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Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') — mature, plantedBestseller

Evergreen & Privacy

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

A compact, no-shear privacy column that stays vibrant emerald all winter.

$19

Ships in 1-2 weeks.

Height: 1-2 ft.

Quantity

1

FREE shipping on orders over $99.

  • 1-Year Guarantee — free replacement
  • Free shipping over $99
  • Ships in 1-2 weeks
  • Delivered ready to plant

1-2 ft.

$19

Privacy ScreenEvergreenLow MaintenanceCold Hardy

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Why you'll love it

Built to anchor your landscape

A steady, moderate grower that fills in handsomely over a few seasons.

Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
12 ft. - 14 ft. tall · 3 ft. - 4 ft. wide
Hardy in
USDA zones 3–8
  • Privacy Screen
  • Evergreen
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cold Hardy

How to space Emerald Green Arborvitae

For a solid, fast-filling privacy screen, plant in a straight row about 2 ft. - 3 ft. apart (center to center). For an even denser wall, stagger a second row behind the first.

2 ft. - 3 ft.2 ft. - 3 ft.2 ft. - 3 ft.2 ft. - 3 ft.

The Arbor Buddy difference

Why buy from us

Grown to thrive. Established, well-rooted plants shipped at the right size — not bare twigs.

Matched to your zone. Set your USDA zone and we show you exactly what will flourish where you live.

Backed for a year. Every tree is covered by our 1-Year Thrive Guarantee.

About this tree

Emerald Green Arborvitae forms a tidy, narrow pyramid 12-14 ft. tall and just 3-4 ft. wide, perfect for tight spaces. It holds its rich emerald color through winter without the bronzing common to other evergreens, and is hardy across USDA zones 3-8. With a moderate, predictable growth rate it needs little to no pruning to keep its naturally elegant shape. Plant 2-3 ft. apart for a slender living privacy fence along driveways, patios, and property lines.

USDA hardiness zones 3–8

Set your zone in the header to see if this tree thrives where you live.

Plant details

Mature height
12 ft. - 14 ft.
Mature width
3 ft. - 4 ft.
Growth rate
Moderate
USDA zones
3-8
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water needs
Moderate
Soil
Adaptable, Well Drained
Spacing
2 ft. - 3 ft.

Full planting & care

Planting+

Choose a spot with full sun or partial sun and adaptable, well drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground, backfill, and water in well. Space about 2 ft. - 3 ft. from other plants.

Watering+

Water deeply about once a week while it establishes, then ease off as roots take hold.

Fertilizing+

Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. A second light feeding in early summer supports vigorous growth. Avoid fertilizing late in the season.

Pruning+

Prune lightly in late winter to shape; for a formal hedge, trim the sides and top once or twice through the growing season to keep it dense.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should I plant them for a hedge?+

Space Emerald Greens 2-3 ft. apart center-to-center for a solid, narrow privacy wall.

How wide do they get?+

They stay slim at just 3-4 ft. wide, which is why they're ideal for tight spots and narrow side yards.

Do they turn brown in winter?+

No - unlike many arborvitae, the 'Smaragd' variety holds its bright emerald color all winter long.

What zones are they hardy in?+

They thrive across USDA zones 3 through 8.

Shipping

Orders $99+
FREE shipping
Orders under $99
$20 flat
Lead time
Ships in 1–2 weeks via ground carrier

Compare similar trees

Emerald Green ArborvitaeThis treeLiberty HollyMondell PinePond CypressLittle Gem Southern Magnolia
Mature height12 ft. - 14 ft.10 ft. - 15 ft.30 ft. - 60 ft.40 ft. - 60 ft.15 ft. - 25 ft.
Mature width3 ft. - 4 ft.8 ft. - 12 ft.15 ft. - 25 ft.15 ft. - 25 ft.10 ft. - 15 ft.
Growth rateModerateModerateModerateModerateModerate
SunlightFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun, Partial SunFull SunFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun, Partial Sun
USDA zones3–85–97–105–97–9

Your dream yard, without the hassle

Skip the trip

Big, landscape-grade trees delivered straight to your door — no hauling.

Huge selection

Shade, flowering, evergreen, fruit and more — matched to your USDA zone.

Nursery quality

Established, well-rooted plants grown to thrive, not just to ship.

Backed by us

Every tree carries our 1-Year Thrive Guarantee.