
Adding some 6 ft Emerald Green Arborvitae to your garden can be a great way to add some structure and style. They're a type of evergreen tree that's perfect for hedges or screens.
These trees are known for their vibrant green foliage, which is a result of their unique genetic makeup. They're also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning to keep them looking their best.
One of the biggest benefits of Emerald Green Arborvitae is their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. They can tolerate drought, heat, and even some shade, making them a great choice for gardens with less-than-ideal soil or sunlight.
Planting and Care
Planting your 5-6 ft Emerald Green Arborvitae is a straightforward process. Dig a trench for the row and space the plants evenly along the trench, about 3 feet apart.
When planting, make sure to put back most of the soil and firm it down well, then add lots of water and finish with the rest of the soil. For individual trees, dig a hole two or three times as wide as the pot, but no deeper.
To ensure your Arborvitae gets off to a strong start, water it every week during the first season or two, and then only during dry spells once established.
Intriguing read: Planting Emerald Green Arborvitae
Arborvitae in the Garden
Arborvitae trees are a great choice for adding vertical accents to your garden, and they can be used as attractive specimens or clipped to form a hedge. They bring a strong, upright form to the garden and contrast with most other plants, which are more rounded.
In hotter regions, Italian Cypress is a better choice for framing an entrance or stairs, but Arborvitae can still be used in these areas. For colder regions, DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae is a good option for a privacy tree.
Arborvitae can be planted alone, in groups of three or five, or spaced out in pairs along a drive or walkway. This allows you to create a unique and interesting landscape feature.
If you're looking for a dense, uniform screen, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a good choice. It grows 8-12 ft. tall and 3-4 ft. wide, making it perfect for screening off an area.
Here are some common uses for Arborvitae trees:
- Privacy/screen planting
- Accent
- Mass planting
- General garden use
Arborvitae trees are also deer resistant and can be used as a windbreak. The Green Giant Arborvitae grows 20-40 ft. tall and 6-12 ft. wide, making it a good option for this purpose.
Planting and Initial Care
Planting a hedge requires some planning to get it right. For a shorter hedge, plant 3 feet apart, while a larger hedge or screen needs 4 to 6 feet between each plant.
You'll want to dig a trench for the row, making sure to space the plants evenly. Put back most of the soil and firm it down well.
Add lots of water and let it drain away before filling in the rest of the soil. This will help the plants establish a strong foundation.
If you need a very tall hedge, consider using Thuja 'Green Giant', which can grow up to 20 or 30 feet tall.
Suggestion: American Arborvitae Hedge
Arborvitae Care
Planting a new Arborvitae hedge requires some planning, but it's worth it for the beautiful results you'll get.
For a shorter hedge, plant trees 3 feet apart, while a larger hedge or screen should be planted 4 to 6 feet apart in a single row. If you're looking for a thicker screen, plant 8 to 10 feet apart in a double row, staggering the rows around 4 feet apart.
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Dig a trench for the row and space the plants evenly along it, adding lots of water and firming down the soil well. This will give your Arborvitae hedge a strong start in life.
To care for your established Arborvitae hedge, only fertilize it if you notice it looking a little thin or if the spring growth is weak. Use a slow-release hedge fertilizer and apply it in early spring.
You can trim your hedge at any time, but early fall is best, and if needed again during early summer to reduce stress from clipping during the hottest days. Remember, the more you clip, the denser your hedge will grow.
Water your Arborvitae tree every week during the first season or two, but once established, water is only needed during dry spells. When watering during dry weather, give lots of water once a week, rather than a sprinkle every day.
Arborvitae trees are hardy and can thrive in cooler regions, but they still need moisture to grow well. Provided it's not too hot, established plants will be resistant to moderate drought conditions.
For warmer areas, Thuja 'Green Giant' is a good choice, growing right into zones 8 and 9 if you're in wetter parts of those zones or have irrigation.
A different take: Do Arborvitaes Need a Lot of Water
Property Considerations
These 6 ft emerald green arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning to maintain their shape.
They can thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade, making them a versatile choice for many landscapes.
Their dense foliage provides a natural screen or hedge, blocking out unwanted views and creating a sense of seclusion.
They can be planted in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Their compact size makes them perfect for small gardens, patios, or walkways, adding a pop of color and texture to any space.
They can tolerate a range of temperatures, from -30°F to 80°F, making them a great choice for areas with cold winters or hot summers.
Arborvitae Hardiness
Arborvitae trees are hardy and can thrive in cooler regions, some varieties even tolerating temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
They grow best in areas with moderate temperatures and moisture, making them ideal for zones 2 and above.
Established arborvitae plants are resistant to moderate drought conditions, but they still require regular watering to maintain their health.
Arborvitae trees can tolerate partial shade, making them a great option for hedges in areas with limited sunlight.
They can grow in almost all soil types, but may require hedge fertilizer to achieve their best growth in poor soils.
In warmer zones 8 and 9, arborvitae trees like Thuja 'Green Giant' can thrive with adequate moisture, even in areas with irrigation.
Worth a look: Emerald Arborvitae Trees
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the issues with Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Emerald Green Arborvitae are susceptible to pests like bagworms, scale insects, and mites, as well as malnutrition, which can cause damage to the plant. Regular monitoring and proper care can help prevent these issues and keep your arborvitae healthy.
How long does it take for arborvitae to grow to 6 feet?
For Green Giant Arborvitae, it takes 2-5 years to reach 6 feet, while Emerald Green Arborvitae may take 4-10 years. The growth time varies depending on the specific arborvitae variety.
How wide is a 5 foot arborvitae?
An arborvitae typically grows 4-5 feet wide, but at 5 feet tall, it's still relatively narrow, so you can plant it closer to other plants
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