QUICK ANSWER
How far apart to plant arborvitae depends on the variety and spacing from the property line. Generally, plant Green Giants 5 to 8 feet apart, and Emerald Greens 2.5 to 4 feet apart, adjusting for a single row vs a staggered arborvitae spacing layout.
Spacing from fence and property line: Before planting, determine your spacing from the fence. Arborvitae must not be planted directly on the property line; account for the mature width so branches do not push against the fence or encroach on your neighbor.
Single row vs staggered arborvitae spacing: A single row is standard for narrow lots, but staggered arborvitae spacing (a zig-zag pattern) provides thicker privacy faster and improves airflow, which helps prevent disease in Kentucky's humid summers.
Variety determines the distance: Your arborvitae hedge spacing is dictated entirely by whether you are planting a massive Green Giant or a narrow Emerald Green. Never use Green Giant spacing rules for Emerald Greens.
GUIDE
Before planting, determine your spacing from the fence. Arborvitae must not be planted directly on the property line; account for the mature width so branches do not push against the fence or encroach on your neighbor.
A single row is standard for narrow lots, but staggered arborvitae spacing (a zig-zag pattern) provides thicker privacy faster and improves airflow, which helps prevent disease in Kentucky's humid summers.
Your arborvitae hedge spacing is dictated entirely by whether you are planting a massive Green Giant or a narrow Emerald Green. Never use Green Giant spacing rules for Emerald Greens.
DECISION SUPPORT
Spacing should not only solve the first-year gap. The row also needs enough room for mature width, airflow, fence clearance, and future maintenance access.
Sun, drainage, deer pressure, available depth, and desired height can change whether a narrow arborvitae, a large evergreen, or a mixed screen is the stronger fit.
Photos help, but row length, corners, gates, utilities, slopes, and overhead lines determine the practical layout and the number of trees needed.
ESTIMATE PREP
NEXT STEP
Send the property location, photos, rough row length or tree count, and what problem the planting needs to solve.
NEXT PAGES
Review privacy-screen options, evergreen layout choices, and site constraints before planning a row.
Green Giant vs. Emerald GreenContinue with the page that best matches the planting decision, site constraint, or service type you are comparing.
Arborvitae Privacy Row in LexingtonSee photos, scope details, and planning notes from a real planting project.
RELATED SERVICES
Standard shade, ornamental, and property tree installation.
Large Specimen TreesBalled-and-burlapped trees, delivery, access, and equipment logistics.
Evergreen & Privacy TreesArborvitae rows, mixed evergreen screens, and property line privacy.
Shrub & Landscape PlantingFoundation shrubs, garden beds, ornamentals, and curb appeal planting.
Estate & Farm PlantingLarge-property planting for farms, estates, entrances, and acreage.
Commercial & HOA PlantingBusinesses, developments, community entrances, common areas, and buffers.
Nursery Trees & ShrubsPlant material sourcing and selection for installed planting projects.
FAQ
A general range may help, but exact spacing should be chosen after reviewing the variety, starting size, mature width, site, and privacy goal.
Often, but not always. Some properties look better with staggered spacing or layered screening instead of one flat row.
NEXT STEP
Send the property location, photos, rough row length or tree count, and what problem the planting needs to solve.
