Finding a reliable privacy screen that thrives without constant pampering is the real test of any landscape plan, and Arborvitae varieties have earned their reputation by delivering dense, year-round coverage with surprisingly little fuss. The challenge lies in sorting through root sizes, growth rates, and cold-hardiness ratings to match the right tree to your specific soil and sun exposure.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time digging into nursery data sheets, comparing mature-height projections, and cross-referencing zone compatibility across dozens of grower reports to separate the vigorous performers from the slow starters.
Whether you need a towering windbreak or a compact row of emerald pillars, choosing the right best arborvitae evergreen trees comes down to matching your site conditions with a proven cultivar that delivers predictable growth and lasting structure.
How To Choose The Best Arborvitae Evergreen Trees
Arborvitae buying decisions hinge on more than just a pretty photo. The most common mistake is choosing a variety that outgrows its space or fails in the local climate. Focus on three pillars: mature dimensions, zone tolerance, and growth rate for your specific soil moisture.
Mature Height and Spacing
Emerald Green Arborvitae top out around 8-14 feet with a 3-4 foot width, making them ideal for tight property lines. Green Giant varieties can reach 40-60 feet tall with a 15-20 foot spread, so plan for 6-7 feet of spacing between each tree. Ignoring final dimensions leads to overcrowding and poor air circulation that invites fungal issues.
USDA Hardiness Zone Matching
Emerald Green cultivars generally thrive in zones 3-8, while Green Giants prefer zones 5-9. Planting a tree rated for zone 5 in a zone 3 winter will likely result in winter burn or complete loss. Check your local zone before ordering and choose a grower that ships container-grown plants suited to your region.
Root System and Planting Timing
Container-grown Arborvitae (2.5-inch pots up to 3-gallon sizes) can be planted spring through fall, but fall planting gives roots time to establish before summer heat stress. Smaller starter pots are budget-friendly but require more watering vigilance in the first year. Larger containers like #3 size give a head start on height but cost more upfront.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Green Giant 8-Pack | Premium | Large privacy screen | 2ft. tall starter, mature 60ft | Amazon |
| Green Promise Farms Emerald Green #3 | Premium | Container-ready hedge | 3-Gallon pot, mature 18-20ft | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green 1 Gal | Mid-Range | Cold zones 2-7 hedge | 1 Gal pot, mature 14ft | Amazon |
| Daylily Nursery Emerald Green 7-Pack | Mid-Range | Compact 8-12ft row planting | 2.5″ pots, stops at 8-12ft | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Pack | Value | Budget windbreak starter | 7-10″ tall, 3ft/yr growth | Amazon |
| 5 Thuja Green Giant Pack | Budget | Small lot privacy starter | 6-12″ tall, clay soil tolerant | Amazon |
| 25 Thuja Green Giant Pack | Premium | Large-scale screen planting | 8-14″ tall, 25-count bulk | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
This 8-pack from Perfect Plants delivers 2-foot tall Green Giant starts that already have a substantial root system, giving you a head start on a privacy screen that can ultimately reach 60 feet. The dense, dark green foliage releases a pleasant Christmas-tree scent when brushed, and the pyramidal shape fills out naturally without heavy pruning.
Each tree thrives in zones 5-9 and handles regular moisture well once established. The 25-pound shipping weight per pack reflects the soil volume, meaning these are ready to go into the ground immediately after arrival as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
For anyone planning a long-term windbreak or a tall property-line screen, this 8-pack offers the best balance of immediate size and ultimate potential. The only trade-off is the higher upfront investment compared to smaller starter pots.
What works
- Already 2ft. tall at arrival, big head start
- Christmas-tree scent when foliage is disturbed
- Wide-bottom pyramidal shape fills gaps quickly
What doesn’t
- Heavier shipping weight due to soil volume
- Full 60ft height requires ample yard space
2. Green Promise Farms Thuja ‘Smargd’ Emerald Green #3 Container
Green Promise Farms delivers a single Emerald Green Arborvitae in a substantial #3 (3-gallon) container, making it one of the most established starter options for someone wanting a single specimen or a small hedge. The upright, narrow growth habit stays compact at 3-4 feet wide while reaching 18-20 feet tall, fitting neatly into tight side-yard corridors.
This tree arrives fully rooted with soft emerald-green needles and can be planted immediately in zones 3-8. The 12-pound plant weight indicates a healthy soil ball that supports faster establishment than smaller pots.
For homeowners who want a polished, slow-and-steady hedge that won’t overwhelm the lot, this #3 container is a premium choice. The main consideration is that you’re buying a single tree, so hedging large runs requires multiple orders.
What works
- Large 3-gallon root ball for quick establishment
- Narrow 3-4ft spread fits tight spaces
- Rich emerald color holds through winter
What doesn’t
- Single tree only, not a multi-pack
- 18-20ft mature height may be tall for some lots
3. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae 1 Gal
Perfect Plants offers a single Emerald Green Arborvitae in a 1-gallon grower’s pot that is specifically rated for cold hardiness down to zone 2, making it one of the few Arborvitae options for northern gardeners with harsh winters. Its columnar form reaches a manageable 14 feet tall and 4 feet wide, staying pristine green through both seasons.
The tree is deer resistant and drought tolerant once established, which reduces maintenance worries for rural properties. The compact size makes it suitable for smaller lots where a full-sized Green Giant would be impractical.
If you live in zones 2-7 and want a low-care hedge that won’t brown out in deep cold, this 1-gallon Emerald Green is a strong mid-range pick. Just note that the single-pot format requires multiple units for a continuous screen.
What works
- Hardy to zone 2, among the coldest ratings
- Deer resistant and drought tolerant
- Columnar shape stays narrow at 4ft wide
What doesn’t
- Sold as single plant only
- 1-gallon pot is smaller than premium options
4. Daylily Nursery Emerald Green Arborvitae 7-Pack
Daylily Nursery’s 7-pack of Emerald Green Arborvitae comes in 2.5-inch starter pots, offering an affordable way to fill a hedge row with trees that naturally stop growing at 8-12 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. This self-limiting height is a major advantage for homeowners who want a neat, uniform screen without annual trimming.
The trees tolerate full sun well and have good drought tolerance once established, which reduces watering demands during dry spells. The 7-pack format gives you enough plants for roughly 21-28 linear feet of hedge when spaced 3-4 feet apart.
For budget-conscious buyers who want a tidy, self-managing hedge that won’t outgrow its space, this 7-pack delivers excellent value. Just be prepared for a slower start since the pots are small.
What works
- Self-limiting height at 8-12ft reduces pruning
- 7-pack covers 21-28ft of hedge
- Good drought tolerance once established
What doesn’t
- 2.5-inch pots require extra first-year watering
- Cannot ship to Arizona per nursery policy
5. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inch Tall Trees
This 10-pack of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae arrives at just 7-10 inches tall, but these trees are known for their aggressive 3-feet-per-year growth rate once established. They are shipped as potted plants with soil, ready to go into the ground in zones 5-9, and can ultimately reach 40 feet tall with a 15-foot spread.
The recommended spacing of 6-7 feet apart means this 10-pack can cover 60-70 linear feet of screen. The trees tolerate partial shade and moderate moisture, making them adaptable to a variety of yard conditions.
If you have a long property line to screen and you’re willing to wait a couple of years for the vertical growth to kick in, this 10-pack is a cost-effective foundation. The trade-off is patience — those first winters require careful watering.
What works
- Fast 3ft/year growth after establishment
- 10-pack covers 60-70 linear feet at 7ft spacing
- Potted with soil, ready to plant
What doesn’t
- Small 7-10 inch starts need protection
- 40ft mature height too large for small lots
6. 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 6-12 Inch Tall 5-Pack
This 5-pack of Green Giant Arborvitae comes at 6-12 inches tall in 2.5-inch pots, making it the most accessible entry point for someone testing Arborvitae for the first time. The trees are specifically noted as tolerant of clay soil, which is a common challenge for many gardeners who find their soil too heavy for other evergreens.
The low-maintenance nature means no pruning is required to maintain the natural pyramid shape. However, the trees are only rated for zone 5 hardiness, which limits where they can survive the winter compared to the zone 3-rated Emerald Green varieties.
If you have clay soil on a budget and want to experiment with a small privacy screen, this 5-pack is a low-risk start. Just be aware that zone 5 is the floor for hardiness — colder areas will see winter damage.
What works
- Clay soil tolerant, solves drainage issues
- Low maintenance, natural pyramid shape
- Budget-friendly price for 5 plants
What doesn’t
- Only rated to zone 5 hardiness
- Small 2.5-inch pots need extra care
7. 25 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 8-14 Inch Tall Trees
This 25-count bulk pack of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is the highest-volume option on the list, with each tree measuring 8-14 inches tall and shipped in its own container with soil. At 3 feet per year growth rate and a 40-foot mature height, this is the best choice for covering very long property lines or creating a dense windbreak along agricultural boundaries.
Spaced 6-7 feet apart, 25 trees can cover 150-175 linear feet. The trees tolerate full sun and moderate moisture, and they are hardy in zones 5-9. The shipping weight is substantial, but you’re getting a professional-grade quantity in a single order.
For serious landowners who need to screen a large area without buying multiple smaller packs, this 25-count bulk option is the most efficient route. The catch is handling and planting 25 small trees — it’s a weekend project.
What works
- 25-count covers up to 175 linear feet
- 8-14 inch height variety in each pack
- Fast 3ft/year growth fills the screen quickly
What doesn’t
- Large planting project requires time and labor
- Smaller starter size delays full privacy by a year
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height vs. Spread Ratio
Emerald Green cultivars typically grow 3-4 times taller than their width, making them ideal for narrow hedges. Green Giant varieties have a wider spread-to-height ratio, often reaching 15-20 feet wide at 40-60 feet tall. Always measure your available width before planting — planting a 15-foot-wide tree in a 5-foot bed leads to constant pruning stress.
Growth Rate and Establishment Timeline
Green Giant Arborvitae can add 3 feet per year after the first season, while Emerald Green adds 1-2 feet annually. The first year is critical — consistent moisture (1-2 inches of water per week) during the growing season determines whether the tree establishes a deep root system that can handle drought later. Skimping on first-year water is the top cause of Arborvitae failure.
FAQ
How far apart should I plant Green Giant Arborvitae for a solid screen?
Will Emerald Green Arborvitae survive in full shade?
Why is my new Arborvitae turning brown in the first winter?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best arborvitae evergreen trees winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack because it delivers the best balance of established starter size, fast growth rate, and long-term privacy potential for zones 5-9. If you want a compact, self-limiting hedge that stays at 8-12 feet tall, grab the Daylily Nursery Emerald Green 7-Pack. And for cold-hardy northern landscapes where zone 2 winters are a reality, nothing beats the Perfect Plants Emerald Green in 1 Gal.