Mature Size and Growth Speed
Green Giant arborvitae can grow up to 3 feet per year and reach 40+ feet tall. Emerald Green arborvitae grows slowly (6-9 inches a year) and typically caps out around 12-15 feet tall.
QUICK ANSWER
What to know first
The Thuja Green Giant is the best arborvitae for Kentucky if you have a large yard and want rapid, tall privacy. The Emerald Green arborvitae is best for small yards, tight fences, and formal, narrow hedges.
Mature Size and Growth Speed: Green Giant arborvitae can grow up to 3 feet per year and reach 40+ feet tall. Emerald Green arborvitae grows slowly (6-9 inches a year) and typically caps out around 12-15 feet tall.
Privacy Hedge Comparison: A Green Giant privacy hedge is a massive, fluffy, wind-blocking wall perfect for a large rural property. An Emerald Green hedge is tight, formal, and ideal for blocking a neighbor's patio on a suburban subdivision lot.
Maintenance and Space: Green Giants require immense space; do not plant them under power lines. Emerald Green spacing allows them to fit tightly against foundations, but they are more susceptible to bagworms and deer pressure.
GUIDE
What affects the project
Privacy Hedge Comparison
A Green Giant privacy hedge is a massive, fluffy, wind-blocking wall perfect for a large rural property. An Emerald Green hedge is tight, formal, and ideal for blocking a neighbor's patio on a suburban subdivision lot.
Maintenance and Space
Green Giants require immense space; do not plant them under power lines. Emerald Green spacing allows them to fit tightly against foundations, but they are more susceptible to bagworms and deer pressure.
DECISION SUPPORT
How to use this guide before planting
Plan for mature width
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.
Match species to the site
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.
Measure the whole line
Photos help, but row length, corners, gates, utilities, slopes, and overhead lines determine the practical layout and the number of trees needed.
ESTIMATE PREP
What to send for a useful estimate
- Property location and the area where planting is needed.
- Photos of the site, access route, and anything nearby that affects planting.
- Rough tree count, row length, bed size, timing, and the goal for the project.
NEXT STEP
Need help turning this into a planting plan?
Send the property location, photos, rough row length or tree count, and what problem the planting needs to solve.
RELATED SERVICES
Planting services to compare
Tree Planting & Installation
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
Common Questions
Is Green Giant always better?
No. Green Giant needs room. It can be the wrong choice for narrow side yards or tight property lines.
Is Emerald Green good for privacy?
It can be, especially in tighter spaces, but expectations about growth speed and final coverage should be realistic.
NEXT STEP
Need help turning this into a planting plan?
Send the property location, photos, rough row length or tree count, and what problem the planting needs to solve.