F.
Q4. Are these trees resistant to deer damage? Thuja Green Giant shows better resistance to deer browsing compared to Emerald Green Arborvitae. While no evergreen is completely deer-proof, Green Giants are less likely to suffer damage in areas with deer populations.
Q5. Which arborvitae is better for small yards or tight spaces? Emerald Green Arborvitae is ideal for compact areas due to its narrower spread (3-4 feet) and more manageable height. It's excellent for small yards, foundation plantings, and tight spaces where a slender profile is needed.