When it comes to adding privacy and beauty to your yard, choosing the right arborvitae types can make a big difference. These evergreen trees are perfect for creating natural screens, hedges, and garden focal points. From the tall and fast-growing Green Giant to the compact Tom Thumb, each variety has special features that work for different spaces and needs. Whether you want to block out nosy neighbors or add some year-round greenery to your landscape, there’s an arborvitae that’s just right for your yard.
What are the essential arborvitae types for your home landscape?
The essential arborvitae types for your home landscape include Eastern Arborvitae for affordable hedges and privacy screens, Western Arborvitae for large specimen plantings, Green Giant for fast-growing privacy barriers, Emerald Green for narrow spaces, and Tom Thumb for small gardens or containers. Each variety offers unique benefits for different landscaping needs and space requirements.
These evergreen trees have become popular choices for homeowners who want year-round privacy and beauty. Their dense foliage and relatively easy care make them perfect for creating natural barriers or adding structure to your yard.
Most **arborvitae types** work well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, making them suitable for many climates. They can live 25-50 years with proper care, making them a smart long-term investment for your property.
The top 5 arborvitae types for enhancing your landscape
Choosing the right evergreen for your yard depends on your specific needs and space. These five varieties offer different sizes, growth rates, and features to match almost any landscaping goal.
1. Eastern Arborvitae
Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) stands out as one of the most versatile options for homeowners. This reliable variety works great for hedges, privacy screens, and foundation plantings. You can expect to pay between $30 and $50 per mature plant, depending on the size and where you buy it.
This type grows at a moderate pace and responds well to pruning. Many gardeners appreciate how easy it is to shape into neat, formal hedges. The Eastern variety adapts to various soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained areas.
2. Western Arborvitae
Western Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) impresses with its large size potential, reaching 70-200 feet in its native habitat. Don’t worry though – cultivated varieties stay much smaller and more manageable for home landscapes.
This type makes an excellent specimen tree or tall privacy hedge. Its natural pyramid shape looks beautiful without much maintenance. The Western variety tolerates different growing conditions better than some other types.
3. Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’) has earned its reputation as the speed champion of the group. This fast-growing cultivar can add 3-4 feet per year, reaching mature heights of 50-60 feet.
What makes this variety special is its dense foliage and natural resistance to deer damage. At $25-$60 per tree, it offers great value for creating quick privacy screens. Many urban gardeners love its tolerance to pollution, making it perfect for city yards.
4. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) wins hearts with its narrow, upright form. This variety typically costs between $20 and $40 for a 4-6 foot plant, making it budget-friendly for most homeowners.
Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for tight spaces where you need height without width. The emerald green color stays vibrant throughout winter, adding consistent beauty to your landscape.
5. Tom Thumb Arborvitae
Tom Thumb Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Tom Thumb’) proves that good things come in small packages. This dwarf variety reaches only 3-4 feet tall and typically sells for $10-$25.
Perfect for small spaces, rock gardens, or container plantings, this little giant packs plenty of charm. Its compact size makes it easy to maintain and integrate into existing garden designs.
How to choose the right arborvitae type for your space
Selecting the perfect variety starts with understanding your space and goals. Consider the mature size relative to your available area to prevent overcrowding or inadequate privacy coverage down the road.
Think about your timeline too. If you need quick privacy, Green Giant’s 3+ feet per year growth rate might be perfect. For smaller spaces or decorative purposes, compact varieties like Tom Thumb or Emerald Green work better.
Your budget plays a role as well. Smaller varieties like Tom Thumb offer the most affordable entry point, while larger specimens require more upfront investment. Remember that buying younger, healthier plants from reputable nurseries often results in better long-term growth.
Consider your local deer population when making your choice. Deer-resistant varieties like Green Giant can save you from frustrating damage in areas where these animals are common.
Care and maintenance tips for various arborvitae types
Proper care keeps your trees healthy and attractive for decades. Most varieties share similar basic needs, though some specific requirements vary by type.
1. Sunlight and water needs
Most arborvitae prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. They don’t like sitting in waterlogged conditions, which can cause root rot problems.
During dry spells, consistent watering becomes crucial, especially for newly planted specimens. Failure to provide adequate water during droughts often causes browning or dieback that can take years to recover from.
Applying mulch around the base helps retain moisture and prevents weeds from competing for nutrients. This simple step can make a big difference in your tree’s health and growth rate.
2. Pruning and shaping techniques
Regular pruning maintains shape and promotes dense growth. Early spring before new growth offers the best timing for major trimming work.
For hedge purposes, proper spacing ranges from 18 inches for dense privacy screens to 3 feet depending on the species and desired density. Annual trimming promotes healthy, dense foliage that looks great year-round.
Some varieties like Green Giant require minimal pruning after initial shaping, which saves time and money over the years. Annual fertilization with slow-release conifer fertilizer costs approximately $15-$25 per application but keeps trees thriving.
Landscaping ideas featuring different arborvitae types
These versatile evergreens work well in many different landscape designs. Green Giant excels for large privacy screens along property lines or blocking unsightly views.
Emerald Green makes beautiful focal points in formal gardens or flanking entryways. Its narrow profile works especially well near walkways or driveways where it maximizes curb appeal without taking up too much space.
Tom Thumb and other dwarf varieties shine in rock gardens, container plantings, or as foundation plants. They pair beautifully with other plants like Japanese maple or perennial flowers to create visual interest.
Combining different heights and textures creates dynamic landscape designs. Try using taller varieties as background plants with shorter ones in front for layered visual appeal.
Final thoughts on selecting and caring for your arborvitae types
Choosing the right variety for your landscape comes down to matching plant characteristics with your specific needs and space. Whether you want quick privacy screening or decorative accents, there’s an option that fits perfectly.
Remember that these trees represent a long-term investment in your property. With proper care including adequate watering, annual trimming, and monitoring for common pests like bagworms and spider mites, your trees can provide beauty and function for decades.
We recommend starting with healthy plants from reputable nurseries and following proper planting guidelines to avoid common mistakes. The extra attention during the first few years pays off with stronger, more attractive trees that enhance your home’s value and your outdoor enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arborvitae Types
What are the main types of arborvitae trees?
The main types of arborvitae trees include American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) and giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata). Other species include Korean arborvitae (Thuja koraiensis), Japanese arborvitae (Thuja standishii), and Sichuan arborvitae (Thuja sutchuenensis).
What are the characteristics of American arborvitae?
American arborvitae is characterized by its growth of up to 49 feet, adaptability to various soil conditions, and cold climate tolerance. This versatile tree is commonly used for hedges, privacy screens, and foundation plantings.
How do I choose the right arborvitae type for my space?
Choosing the right arborvitae type for your space involves considering the mature size, growth rate, and specific needs of your landscape. Identify factors like privacy requirements and potential deer populations to select the most suitable variety.
What is the growth rate of Green Giant arborvitae?
The growth rate of Green Giant arborvitae is impressive, as it can grow 3-4 feet per year, reaching heights of 50-60 feet at maturity. This fast-growing characteristic makes it ideal for creating quick privacy screens.
How much sunlight do arborvitae trees need?
Arborvitae trees need full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-drained, moist soil. They do not do well in waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot and other health issues.
Can arborvitae types be used for landscaping designs?
Arborvitae types can definitely be used for landscaping designs. Their versatility allows for various applications, such as privacy screens, focal points, and layered plantings to create visual interest in gardens and yards.
William is the creative mind behind Aversa Outdoor — a lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a deep love for gardening, home design, and everything in between.
He grew up surrounded by nature, spending weekends helping in the family garden and learning the joy of building things by hand. Over time, that passion turned into a mission: helping others create spaces they love, inside and out.
With Aversa Outdoor, William shares practical tips, fresh ideas, and a laid-back approach to home and garden living. Whether you’re planting your first herbs, planning a patio makeover, or just looking for inspiration, he’s here to make it simple, rewarding, and a little bit fun.
When he’s not in the garden or sketching his next DIY project, you’ll find him exploring local nurseries, chasing the perfect sunset light, or sipping coffee on the porch with a good book.
