Emerald Green Arborvitae- How Fast Do They Grow? | Growth Rate & Timeline

Once established, Emerald Green Arborvitae grows a steady 1 to 2 feet per year, reaching its mature height of 10–15 feet in about 5–7 years.

A slow start in the first year or two is normal — young trees focus on root development before pushing upward growth. Understanding this timeline prevents the common frustration of expecting instant privacy from a newly planted hedge. Below is the actual pace you can count on, what impacts it, and how to keep your trees on schedule.

What Determines How Fast Emerald Green Arborvitae Grows?

Growth rate depends on three main factors: age, planting conditions, and care. During the first 1–2 years after planting, the tree prioritizes establishing a strong root system. You may see only 6–9 inches of top growth during this period, which is typical and not a sign of trouble.

Once settled, established trees in good conditions reliably add 1–2 feet of height each growing season. Individual rates vary with sunlight, soil quality, and watering consistency.

The Growth Timeline: Year by Year

Year 1–2: Root establishment phase. Most of the energy goes underground. Expect 6–12 inches of height gain. Do not judge the tree’s ultimate speed during this window.

Year 3–5: Growth accelerates to 12–24 inches per year. This is when the privacy screen starts filling in noticeably.

Year 5–7: The tree reaches 10–15 feet tall. Mature spread stays tight at 3–4 feet. After this, the growth pace gradually slows.

Total time to full privacy height: 5–7 years from planting.

Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Data at a Glance

How to Maximize Growth Rate (Planting & Care That Actually Works)

Getting the fastest reliable growth starts with the planting hole and watering schedule. Here is the proven sequence for Emerald Green Arborvitae, sourced from nursery care guides.

Step-by-Step Planting for Fast Establishment

1. Choose a sunny spot with 6–8 hours of direct sun. Less light slows growth significantly.
2. Dig a wide, shallow hole — twice the width of the root ball, but no deeper. The root ball top must sit level with the soil surface.
3. Soak the root ball thoroughly before placing it in the hole.
4. Set the tree level. Backfill with the original soil while running water to settle air pockets.
5. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Watering Schedule That Supports a 2-Foot Year

• First growing season: Deep soak every other day. Use a soaker hose at the base for 30–60 minutes until water ponds.
• Second season: Deep soak every 2–3 days.
• Third season +: Water every 3–4 days. Increase frequency in extreme heat or drought.
• Avoid overhead sprinklers — they wet the foliage but miss the roots, encouraging disease.

Fertilizing: What to Use and When

Young trees need different nutrition than mature ones. The wrong fertilizer can actually slow growth or burn roots.

• Year 1: Use only root starter or an acidifying soil amendment (sulfur or gypsum). Do not use high-nitrogen general fertilizer on new trees.
• Year 2: Apply an acid-loving plant food like Fertilome Acid Loving Plant Food.
• Year 3+: Switch to a balanced tree and shrub food with an acidifier, applied in early spring.

Over-fertilizing is more harmful than under-fertilizing. Stick to the suggested schedule.

Why Your Arborvitae Might Be Growing Slower Than Expected

If your tree is adding less than 6 inches per year after the establishment phase, check these common causes:

Compacted soil — roots cannot breathe. Gently turn over the soil in a 1–2 foot radius around the root ball and add mulch to improve aeration.

Too much shade — anything less than 6 hours of direct sun cuts the growth rate in half. Consider relocating or thinning nearby branches.

Overwatering — causes root rot. Soil should be moist, not saturated. Let the top inch dry out between waterings.

Deer damage — Emerald Green is a favorite snack. Install fencing if deer are present in your area.

Spider mites — inspect foliage in May and August. If you see stippling or fine webbing, treat with horticultural oil.

Common Growth Mistakes That Waste a Season

Three mistakes cost homeowners a full year of growth more than any other:

1. Planting in summer drought. Spring or late fall is the only safe planting window. A tree planted in July heat will stall or die.
2. Pruning the top or cutting into bare wood. Arborvitae do not regrow from old wood. A cut into the brown center leaves a permanent dead gap. Only trim green tips for shaping.
3. Expecting 2 feet in year one. Set your expectation at 6–12 inches the first season. The speed comes in years 3–5.

Emerald Green Arborvitae vs. Other Privacy Trees: Growth Rate Comparison

Emerald Green is a moderate grower. It is slower than Green Giant or Leyland Cypress, but it stays compact and fits smaller yards without outgrowing its space. If you need a fast screen and have room, Green Giant adds 3–5 feet per year. If you want a narrow, tidy hedge for a 10-foot-wide area, Emerald Green is the better long-term choice.

Year-to-Year Care Schedule: What to Do Each Season

Consistency matters more than any single intervention. Here is the annual rhythm that keeps trees on the fast end of their growth range:

• Early spring: Apply a balanced, acidifying fertilizer. Inspect for winter damage or broken branches.
• May & August: Check for spider mites. Spray with horticultural oil if present.
• Summer: Maintain the watering schedule (every 3–4 days for established trees). Watch for drought stress — drooping or browning tips.
• Fall: Deep water one last time before ground freezes. Add a fresh 2-inch layer of mulch for winter protection.
• Winter: Do not prune or fertilize. Protect from heavy snow load by gently brushing snow off the branches.

Nature Hills Nursery’s arborvitae growth rate guide provides the full data on Emerald Green maturation timelines.