The Emerald Green Arboritae is a great living fence that helps keep your outdoor space safe and protected. It requires 4+ hours of sun, consistent watering, and very little pruning. For true privacy, space every 2-3 feet, measured from the center of the plant.

In the urban jungle of the Chicago suburbs, we all want peace and privacy in our outdoor space. While fences work sometimes, the arborvitaes grow strong and tall, creating a living wall. No more dogs barking at your kids or seeing your neighbor grilling three houses down.

Key Features:

✔ A favorite for formal hedges, offering elegant year-round greenery with a compact, narrow profile.
✔ Naturally grows into a dense, upright shape—perfect for smaller yards or tight property lines.
✔ Low-maintenance, making it a reliable choice for Chicagoland landscapes.

How Often Should I Water Emerald Green Arborvitae?

After planting, consistent watering is key—especially through the first growing season and into early winter. While they’re hardy, Emerald Greens need sufficient moisture before the ground freezes to avoid winter burn. Many homeowners stop watering once it gets chilly, but mild winters without snow still call for occasional deep watering, especially in the month of November.

Tip: Emerald Green Arborvitae don’t always show stress right away. Keep an eye on soil moisture—especially in fall and early winter—to prevent root damage or browning tips.

How Fast Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow?

Emerald Green Arborvitae grow at a moderate pace—usually around 6 inches per year. They’re a bit slower than Green Giants but offer a tidy, uniform shape that doesn’t need constant trimming. With proper care and a few years of patience, they form a lush privacy screen that stays neat and refined.

Tip: These evergreens focus on root growth in the first couple years. Once established, you'll notice more consistent vertical growth and denser foliage.

How and When Should I Prune My Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Thanks to their naturally columnar form, heavy pruning isn’t usually necessary. If you'd like to shape or control size, prune in late winter before new growth starts, or in early summer after the first flush. Avoid fall pruning, as fresh cuts can be vulnerable to winter injury.

Tip: Always remove dead, broken, or crossing branches as needed. Light annual shaping can help keep your hedge looking uniform and healthy.