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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For most homeowners planting arborvitae for privacy, the right spacing is 3 to 4 feet on center for Emerald Green, 6 to 8 feet on center for Green Giant, and 5 to 8 feet on center for medium-width varieties such as Techny or Nigra. Measure on center, which means trunk to trunk, not from the branch tips at the nursery.
The mistake we see on job sites is treating every arborvitae like the same tree. Emerald Green is a narrow, slower, formal screen plant. Green Giant is a much larger, faster tree that can overwhelm a small side yard if it is planted on Emerald Green spacing. Planting too close can look good for the first few years, then turn into browning, thin lower growth, disease pressure, snow damage, and a hedge that is hard to prune from either side.
A good arborvitae layout balances three things: how fast you want privacy, how wide the mature tree gets, and how much access you need for fences, utilities, drainage, and maintenance. The spacing chart below is the starting point we would use before adjusting for the actual site.
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Arborvitae Spacing Chart by Variety
| Arborvitae type | Common use | Recommended spacing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Green | Tight privacy hedge | 3 to 4 ft on center | Best for narrow yards. Common mature width is about 3 to 4 ft, with height often around 8 to 15+ ft. |
| Emerald Green | Healthier, easier-maintained screen | 4 to 5 ft on center | Slower to close, but better airflow and less competition. |
| Green Giant | Fast privacy hedge | 6 to 8 ft on center | Large, fast-growing tree. Do not use narrow hedge spacing. |
| Green Giant | Wide screen or specimen row | 10 to 12+ ft on center | Better where long-term size, access, and lower maintenance matter. |
| Techny or Nigra | Medium privacy screen | 5 to 8 ft on center | Adjust based on mature width, snow load, and desired density. |
| Large arborvitae specimens | Individual trees or loose screening | 8 to 12+ ft on center | Use wider spacing where trees need full shape and air movement. |
A practical rule is to space hedge plants about two-thirds to one mature width apart, depending on how fast the screen needs to close. Going closer than half the mature width usually buys short-term coverage at the expense of long-term plant health.
How to Choose the Right Spacing for Your Yard
Start by deciding whether you want a formal hedge, a natural privacy row, or individual trees. A formal hedge needs closer spacing and regular pruning. A natural privacy row needs more room but usually ages better. Individual specimens need enough space to keep their full shape without crowding a house, fence, driveway, or neighbor’s property.
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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
On our construction and site-planning work, we mark the mature canopy footprint before ordering plants. For a 4-foot-wide Emerald Green, that means laying out a 4-foot circle or oval around each center point. For a Green Giant, the mature footprint can be much larger, so the layout has to account for mowing, drainage swales, fence repairs, gate access, and snow storage.
If the hedge is along a fence, leave a practical setback. For Emerald Green, a 2 to 3 foot setback from the fence is a realistic minimum. For Green Giant, 4 to 6 feet or more is often more appropriate. That distance gives the tree room to fill out and still leaves access for pruning, irrigation repairs, staining or replacing fence panels, and clearing debris.
Emerald Green arborvitae Spacing
Emerald Green is the variety most homeowners picture when they want a clean, narrow evergreen privacy screen. It commonly matures around 8 to 15 feet or more tall and about 3 to 4 feet wide, though actual size depends on climate, soil, water, and pruning.
For a tight privacy hedge, plant Emerald Green arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart on center. Three feet closes faster but creates more competition as the trees mature. Four feet is the better default for most yards because it still forms a solid screen while giving the plants more breathing room.
If you have patience and want a healthier hedge, use 4 to 5 feet on center. That spacing is especially useful where the hedge will be exposed to winter wind, road salt, reflected driveway heat, or partial shade. In shaded sites, tight spacing does not fix the real issue. Arborvitae need enough light to keep dense foliage. Six or more hours of sun generally produces a fuller screen.
Green Giant arborvitae Spacing
Green Giant is a different class of plant. It grows faster and larger than Emerald Green and is usually chosen when the homeowner wants a tall privacy row, wind buffer, or large property screen.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFor a Green Giant privacy hedge, use 6 to 8 feet on center. Six feet gives faster closure. Eight feet is usually the better long-term spacing where there is room. For a wide, lower-maintenance screen or a specimen row, use 10 to 12 feet or more.
The biggest Green Giant mistake is planting them 3 or 4 feet apart because that number appeared in a general arborvitae guide. That spacing may look dense quickly, but the trees eventually fight for light, water, and canopy space. You also lose the ability to work around the row. If the site cannot handle Green Giant spacing, choose a narrower cultivar instead of forcing a large tree into a small strip.
Single Row vs. Staggered Double Row
If you need faster privacy but do not want to crowd a single row, use a staggered double row. This is one of the best layouts for a new privacy screen because it gives more visual coverage without forcing every trunk into a tight line.
Rank #2
- These are ready to plant and should be put in the ground according to the included instructions upon arrival. All pictures are of fully grown plants. Sizes shipped are in the title and description. Deciduous plants do not have leaves in the winter.
- California orders will be packaged according to their state regulations.
- Thrives in zones 3 through 8 with full to part sun.
- Sized shipped is 1 to 2 feet tall in gallon pots and double boxed for safe transport.
- Do not transplant into another container, only the ground. We ensure a successful transplant for 30 days if the included planting instructions are followed with the correct location and water. Deciduous plants bought dormant during the winter are expected to leaf out in the spring under the same conditions.
For a double row, place the two rows 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on the cultivar and available space. Then offset the trees diagonally, so each tree sits between two trees in the opposite row. This creates a denser screen from the viewer’s angle while giving each plant more root and canopy room.
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For Emerald Green, a compact double row can work in wider side yards, but you still need maintenance access. For Green Giant, only use a double row where the property has enough depth. Two rows of large trees can quickly become too much plant material for a residential edge.
How Many Arborvitae Trees Do You Need?
To estimate plant count, divide the total hedge length by your spacing, then add one tree if you need both ends filled. For straight privacy rows, we usually round up only after checking gates, corners, utility boxes, downspout outlets, and sight lines.
| Hedge length | Emerald Green at 4 ft spacing | Green Giant at 7 ft spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | About 13 trees | About 8 trees |
| 75 ft | About 20 trees | About 11 trees |
| 100 ft | About 26 trees | About 15 trees |
That plant count difference matters. A 100-foot Emerald Green hedge at 4-foot spacing needs about 26 trees. A Green Giant row at 7-foot spacing needs about 15 trees. Before labor, delivery, mulch, irrigation, or deer protection, the spacing decision can change the tree count by more than 40%.
What Arborvitae Spacing Costs in 2026
In 2026, small arborvitae plants can be inexpensive, but a full privacy row adds up quickly. Small online or seedling plants may cost about $8 to $30 per tree. Common retail container plants are often around $45 to $150 per tree. Larger 6 to 8 foot nursery specimens can cost several hundred dollars each depending on variety, region, delivery, and access.
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Professional planting costs vary widely. National sources commonly put basic tree planting around a few hundred dollars per tree, with broad ranges because planting a small container tree is not the same job as setting a large balled-and-burlapped specimen. For planning purposes, many homeowners should budget $150 to $400 each for installed 4 to 6 foot arborvitae in many markets. Instant-screen 8 to 10 foot trees can run roughly $300 to $900+ each, especially where equipment, warranty, difficult access, irrigation, or deer protection is included.
For a 100-foot privacy hedge, the installed budget can change fast. Twenty-six smaller Emerald Green trees at a DIY cost of $50 each is a very different project from fifteen large Green Giants installed by a crew with delivery, mulch, and watering setup. The cheapest tree on the invoice is not always the cheapest hedge if replacements are likely.
Site Planning Before You Dig
Call 811 before digging. Do not skip it because the holes seem shallow. Utility depth is not guaranteed, and grading changes over time. A privacy hedge often runs along property edges where electric, gas, communications, irrigation, drainage, and lighting lines are common.
Also check HOA rules, local sight-triangle restrictions near driveways and corners, easements, fence setbacks, and drainage paths. A hedge planted in the wrong place can block visibility, trap water against hardscape, interfere with snow storage, or make fence maintenance impossible.
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- Shipped as a potted plant in its soil & Container
- Fast Growing 3 ft per year
- Very hardy Zones 5 - 9 Evergreen
- Space 6' - 7' apart for a quick screen
- Mature Height to 40 Feet Tall 15 Feet wide
We also look for reflected heat from pavement, winter wind corridors, road salt exposure, deer pressure, and roof runoff. Arborvitae browning is often blamed on disease, but the real cause is commonly water stress, winter burn, transplant shock, salt, shade, or root problems.
Planting Details That Affect Spacing Success
Spacing will not save a poorly planted tree. Dig the planting hole about twice as wide as the root ball and only deep enough that the root flare or top of the root ball sits at or slightly above finished grade. Planting too deep is one of the most common causes of decline.
Correct circling container roots before planting. Remove tight twine, synthetic burlap, and restrictive material. If the tree has a wire basket, follow local nursery or arborist guidance, but do not leave material that will restrict the trunk or root system near the surface. Backfill with native soil unless the site has a specific soil problem that needs correction. A rich isolated pocket in heavy clay can hold water like a bowl.
Mulch the row, but keep mulch off the trunks. A 2 to 3 inch mulch layer helps moderate soil temperature and moisture. Mulch piled against the trunk creates a wet collar that encourages rot and pests.
Watering, Pruning, and First-Year Survival
Newly planted arborvitae need consistent moisture, especially through the first growing season. The goal is moist root-zone soil, not soggy soil and not shallow daily sprinkling. Deep watering less often is better after establishment than a quick daily splash that only wets the mulch.
Drought stress can show up as browning weeks after the missed watering window, so do not assume a brown tree failed overnight. Check soil moisture several inches down, especially during hot, windy weather.
When pruning a hedge, keep the top slightly narrower than the base. That shape lets light reach the lower foliage so the bottom stays dense. Do not cut back into old bare wood and expect arborvitae to refill like a leafy shrub. Once the interior is shaded out, recovery is limited.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to DIY vs. When to Hire a Pro
DIY makes sense for a short row of small, healthy container plants where access is easy and the soil drains well. A homeowner can often plant 1 to 3 foot arborvitae with basic tools, mulch, a hose or drip line, and a careful layout. Smaller plants also establish quickly and may catch up to oversized stressed trees over several seasons.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHire a pro when the trees are large, the row is long, the soil is compacted, drainage is questionable, access is tight, or the hedge affects grading, fencing, hardscape, utilities, or property lines. A crew can also help with layout, delivery, machine access, soil correction, irrigation, staking where needed, and warranty terms.
Rank #4
- Made for Arborvitae Trees – Formulated to support healthy growth in arborvitae and evergreen hedges.
- Supports Dense Foliage & Root Strength – Helps encourage vibrant green growth and strong root systems.
- Balanced Nutrition for Evergreen Care – Provides nutrients suited for steady hedge and tree development.
- Ideal for Hedges & Landscape Plantings – Suitable for privacy hedges, borders, and yard plantings.
- Made in USA
Deer protection is another reason to plan carefully. In deer-heavy areas, budget for protection before planting. Waiting until after the first winter browse can permanently ruin the lower screen, especially on Thuja occidentalis types such as Emerald Green. Green Giant is often promoted as more deer resistant, but no arborvitae should be treated as deer proof.
Common Arborvitae Spacing Mistakes
The most common mistake is using one spacing rule for every arborvitae. Emerald Green and Green Giant are not interchangeable. The second mistake is planting for instant privacy without considering what the row will be in year five, year ten, and beyond.
Other frequent problems include measuring from branch edges instead of trunk centers, planting directly against a fence, burying the root flare, ignoring utility locates, skipping watering after installation, and assuming a hedge will fill thickly in shade. Planting too far apart can also disappoint homeowners who expect a solid screen in one or two seasons. If you need faster coverage, choose the right cultivar, use a staggered double row where space allows, or buy slightly larger plants rather than cramming the row.
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The Bottom Line
For a narrow residential privacy hedge, plant Emerald Green arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart on center, with 4 feet being the stronger default. For Green Giant, use 6 to 8 feet for a privacy row and 10 to 12 feet or more for a wider, lower-maintenance screen. Medium varieties such as Techny or Nigra often land in the 5 to 8 foot range.
Before buying trees, mark the centers, mark the mature widths, call 811, and check fences, drainage, utilities, deer pressure, sunlight, and access. A good arborvitae hedge is not just a row of trees. It is a site plan that still works after the plants reach full size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should I plant Emerald Green arborvitae for a privacy hedge?
Plant Emerald Green arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart on center for a tight privacy hedge. Four feet is usually the better long-term spacing because it gives the trees more airflow and root space.
How far apart should I plant Green Giant arborvitae?
Plant Green Giant arborvitae 6 to 8 feet apart on center for a privacy screen. Use 10 to 12 feet or more if you want a wider, more natural row with less pruning and crowding.
How far from a fence should arborvitae be planted?
For Emerald Green, leave at least 2 to 3 feet from the fence. For Green Giant, 4 to 6 feet or more is usually more realistic. The setback should allow mature width plus access for pruning and fence repairs.
Can I plant arborvitae 2 feet apart for faster privacy?
Two-foot spacing is usually too tight for most arborvitae privacy hedges. It may close quickly, but it increases competition, browning, airflow problems, and pruning difficulty as the trees mature.
Should arborvitae be planted in a single row or staggered double row?
A single row works for most residential hedges. A staggered double row is better when you want faster visual screening without overcrowding each tree, but it requires more yard depth.
Do I need to call 811 before planting arborvitae trees?
Yes. Call 811 before digging arborvitae planting holes. Utility depth is not reliable, and privacy hedges are often placed near property edges where buried lines are common.
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