Using Arborvitae for Privacy Hedges
When homeowners plant a hedge, privacy is often the primary goal. Evergreen hedges make the best choice for this purpose since they retain their foliage all year long. Privacy hedges can range anywhere from four feet to forty feet in height, with arborvitae among the most commonly used selections. Arborvitae are dependable evergreens that offer dense screening, adaptability, and protection for birds, but like all evergreens they are best planted in spring. If planted too late, winter winds may dry out the foliage before the roots are established enough to take in adequate water.
When creating a hedge for privacy, staggered planting is the preferred method. If one tree dies, those around it will eventually fill in the gap. A straight line of arborvitae, by contrast, will always show a bare space if one tree fails. Staggering also creates a fuller, more natural look.
Growing Conditions and Care for Arborvitae
Arborvitae thrive under ideal conditions when planted in loamy, well-drained soils. They require regular watering during dry spells, protection from prevailing winds, and do not tolerate salt exposure. Wet or poorly draining soil can introduce root rot, making siting especially important.
To establish a successful hedge, water newly planted arborvitae weekly to ensure the equivalent of an inch of rainfall. This applies during dry summer weather as well as during winter droughts. Fertilizer should be applied in late winter but avoided in the fall, when new growth is vulnerable to cold damage. Mulch can be used sparingly—no more than one inch deep and never against the trunk. If pruning is necessary, light trimming should be done in spring after new growth emerges. Arborvitae will not regrow from older brown wood, so deep cuts into the interior should be avoided. Topping trees is also discouraged; instead, selecting the right variety for the desired mature height ensures a healthier planting. Monitoring for deer browsing and bagworm damage is essential, as both can reduce vigor.
Green Giant Arborvita
One of the tallest and most widely planted cultivars is Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Green Giant.’ This vigorous evergreen can grow 25 to 40 feet tall and spread 6 to 12 feet wide, adding two to three feet of new growth per year. For best results, trees should be planted on 10- to 12-foot centers, staked when young, and watered consistently. Green Giant casts considerable shade, which makes grass growth beneath it challenging, and prefers good air circulation. If planted too close to fences, it may develop a weak side. Despite its large size, it provides excellent shelter for songbirds.
Steeplechase Arborvitae
Another widely used selection is Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Steeplechase,’ which is slightly smaller than Green Giant but still fast growing. This dense, dark green arborvitae reaches 20 to 25 feet tall and about six feet wide, adding more than two feet of growth each year. Unlike Green Giant, Steeplechase does not require staking if planted while small. As with other arborvitae, it should be monitored for deer damage and bagworms.
Emerald Green Arborvita
Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’ is one of the most familiar privacy arborvitae for residential landscapes. More compact than Green Giant, Emerald Green grows 10 to 12 feet tall and four to five feet wide. It offers a more formal, upright appearance with dense, dark green foliage. A native species, it provides excellent nesting sites and shelter for songbirds. Planting in loamy soil, watering deeply once per week, and staking when necessary helps young trees establish quickly.
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’ offers another formal choice, with a tight pyramidal shape and very dense, dark green foliage. This selection grows 25 to 30 feet tall but only four feet wide, making it narrower than Green Giant. American Pillar can be planted as close as four feet apart for a solid hedge. Like other arborvitae, it should be protected from deer browsing and checked regularly for bagworms.
Degroot’s Spire Arborvita
In colder climates, Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’ is an excellent option, as it thrives in zones 2 through 7. This slower-growing cultivar reaches 15 to 22 feet tall and four to five feet wide. Its twisted, medium-green foliage gives it a distinctive texture compared to other varieties. While it performs best in full sun, in Zone 7 it benefits from some afternoon shade. As with all arborvitae, Degroot’s Spire prefers well-drained soil, regular watering during drought, and protection from deer and bagworms.
Other Arborvitae Selections
Beyond these popular choices, there are several other arborvitae cultivars worth considering, including Thuja ‘Techny,’ Thuja ‘Nigra,’ Thuja ‘North Pole,’ and the straight species Thuja occidentalis. Each variety has its own mature size and growth habit, so choosing the right one for the site is key to long-term success.
Planting Arborvitae for Privacy Success
When establishing an arborvitae hedge, site selection and care make all the difference. Avoid planting near sidewalks or roadways where salt is used, as arborvitae are not salt tolerant. Always choose well-drained, loamy soils, and avoid heavy mulching that can suffocate roots. By selecting the right variety for the available space, planting at the proper time of year, and providing consistent care, arborvitae can create a healthy, dense hedge that provides lasting privacy and valuable shelter for backyard wildlife.
