How Far Apart Do You Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae

Creating a lush, vibrant privacy screen or an elegant border with ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae is a rewarding project for any homeowner or gardener. These popular evergreens are renowned for their upright, compact growth and rich green foliage, offering year-round beauty and practical screening.

However, the success of your arborvitae hedge hinges significantly on one crucial decision: how far apart do you plant emerald green arborvitae. Incorrect spacing can lead to an open, gappy screen, or conversely, overcrowded plants that struggle for resources and airflow, inviting disease.

As your Garden Aider specialist, I’m here to guide you through the precise spacing, planting techniques, and ongoing care needed to establish a thriving ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae display. Let’s dig in and ensure your green investment flourishes.

Understanding ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae Growth Habits

Before we talk spacing, it’s vital to understand what makes ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae unique. This cultivar of Thuja occidentalis, also known as American arborvitae, is distinct from its larger cousins like ‘Green Giant’.

Its growth is columnar and relatively narrow, typically reaching 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. The foliage is a brilliant emerald green, holding its color well even through winter.

This natural form makes it an ideal candidate for hedges and screens, as it requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Knowing these dimensions helps us calculate optimal planting distances.

What Makes ‘Emerald Green’ an Ideal Hedge Plant?

• Compact Form: Its naturally narrow, upright habit means it doesn’t sprawl, making it perfect for tighter spaces.
• Dense Foliage: The closely packed branches provide excellent visual screening from the ground up.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires less care than many other hedging plants.
• Year-Round Appeal: An evergreen, it provides privacy and color even in the coldest months.

The Golden Rule: How Far Apart Do You Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae?

The primary goal for most people planting ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae is to create a solid, continuous privacy screen. To achieve this, you need to allow enough space for individual plants to thrive while ensuring they grow together without gaps.

The recommended spacing for a dense privacy hedge is 2.5 to 3 feet apart, measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next. This distance allows the plants to touch and interlock as they mature, forming a seamless green wall.

If you’re aiming for a slightly less formal look or want the individual plants to retain more of their distinct form, you can increase the spacing to 4 to 5 feet apart. However, this will result in visible gaps between plants for longer.

Why Spacing Matters for Your Arborvitae Hedge

Proper spacing isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for the long-term health and vigor of your plants. Here’s why:

• Air Circulation: Adequate space ensures good airflow between plants, reducing humidity and the risk of fungal diseases like root rot or blight.
• Resource Competition: Overcrowding leads to competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This can stunt growth, weaken plants, and make them more susceptible to pests.
• Root Development: Roots need space to spread and anchor the plant. Too close, and they can become girdled or outcompete each other.
• Disease Prevention: Healthy, well-spaced plants are more resilient. Stress from overcrowding makes them vulnerable.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide for ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae

Once you’ve decided on your spacing, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Proper planting technique is just as important as correct spacing.

1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae prefers full sun to partial shade.

Perform a soil test to understand your soil’s composition and pH. These plants thrive in well-drained, moist soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage.

For sandy soils, compost will help retain moisture and nutrients. Dig a trench or individual holes at the chosen spacing, ensuring they are twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.

2. Digging and Placement

Carefully remove the arborvitae from its nursery container. If the roots are circling tightly, gently loosen them with your fingers or a small hand trowel.

Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. This prevents water from pooling around the trunk, which can lead to rot.

For a uniform hedge, use a string line to ensure all plants are perfectly straight and at the same depth. This helps create that crisp, formal look.

3. Backfilling and Watering

Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil too much, as roots need oxygen.

Water thoroughly immediately after planting. This settles the soil around the roots and helps eliminate any remaining air pockets. Continue to water deeply and regularly, especially during the first year of establishment.

A general rule of thumb: aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.

4. Mulching for Success

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, around the base of your newly planted arborvitae. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.

Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It’s an invaluable tool for healthy plant establishment.

Ongoing Care for Thriving ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae

Once planted, ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance, but consistent care ensures their robust growth and vibrant appearance.

Watering Schedule

The first year is critical for establishing a strong root system. Water deeply 2-3 times a week, especially during dry spells. In subsequent years, established plants are more drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods.

Always check the soil moisture about 4-6 inches deep before watering. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilization

Generally, ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae don’t require heavy fertilization. In spring, you can apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 14-14-14) formulated for evergreens.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can burn roots and lead to excessive, weak growth.

Pruning and Shaping

‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae naturally maintains a neat, pyramidal shape, so heavy pruning is rarely needed. Light shearing can be done in late spring or early summer to maintain a formal hedge or remove any errant branches.

Avoid pruning into the old, woody growth, as arborvitae typically doesn’t regenerate from bare wood. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches promptly with clean, sharp bypass pruners.

Always sanitize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent disease spread.

Winter Protection

In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-5), ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae can be susceptible to winter burn or damage from heavy snow and ice. Consider wrapping young plants in burlap or tying branches together with twine to prevent splaying.

Ensure plants are well-watered going into winter, as frozen ground can prevent moisture uptake, leading to desiccation.

Common Pests and Diseases: A Pro’s Perspective

Even with optimal spacing and care, ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae can occasionally face challenges. Being vigilant can help you address issues quickly.

Bagworms

These caterpillar pests create distinctive, cone-shaped bags made of silk and plant debris. They defoliate plants rapidly. Hand-picking bags in fall/winter or using targeted insecticides in spring when larvae hatch are effective controls.

Spider Mites

Tiny, almost invisible pests that cause stippling (tiny yellow dots) on foliage, leading to a bronze appearance. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap.

Arborvitae Leafminer

Larvae tunnel inside the foliage, causing tips to turn brown and die back. Prune affected branches and ensure good plant health to resist infestations.

Root Rot

Caused by overly wet soil and poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing foliage, stunted growth, and eventual plant death. Prevention is key: ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.

Remember, a healthy, properly spaced plant is always more resistant to pests and diseases. Providing the right environment from the start reduces long-term problems.

Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Your Plants

Gardening is a joyful activity, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with plants and tools.

• Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns, soil, and potential irritants.
• Eye Protection: Essential when pruning or working with power tools to shield your eyes from debris.
• Sturdy Footwear: Prevents slips and protects your feet from sharp objects or falling tools.
• Sun Protection: Wear a hat, long sleeves, and sunscreen, especially during extended outdoor work.
• Tool Safety: Keep all tools clean, sharp, and in good working order. Use them as intended and store them securely.

If using any pesticides or herbicides, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously. This includes wearing recommended PPE and understanding safe application techniques and disposal.

When to Adjust Your Spacing Strategy

While 2.5 to 3 feet is the general recommendation for how far apart do you plant emerald green arborvitae for a hedge, there are scenarios where you might adjust.

For Individual Specimens or Foundation Plantings

If you’re planting ‘Emerald Green’ as a standalone specimen or as part of a mixed foundation planting, you’ll want to give it more room to develop its natural form. Space them 4-5 feet apart, or even more, to prevent them from crowding other plants.

For a Very Quick Screen

In situations where you need an extremely rapid, dense screen, some gardeners opt to plant as close as 2 feet apart. Be aware that this can lead to faster overcrowding and increased competition for resources down the line. It will require more diligent monitoring for signs of stress or disease.

This aggressive spacing is generally not recommended for long-term plant health, but it is an option for temporary or extremely urgent screening needs.

Considering Mature Width

Always think about the plant’s mature width (typically 3-4 feet). When planting for a hedge, the goal is for their mature widths to just touch or slightly overlap. If you plant 2.5 feet apart, their centers are 2.5 feet away. If each plant gets 1.5-2 feet wide, they will meet perfectly.

This careful consideration of mature size versus planting distance is key to a successful, long-lasting screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Green Arborvitae

Q1: How fast do ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae grow?

‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae typically grows at a moderate rate, about 6-9 inches per year. While not as fast as ‘Green Giant’, its consistent growth will form a dense screen within 3-5 years with proper care.

Q2: Can I plant ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae in containers?

Yes, ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae can be grown in large containers, especially when young. Ensure the container has excellent drainage and is large enough to accommodate root growth for several years. They will likely need more frequent watering and eventual transplanting to the ground or a larger pot.

Q3: What kind of soil do ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae prefer?

They prefer well-drained, moist loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0-8.0). Avoid consistently wet or waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Amending with compost improves both drainage in clay and water retention in sandy soils.

Q4: Do ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae need to be pruned?

Minimal pruning is needed for ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae due to their naturally neat, columnar shape. Light shearing can be done in late spring or early summer to maintain a desired height or width, but avoid cutting into old wood.

Q5: My ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae are turning brown. What’s wrong?

Browning can be caused by several factors: insufficient watering (especially during establishment or dry spells), overwatering leading to root rot, winter burn, pest infestations (like spider mites or bagworms), or disease. Assess your watering habits, check for pests, and ensure good drainage to diagnose the issue.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Perfect Arborvitae Hedge

Planting ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae is an investment in your landscape, offering beauty, privacy, and year-round interest. By understanding how far apart do you plant emerald green arborvitae and committing to proper planting and care, you set the stage for a thriving, lush hedge.

Remember, precision in spacing, thoughtful soil preparation, consistent watering, and a watchful eye for potential issues are your keys to success. With these expert tips from Garden Aider, you’re well-equipped to create a stunning green screen that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come.

Happy planting, and enjoy the beauty your ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae will bring!

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Taylor Galla

Founder and Author at Gardenaider

Taylor Galla is an American website author, product spokesman, mechanical engineer, automotive enthusiast, and automotive modifier.

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