Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja standishii × plicata 'Green Giant'
A fast-growing evergreen hybrid that quickly forms dense, pyramidal screens perfect for privacy hedges or windbreaks. With its rapid 3-5 foot annual growth rate and resistance to deer browsing, this low-maintenance conifer is the go-to choice for homeowners seeking quick, year-round screening.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–8
USDA hardiness
Height
40-60 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Green Giant Arborvitae in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Green Giant Arborvitae · Zones 5–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 12 ft. 0 in. - 18 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Small upright seed cones are up to 1/2 inch long that emerge as green and then mature to brown.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Length: < 1 inch.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Insect Pests, Wind
- +Attracts: Songbirds
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade created by arborvitae, adds contrasting foliage texture
Astilbe
Benefits from wind protection and partial shade, adds colorful blooms
Heuchera
Complements evergreen backdrop with colorful foliage, tolerates similar conditions
Japanese Painted Fern
Enjoys filtered light and wind shelter provided by arborvitae
Boxwood
Similar growing requirements and maintenance needs, creates layered evergreen structure
Rhododendron
Benefits from wind protection and slightly acidic soil conditions
Winterberry Holly
Provides seasonal interest and attracts beneficial birds that may help with pest control
Pachysandra
Excellent groundcover in shade, helps retain soil moisture
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can inhibit arborvitae growth and cause yellowing
Large Maple Trees
Aggressive root system competes heavily for water and nutrients
Kentucky Bluegrass
Dense turf competes with shallow arborvitae roots for water and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to most diseases and pests
Common Pests
Bagworms, spider mites (rare), deer resistant
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils, canker (rare)