Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
A stunning evergreen with vibrant emerald-green foliage that maintains its rich color year-round, making it the most popular choice for privacy screens and formal hedging. This narrow, pyramidal beauty grows at a moderate pace and requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally perfect shape. Its dense branching and exceptional cold hardiness make it ideal for creating living walls that look professionally manicured with little effort.
Sun
THU-ya ock-sih-den-TAH-liss
Zones
3–7
USDA hardiness
Height
40-60 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Emerald Green Arborvitae in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Emerald Green Arborvitae · Zones 3–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: THU-ya ock-sih-den-TAH-liss. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Regions: Mountains.
Harvesting
The cone is oblong and light brown and measures 1/3 to 1/2 inches long It is yellow when young.
Color: Brown/Copper. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Central & E. Canada to N. Central and Eastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Pollution, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: American arborvitae provides nesting sites for songbirds, as well as cover, especially in the winter, for white-tailed deer, which both feed on the branches and use them for shelter from the cold.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Thrives in partial shade created by arborvitae, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Enjoys similar moisture conditions and partial shade, adds colorful blooms
Heuchera
Tolerates shade and provides attractive ground cover with colorful foliage
Ferns
Natural woodland companions that thrive in similar acidic, moist soil conditions
Rhododendron
Both prefer acidic soil and similar moisture levels, creates layered landscape
Caladium
Benefits from wind protection and partial shade provided by arborvitae
Pachysandra
Excellent evergreen ground cover that prevents weeds and retains soil moisture
Impatiens
Thrives in the filtered light and wind protection of arborvitae canopy
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt or kill arborvitae and other sensitive plants
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby plants including evergreens
Large Maple Trees
Aggressive root system competes heavily for water and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases, susceptible to bagworms and spider mites in hot climates
Common Pests
Bagworms, spider mites, scale insects
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils, tip blight in humid conditions