If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree that works wonders as a hedge or privacy screen, consider the Green Giant Arborvitae. Thuja Green Giant is one of the best landscape specimens around as it boasts an evergreen characteristic, is highly resistant to pests and diseases, and can be pruned to any shape or height.
When planting the vigorous tree species in a row or close to each other, you should know proper Green Giant Arborvitae spacing. Let’s take a look at how far apart green giant arborvitae should be planted, and other worthwhile details to ensure a healthy hedge for years to come.
How Much Space Do You Need Between Green Giant Arborvitaes?
The consensus of Thuja Green Giant spacing is somewhere between 3 to 10 feet, depending on how big the current saplings are and how tall you want them to grow.
Some would say that you should plant green giants 5 to 6 feet apart from each other to achieve a quick and easy privacy screen for your home. However, this entails regular pruning so the branches won’t invade each other’s space and cause tree health issues.
For those who don’t like the idea of trimming now and then, it’s recommended that you space the arborvitae at 8 feet or so.
A lone Green Giant Arborvitae can reach heights of up to 50 feet and a spread of 12 feet. The tree has a narrow and upright growth habit, which means it’s the perfect natural hedge for homes and landscapes that need a privacy screen. Green Giant trees can also be trained to have a manageable height of 12 feet and a width of 4 feet.
Keep in mind that when planting several arborvitaes, you should measure the space between the center of the trees and not the edge. Group them closer together for a thicker screen, and if you wish to have your Green Giant grow in the conical form then it’s best to observe a 10-foot spacing.
How to Plant Green Giant Arborvitae
The Green Giant Arborvitae can pretty much grow anywhere in the US, although it usually thrives in zones 5 to 8.
The tree species is highly popular because it grows fast (up to 4 or 5 feet per year), has a dense habit, and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Thuja Green Giant is drought and heat tolerant, and it can grow in dense or compacted soil that has lots of clay.
But it doesn’t stop there. Green Giant is highly durable and can withstand strong winds, and shakes off diseases that would normally affect other tree types. As far as the planting site is concerned green giant arborvitae can live in full shade but it’s more vigorous when placed in a full sun location.
Step 1. Choose the Planting Site
Green Giant Arborvitae grow best in a spot that gets full sunlight. Any area that provides 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight should be fine. The tree can also grow in part shade to full shade but it won’t be as hale and hearty.
Once you’ve chosen the planting site it’s time to bring out the digging equipment and hose. At this point, you can prepare to amend the soil with organic matter, fertilizer, or sand to make it rich and well-draining.
Step 2. Dig the Holes and Plant
As mentioned earlier, the correct spacing for Green Giant Arborvitae trees is somewhere around 3 to 10 feet. You can plant your trees 5 to 6 feet apart if you intend to grow a natural hedge, or 8 to 10 feet if you want your trees to have a conical shape.
Take the arborvitaes out of their containers and take note of the size of the root ball. Then, dig a hole that’s three times the root ball’s width to encourage root formation. Prepare a mix of some garden or potting soil and the native soil, then add some organic fertilizer to give the trees a head start, nutrition-wise.
Gently place each tree in the middle of its respective hole and begin backfilling with the soil mix you’ve prepared. Afterward, add about 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the tree and water them.
Step 3. Wait and Observe
Allow a few days to pass after planting your green giant arborvitaes. You can inspect each tree to see if they’ve acclimated well and are growing. If new branches and buds are appearing then you’ll have done your work well.
How to Prune and Maintain Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae trees are low maintenance and thrive even in neglect. However, there are some steps you can take to ensure your Thuja green giant landscape remains green and attractive.
Those who wish to keep their arborvitae at a manageable height can prune their trees every year. Green giants can have a spread of 12 feet, and if you plant them 3 to 7 feet from each other then you’ll need to trim the branches so they won’t damage each other. However, if you’ve planted your trees 8 feet or so apart then there’s no pruning necessary.
You don’t have to worry about your Green Giant Arborvitae as far as pests and diseases are concerned. Deer are particularly averse to it and will seek out other shrubs or plants to munch on. The bright green foliage will stay year-round, so there’s no clean-up required either. Once established these trees pretty much take care of themselves.
Hard pruning may be needed to keep the tree’s height in check. You can inspect your green giant trees for dead branches or leaves and take them off as necessary. Pruning and trimming are best done once the last day of frost passes and as soon as spring begins.
Green Giant Arborvitae doesn’t need much in terms of nutrients but you can feed it every year or so with a slow-release fertilizer or organic matter specially made for arborvitae. You can skip this part if the trees are healthy and have lush foliage.
Related Article: How Far to Plant Giant Green Arborvitae From a Fence?