Emerald Green Arborvitae in Front of House: A Complete Guide

Planting an emerald green arborvitae in front of your house can be a great way to add some natural beauty and curb appeal.

These evergreen trees are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making them a low-maintenance choice for homeowners.

They can grow up to 10-15 feet tall, making them a great option for hedges or screens.

They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a popular choice for front yard landscaping due to its rigidly columnar form and emerald green evergreen foliage. It's a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit.

This shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall, making it a great option for creating a tall hedge or screen. It's also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular pruning to maintain its shape.

Emerald Green Arborvitae prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. However, it does require protection from winter sun and can benefit from a thick mulch around the root zone in exposed locations.

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Here are some key characteristics to consider when choosing an Emerald Green Arborvitae for your front yard:

Keep in mind that plants can vary greatly in size, so it's always a good idea to check with the supplier or nursery for specific sizing information.

Planting Emerald Green Arborvitae in a low area requires some extra attention to ensure the plants' survival. Dig about ½ to ¾ of the root ball into the ground, then mound a mixture of top soil and compost up the top of the root ball and gradually slope the soil away.

To give your Emerald Green Arborvitae the best chance of thriving, plant it in a location with full sun or full shade, as this hardy evergreen can handle both. This versatile plant is suitable for most USDA Hardiness Zones, but it thrives best in zones 4 through 7.

Adding a mixture of top soil and One Step soil conditioner to the soil is essential, especially in areas with clay soil like Chicagoland. This amendment will give your plants a good start and help them establish a strong root system.

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Planting arborvitae requires some extra care, especially if you're dealing with low areas that collect water. Install the arborvitae a little higher than normal.

If you're planting in a low area, dig about ½ to ¾ of the root ball into the ground, then mound a mixture of top soil and compost up the top of the root ball and gradually slope the soil away. This will give the plants a much better chance of survival.

Amending the soil is crucial when installing arborvitae trees, especially in areas with clay and gravel. A mixture of top soil and One Step soil conditioner will give plants a good start.

Applying a 2-3″ layer of hardwood mulch on top will regulate soil temps, improve moisture retention, and help keep weeds from growing. It also looks better than exposed soil.

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Arborvitae prefer to be planted in full sun areas that receive 6+ hours of sun per day.

If your yard doesn't get full sun, don't worry - some arborvitae varieties can still thrive in partial shade areas that get 4-6 hours of sun per day.

Areas with standing water during the season are a no-go for arborvitae, so make sure the planting location drains well.

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Emerald Green Arborvitae have a medium growth rate, growing 6-12 inches per year, and their growth cycle tends to be: fatten out, then grow up, fatten out, then grow up, and so on.

Regular pruning is rarely needed, but if it is, prune the tops to a point and shear the sides with a hedge trimmer or pruners to manage the width.

After installation, it takes about 2 years for the arborvitae to develop adequate root systems, and the third year is when significant top growth is typically noticed.

Take a look at this: Growth Rate of Emerald Green Arborvitae

Watering your arborvitae is crucial, especially during winter months when temperatures drop and the ground freezes. It's essential to continue checking the plant's water needs well into winter.

Arborvitae can't utilize frozen water in the ground, so be sure to apply plenty of water to new plants before temperatures drop. This is especially important if you live in an area with mild winters and little snowfall.

Regularly checking your soil for moisture is vital, as evergreens are slow to react and don't show signs of water stress until after the event has occurred. This means you might not notice the plant is struggling until it's too late.

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Arborvitae growth rates vary depending on factors like water, sunlight, soil type, fertilizing schedule, and weather conditions. Generally, they have a medium growth rate of 6-12″ per year.

In the Midwest, the growth cycle of arborvitae tends to follow a pattern of fatten out, then grow up, fatten out, then grow up, and so on.

After installation, most evergreens take about 2 years to develop adequate root systems, and the third year is when significant top growth is typically noticed.

Some Arborvitae varieties grow faster than others. Here are a few examples:

These growth rates can help you plan and manage your arborvitae trees effectively, whether you're looking to create a lush screen or simply maintain their health.

Pruning arborvitae is a task that's rarely needed, especially for the 'Emerald Green' variety, which grows at a steady rate and maintains its shape with minimal maintenance.

Pruning should be done in late winter before new growth emerges or after the new growth has developed in late spring.

Arborvitae can be pruned to a point at the top and sheared back with a hedge trimmer or pruners to manage the width.

Removing dead or broken branches throughout the year is also a good practice, even in fall.

Planning and selection of an emerald green arborvitae for your front yard is a crucial step. This evergreen tree can thrive in a variety of conditions, but it prefers full sun to partial shade.

Choosing the right location is key, as emerald green arborvitae can grow up to 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. A spot with good air circulation will prevent diseases and pests.

Consider the mature size of the tree to ensure it won't overcrowd your home or obstruct views. The emerald green arborvitae is a dense tree, making it an excellent choice for hedges or screens.

To determine how many Emerald Green Arborvitae you need, consider the distance you want to cover. A spacing of 3′ from center-of-pot to center-of-pot is recommended.

You'll want to divide the distance that needs coverage by 3 to get an idea of how many arbs are needed. For example, if you need to cover 30 feet, you'll need 10 arbs.

Keep in mind that there will be small gaps in between each plant after installation, but they'll fill in after a few years. If you need coverage immediately, you can install the arborvitae needle-to-needle or at a desired spacing.

Using smaller quantities of plants? Try the "Rule of Odds" and plant in odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 for a more pleasing and natural look in the landscape.

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When choosing an Arborvitae, you'll want to consider the type that will best fit your needs. There are several options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.

The Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing option that can grow up to 2-3 feet per year, making it ideal for creating a stately, uniform pyramidal shape. This tree is perfect for those looking for a quick solution to their privacy needs.

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is another popular option, known for its dense evergreen foliage and compact, pyramidal shape. It's a great choice for creating a lush, year-round screen.

The Holmstrup Arborvitae is a hardy, low-maintenance option that's perfect for small landscapes. Its narrow, upright form and lush green foliage make it a great choice for those with limited space.

The Technito Arborvitae is a compact option that's perfect for gardens and landscapes. Its dense, dark green foliage and refined pyramidal form make it a great choice for those looking for a more refined look.

Here are some key characteristics of each type of Arborvitae:

Each type of Arborvitae has its own unique characteristics, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Installing emerald green arborvitae in front of your house requires careful consideration.

Digging a proper sized hole is crucial for maximum success.

Using the right soil amendments will give your plants the best chance of success.

Regular watering is essential, especially when plants are first established.