Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ | Plant Profile

Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja plicata) is a tall, fast-growing and somewhat narrow evergreen. These a popular choice in landscapes requiring privacy, hardiness and year-round color, and are one of the only arborvitae species that are not susceptible to deer browsing.

‘Green Giant’ must be planted in an area with plenty of room to grow, although they will remain healthy if planted in a ‘hedge’ proximity. When young, the tree looks small and shrub-like, but can grow taller than most houses within only a few years (some specimens may reach as high as 60′ if not pruned).

‘Green Giant’ are often planted far from houses and don’t usually fare well in small yards where they can overtake a landscape. ‘Green Giant’ are common in evergreen woodlands and large parks, as well as border plantings in larger landscapes. The densely packed needles will hold their color year-round and make for effective hedges and green screens.

This tree is not picky when it comes to soil type, and is able to thrive in many types of well-drained soils. The trees may need to be watered in times of drought, but are generally resistant to disease and pest damage and do not require pruning.