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Choose a site with room for the mature tree
Green Giant is a hybrid of western redcedar and Japanese arborvitae, grown as an evergreen screen or landscape specimen. Plan for the eventual height and width before planting: extension sources give different estimates, reflecting that mature size varies by source and growing conditions.
| Source | Reported mature size | Reported growth |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Extension (year not stated on database page) | 45 feet tall by 12 feet wide | 2–3 feet per year |
| National Arboretum, as cited by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Extension (year not stated) | 60 feet tall by 15 feet wide | Not stated |
| University of Connecticut Extension (page date not stated in the search result) | 40–60 feet tall at maturity | 3–4 feet per year once established |
These are institutional estimates, not guaranteed dimensions or controlled-trial growth rates. Arkansas Extension’s older plant-of-the-week article also describes young plants making three or four feet of growth a year; that general observation is not a promise for every tree or site. See its Green Giant Arborvitae plant of the week.
Use the figures to understand the scale of the plant, not to predict exactly how fast a particular planting will fill in. If the planting area cannot accommodate a large tree, choose a plant suited to that space rather than relying on repeated pruning to contain Green Giant indefinitely.
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Give it sun and suitable soil
Light
Choose full sun for the densest growth. North Carolina State Extension says Green Giant does best in full sun, while Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that part shade can make western arborvitae less dense. Light afternoon shade is tolerated in North Carolina State Extension’s guidance, but a shadier site may not provide the screening density you want.
Soil and drainage
Green Giant tolerates a wide range of soils, but does best in moist conditions. Plant it where water can drain rather than in persistently waterlogged ground; Arkansas Extension specifically urges caution in very wet soils. A soil test can help guide preparation for a new planting, as recommended by UConn Extension. Penn State Extension’s discussion of slightly acidic through alkaline tolerance applies to arborvitae generally, not as a Green Giant-specific soil test result.
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- the thuja green giant is known as the premier. fast growing privacy tree for much of the united states
- This large privacy evergreen has dense, dark green foliage that smells like christmas trees when the leaves are broken
- The Thuja grows in a wide bottomed pyramidal shape, and can reach up to 60ft tall and 20ft wide at full maturity. This tree can be pruned to keep it at your desired size.
- The green giant thrives in zones 5-9, which mean you can grow this almost anywhere in the united states
- Once established, just watch them grow with little to no maintenance required
Plant and water it while it establishes
Set the tree in a location that meets its light and space needs, then water to maintain suitable moisture in the root zone as it establishes. The cited extension guidance does not establish a single watering volume or schedule that works across different soils, weather, and plant sizes. Check the soil and adjust to conditions rather than assuming that one fixed routine will fit every site.
Plan screening and spacing around your goal
There is no single spacing figure established by the cited sources for every Green Giant hedge. The right distance depends on the mature width you need to accommodate and whether your priority is faster visual closure or more room for each plant to develop. Penn State Extension advises considering the spacing needs of the chosen variety.
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For a screen, first decide how much room the row can occupy at maturity. Then choose spacing that fits the intended design and the plants’ expected spread. Avoid treating close spacing as a shortcut that removes the need to plan for mature width.
Prune only for a clear reason
Green Giant’s naturally dense, columnar-to-pyramidal form generally needs little or no pruning to look attractive. Virginia Cooperative Extension says western arborvitae tolerates pruning and that once-yearly pruning can help maintain a chosen size. That is a maintenance option, not a substitute for giving the tree enough space. The cited guidance does not establish that cutting into bare old wood is safe, so do not assume it will recover from severe cuts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Watch for regional pest and winter-color differences
Pest observations are local rather than universal. Arkansas Extension identifies bagworms as a concern for Green Giant in Arkansas, while North Carolina State Extension describes resistance to most insects and diseases. Resistance is not immunity, and the Arkansas observation should not be read as a forecast for every region.
Winter foliage color can also vary. Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that foliage may become yellow-brown under some conditions, so year-round, uniform green color is not guaranteed.
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- Achieve rapid privacy with the Thuja Green Giant, growing up to 3 feet per year and reaching a mature size of 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
- Ideal for various landscaping needs, this evergreen can serve as a single ornamental specimen, a dense screen, or a living frame for your garden.
- Deer-resistant and adaptable to USDA hardiness zones 5-9, this tree thrives in well-drained soil conditions and maintains its rich, dark green color year-round.
- Plant in the spring to allow roots to establish before winter, ensuring a strong start with regular watering and mulching during the first year.
Sources for growing guidance
- North Carolina State Extension: Thuja ‘Green Giant’ Plant Toolbox entry
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Extension: Green Giant Arborvitae plant database
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Giant Arborvitae, Western Arborvitae
- University of Connecticut Extension: Arborvitae factsheet
- Penn State Extension: The Mighty Arborvitae
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