Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Deer turn a manicured landscape into a buffet overnight — and arborvitae (Thuja) is unfortunately one of their favorite meals. University extension browsing surveys, including Rutgers NJAES, rate Thuja occidentalis as “frequently severely damaged,” which puts it near the top of the deer-preferred list rather than the bottom. There is no arborvitae variety, including Green Giant or Emerald Green, that deer inherently avoid.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time analyzing grower reports, comparing cultivar performance data, studying horticultural research on browsing pressure, and synthesizing aggregated owner feedback to help gardeners make informed landscape decisions.
Because the plant itself will not repel deer, success comes down to strategy: starting with larger, already-established plants, protecting new hedges with fencing or repellent sprays through their first one to two winters, and pairing your arborvitae with genuinely deer-resistant companion plants where pressure is heaviest. I’ve analyzed grower reports and landscape data to find the best arborvitae for a deer-prone landscape — the varieties that establish fastest and hold up best while you manage deer pressure around them.
How To Choose The Best Deer Resistant Arborvitae
Not all arborvitae are equally resistant to deer browsing. Selection hinges on a few key factors that determine whether your hedge thrives or becomes a target. Understanding these dimensions helps you pick the right cultivar for your specific property conditions and browsing pressure.
Understand Actual Deer Resistance Levels
Contrary to common nursery marketing, arborvitae is not a plant deer avoid. Thuja occidentalis — including both Green Giant and Emerald Green — is rated “frequently severely damaged” by deer in university extension browsing surveys, and it remains one of the most commonly browsed evergreens across the eastern and midwestern United States, especially in winter when other food is scarce. Young, tender plants face the highest risk since deer can reach and strip an entire small specimen in one visit. Succeeding with arborvitae in deer country means giving it a head start with a larger starting size, protecting it during its vulnerable first one to two winters with fencing, cages, or repellent sprays, and considering plants deer genuinely avoid — boxwood, spirea, or barberry — for the areas under the heaviest pressure.
Growth Rate and Mature Dimensions
Fast-growing varieties like Thuja Green Giant add three feet per year, delivering a privacy screen in two to three seasons. Slower options like Emerald Green offer a narrower, more compact form that works in tight spaces. Matching the mature height and width to your planting site prevents overcrowding and reduces long-term maintenance. Always check the expected full size before ordering.
Hardiness Zones and Site Conditions
Most arborvitae varieties thrive in USDA zones 5 through 9, but microclimates within your yard matter. Full sun (at least six hours daily) produces denser, faster-filling growth — it will not make deer avoid the plant, but it does help the hedge outgrow browsing damage and close gaps more quickly. Well-drained soil with moderate moisture supports faster establishment, while heavy clay or consistently wet ground can stress plants and slow recovery from any browsing damage.
Planting Density for a Solid Screen
Spacing directly affects how quickly your hedge fills in. Green Giants planted six to seven feet apart create a continuous screen within a few years, while tighter spacing of four to five feet accelerates density but increases competition. For bulk plantings, ordering in packs of ten or more reduces per-plant cost and ensures uniform growth across the entire row.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft 8-Pack | Evergreen Tree | Fast privacy hedge | 2ft tall, 8 plants, mature 60ft x 20ft | Amazon |
| Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae 3-4ft | Evergreen Shrub | Narrow space planting | 3-4ft at planting, mature 12-15ft x 4ft | Amazon |
| 25 Thuja Green Giant 8-14in Tall Trees | Bulk Sapling | Large-scale screening | 25 plants, 8-14in tall, 3ft/yr growth | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant 7-10in Tall Trees | Starter Sapling | Budget-friendly hedge | 10 plants, 7-10in tall, zone 5-9 | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant Qty 30 Live Trees | Bulk Sapling | Maximum coverage per dollar | 30 plants, 9-12in tall, low maintenance | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft Tall 8-Pack
This collection from Perfect Plants delivers eight Green Giants already standing two feet tall, giving you a significant head start over seedling options. Each plant arrives in a well-rooted container with lush green foliage, and the size at shipping reduces the vulnerable early stage when deer are most likely to investigate new plantings. The dense, dark green needles carry that classic Christmas-tree scent gardeners love — though the scent alone won’t stop deer from browsing, so plan on protecting young plants the same as any other arborvitae.
Grower reports consistently praise the packaging and root health upon arrival — multiple verified buyers noted that every plant looked vibrant and structurally sound even after transit. The pyramidal growth habit and mature height topping out around 50 to 60 feet make this an ideal choice for a permanent privacy screen that requires minimal intervention once established. Spacing six to seven feet apart produces a solid visual barrier within two to three seasons.
Owner feedback highlights the value relative to local nursery pricing, with several reviewers describing the quality as exceeding expectations for an online plant order. The seller also demonstrated responsive customer service in cases where shipment counts needed adjustment, which adds peace of mind for larger landscape projects.
What works
- Larger starter size reduces early browsing risk
- Uniform packaging with healthy root structure
- Fast growth adds 3ft per year once established
What doesn’t
- Premium price per plant compared to seedling packs
- Occasional count discrepancies reported by a few buyers
2. Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae, 3-4ft
The Emerald Green cultivar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is the go-to choice for tight planting corridors where width is limited. This Brighter Blooms listing ships an already-established 3 to 4 foot plant rather than a small seedling, which matters in deer country: a larger starting size gets foliage up above easy browsing reach faster than starting from a rooted cutting. Mature plants top out around 12 to 15 feet tall while staying a narrow 3 to 4 feet wide. The rich emerald foliage holds its color through winter, providing year-round structure — though like all arborvitae, it is still a plant deer will eat if given the chance, so treat it the same as any other Thuja in your deer-management plan.
Buyer ratings run in the high 3s to low 4s across roughly 240 reviews, consistent with the mixed shipping experiences typical of live bare-root and potted deliveries — plants generally arrive viable but transit stress is the main complaint category to expect. The compact form makes it suitable for foundation plantings, corner accents, or narrow property lines where a Green Giant would overwhelm the space.
The price per plant runs higher than small bulk seedling packs, but the head start of a 3 to 4 foot specimen reduces the number of growing seasons your investment spends vulnerable to browsing, weed competition, and weather stress. The slower growth rate compared to Green Giant means you wait longer for a full-height screen, but the dense branching structure provides excellent coverage at eye level.
What works
- Narrow 3-4ft width fits tight spaces
- Larger starting size clears browsing height sooner
- Vibrant emerald color holds through winter
What doesn’t
- Slower growth delays full privacy screen
- Higher per-unit cost than bare-root seedlings
- Still needs deer protection while young, like any arborvitae
3. 25 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 8-14in Tall Trees
For larger properties requiring a substantial number of plants, this 25-count pack of Green Giant seedlings delivers the most efficient path to a full privacy screen. Each tree measures between 8 and 14 inches from soil to tip, with a root system already established in its container. The Green Giant is widely regarded as the fastest-growing arborvitae cultivar, adding three feet per year under favorable conditions, which helps young plants outgrow easy browsing height sooner than slower varieties.
Buyer experiences highlight the careful packaging and the healthy condition of the plants upon arrival — roots are well-developed and the foliage remains green even after several days in transit. Because Green Giant is not actually deer resistant, buyers in areas with real deer pressure should budget for temporary fencing, cages, or repellent spray during the first couple of winters, until the plants outgrow easy browsing height. The 25-unit quantity allows for a continuous hedge of roughly 150 to 175 linear feet when spaced at six to seven feet apart.
A small number of owners noted winter losses in colder microclimates, particularly when planted late in the season without time to establish. Ordering early in the growing season and providing consistent moisture during the first year significantly improves survival rates. The value proposition is strong when compared to local nursery prices for similar-sized material.
What works
- Bulk quantity at a cost-effective per-plant rate
- Very fast growth — up to 3ft per season
- Quickly outgrows easy browsing height once established
What doesn’t
- Small starter size requires extra care and deer protection in the first year
- Some winter losses reported in zone 5a microclimates
4. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10in Tall Trees
This 10-pack of Green Giant seedlings is the most accessible entry point for homeowners trying arborvitae for the first time. Each plant ships in its own pot with soil, sized between 7 and 10 inches tall. The compact size keeps shipping costs low and reduces transplant shock since the root system stays contained during transit. Buyers have reported that even with a delayed planting of several weeks, the trees remained viable and healthy.
Owner reviews emphasize the exceptional value at roughly a fraction of what big-box retailers charge per plant. Because arborvitae is not naturally deer resistant, buyers with significant deer populations nearby should expect browsing on unprotected young plants — repellent sprays and temporary fencing during the first year or two make a real difference. Once the trunk toughens and the plant grows past nose height, browsing damage drops off substantially.
The five-day guarantee from the nursery adds protection for first-time online plant buyers, though the policy excludes weather-related damage and zone mismatches. Ordering in spring or early summer gives the seedlings the best chance to establish strong roots before winter. For a modest investment, this pack offers a low-risk way to evaluate how Green Giants perform in your specific soil and deer conditions.
What works
- Very low per-plant cost for budget-conscious buyers
- Compact size ships well and handles delayed planting
- Good low-cost trial option for testing how well protected plants establish in your area
What doesn’t
- Small size may attract nibbling under heavy deer pressure
- Limited warranty exclusions for weather and zone issues
5. Thuja Green Giant Qty 30 Live Trees Privacy Evergreen
This 30-count offering from maggyplanthome is designed for ambitious screening projects where maximum coverage per dollar is the priority. The seedlings average 9 to 12 inches tall and arrive in well-secured packaging that uses expanding foam to hold the pots in place during transit — a detail that buyers consistently praise. The Green Giant genetics provide the same fast growth as other Thuja strains, with a mature height of 40 feet and 15-foot spread — note that, like all arborvitae, these plants are readily browsed by deer and are not inherently resistant, so plan protection for the first couple of years if deer are active on your property.
Verified purchasers report that the plants look healthy and green upon arrival, with root systems that respond well to immediate transplanting. Several buyers who had previously purchased smaller quantities from other sellers noted that the packaging quality here is above average, with minimal damage during shipping. The low-maintenance nature of Green Giants means that after the first season of consistent watering, these trees largely take care of themselves.
Some feedback indicates occasional shipment count discrepancies, and a small number of plants failed to establish roots over the long term. Ordering early in the spring and planting promptly gives the highest success rate. For large rural properties or windbreak projects requiring hundreds of linear feet, this bulk pack delivers the most trees per order and the best chance of uniform growth across the entire planting.
What works
- Highest tree count per order for large-scale projects
- Secure packaging with foam root protection
- Low maintenance once established
What doesn’t
- Occasional count discrepancies reported
- Some plants may fail to root long-term
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate & Mature Height
Green Giant arborvitae are among the fastest-growing evergreens available, adding 3 feet per year once established and reaching mature heights of 40 to 60 feet with a 15- to 20-foot spread. Emerald Green (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) grows more slowly, topping out at 12 to 15 feet tall and only 3 to 4 feet wide. Choose Green Giant for rapid screening on larger properties; pick Emerald Green for tight spaces where width is the limiting factor.
Hardiness & Sun Requirements
All the varieties reviewed here thrive in USDA zones 5 through 9, covering most of the continental United States. Full sun — at least six direct hours daily — produces the densest growth, which fills gaps and outgrows browsing damage faster, though it does not make the plant deer-proof. Partial shade is tolerated but may result in a more open habit. Sandy or well-drained loam soil with moderate moisture supports the strongest root development and fastest establishment.
FAQ
Are Green Giant arborvitae truly deer resistant?
How far apart should I plant deer resistant arborvitae for a privacy screen?
What is the best time of year to plant arborvitae?
How long does it take for Green Giants to form a solid privacy hedge?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best arborvitae pick for a deer-prone landscape is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft 8-Pack because it combines a generous starter size with fast growth at a fair per-plant price — remember that no arborvitae is truly deer-proof, so pair it with fencing or repellent while it establishes. If you need a narrow profile for tight spaces, grab the Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae, 3-4ft. And for large-scale screening on a budget, nothing beats the Thuja Green Giant Qty 30 Live Trees bulk pack for sheer coverage per dollar.