How To Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae For Privacy
To create an effective privacy screen, plant your Emerald Green Arborvitae 2 to 3 feet apart (center-to-center) in a sunny location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensure the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, and water deeply to establish healthy roots.
Do you feel like your backyard is on display for every neighbor and passerby? Finding the perfect balance between an open landscape and a private sanctuary is a common challenge for homeowners.
Learning how to plant emerald green arborvitae for privacy is the most reliable way to create a lush, living fence. These hardy evergreens offer dense, emerald-colored foliage that stays vibrant year-round, turning your yard into a secluded retreat.
In this guide, we will walk through the professional steps to ensure your new plantings thrive for decades. From soil preparation to long-term maintenance, you will have everything you need to succeed.
Understanding the Emerald Green Arborvitae
The Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, commonly known as the Emerald Green Arborvitae, is a favorite among landscapers for its narrow, pyramidal shape. Unlike other varieties that grow wide and unruly, this cultivar maintains a tight, vertical form.
It typically reaches 12 to 15 feet in height while staying about 3 to 4 feet wide. This makes it an ideal candidate for tight side yards or lining a property boundary where space is at a premium.
Before you dig, ensure your climate is suitable. These trees perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, preferring cool summers and consistent moisture.
How to plant emerald green arborvitae for privacy correctly
Successful planting begins with site selection and proper spacing. If you crowd them too closely, you risk air circulation issues, which can lead to fungal problems like needle blight.
If you plant them too far apart, you will wait years for the branches to touch and form a solid wall. For a dense privacy screen, aim for 24 to 36 inches between the centers of each tree.
Step-by-Step Planting Process:
- Mark your line with a garden hose or string to ensure a straight or gracefully curved border.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the container.
- Gently remove the tree from the pot and loosen any circling roots with your fingers.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare—where the trunk meets the roots—is slightly above the soil surface.
- Backfill with native soil, firming it gently with your foot to remove large air pockets.
Soil Health and Preparation
Arborvitae are not particularly fussy, but they do demand well-draining soil. If you have heavy clay, the roots may suffocate or succumb to root rot during wet seasons.
I recommend amending your native soil with a bit of organic compost to improve drainage and structure. Avoid adding high-nitrogen fertilizers at the time of planting, as this can burn young, sensitive roots.
If your soil pH is extremely alkaline, consider adding a light layer of sulfur or peat moss to lower it slightly. A pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is the sweet spot for this species.
Watering and Mulching for Long-Term Success
Newly planted trees require consistent moisture to establish their root systems. For the first season, check the soil moisture twice weekly by pushing your finger two inches into the dirt.
If it feels dry, provide a deep soak. Rather than light daily sprinkling, apply water slowly at the base to encourage deep root growth.
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded hardwood or pine bark, around the base of the trees. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent decay and pest damage.
Seasonal Troubleshooting and Maintenance
One of the most common issues homeowners face is winter burn. This happens when the foliage loses moisture to cold, drying winds while the ground is still frozen.
You can protect your trees by applying an anti-desiccant spray in late fall. This creates a waxy barrier that helps the needles retain moisture throughout the winter months.
Keep an eye out for pests like bagworms or spider mites during the summer. If you notice small, silk-like webs or cone-shaped nests hanging from the branches, treat the tree early with an appropriate insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Safety and Professional Tool Handling
When installing a long row of arborvitae, you will likely be doing a fair amount of digging and lifting. Protect your back by using an ergonomic spade with a long handle and always lift with your legs.
If you are using power equipment like an auger to dig multiple holes, wear safety goggles and heavy-duty gloves. Always check for underground utility lines by calling your local service before you break ground.
If you are pruning your trees for shape, ensure your shears are sharp and clean. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol between trees to prevent the spread of potential pathogens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?
They typically grow about 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions. Patience is key, but the payoff is a low-maintenance, permanent privacy barrier.
Do I need to prune my privacy screen?
Generally, no. Their natural growth habit is very uniform. You only need to remove dead or damaged branches in early spring to keep the trees healthy.
Can I plant them in full shade?
While they tolerate partial shade, they will become thin and leggy without at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Full sun is best for a dense, thick screen.
How do I know if I have overwatered?
Yellowing needles that eventually turn brown are often a sign of waterlogged soil. If your trees are sitting in standing water, improve your drainage or elevate the planting site.
Final Thoughts on Your Privacy Screen
Planting Emerald Green Arborvitae is an investment in your home’s tranquility. By following these guidelines on site preparation, proper spacing, and consistent early care, you are setting yourself up for a beautiful, long-lasting landscape feature.
Remember that gardening is a process, not a race. Give your trees the space they need, monitor their water intake during the first year, and enjoy the process of watching your private green wall take shape.
Whether you are blocking out a busy road or simply creating a cozy corner for your patio, these trees are the gold standard for residential privacy. Grab your shovel, pick your spot, and start planting today.
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