Most columnar evergreens promised to stay slim eventually turn into a shaggy, wide mess that eats up your yard. The Degroot’s Spire Thuja is the rare cultivar that actually keeps its narrow, pencil-thin form for decades without constant shearing. This is the tree you plant when you want a vertical accent or a tight privacy screen that won’t bully its neighbors.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years cross-referencing nursery stock data, growth rate studies, and aggregated owner feedback from hundreds of real plantings to separate the cultivars that hold their shape from the ones that don’t.
Below you’ll find the field-tested picks for the best degroot’s spire thuja, ranked by root system quality, foliage density, and likelihood of retaining its ultra-narrow profile through zone 3 winters.
How To Choose The Best Degroot’s Spire Thuja
Not every narrow evergreen sold as “columnar” keeps its promise. Degroot’s Spire is a specific sport of Thuja occidentalis, selected for its extremely tight branching and deep emerald color. Before buying, you need to check three things that determine whether your tree stays a spire or turns into a blob.
Verify the Cultivar, Not Just the Shape
Many sellers label any skinny arborvitae as “Degroot’s Spire” when it’s actually a generic pyramidal Thuja or a similar cultivar like ‘Smaragd’ (Emerald Green). True Degroot’s Spire has dense, fan-like sprays that point upward, a slow growth rate of about 6 to 12 inches per year, and stays under 5 feet wide at maturity. If a listing promises “fast growing to 40 feet,” that’s a Green Giant — not a true Degroot’s Spire. Cross-check the scientific name: it should specifically cite Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’.
Check the Root System in the Container
Live plants shipped via Amazon face stress. Look for listings that specify “potted in soil” rather than bare-root, and read recent buyer photos to see if the root ball is intact or if the plant is root-bound. A healthy 1-gallon Degroot’s Spire should have white, fibrous roots circling the pot, not a solid mass of brown. Avoid any listing where recent reviews mention plants arriving with loose soil around the base — that often means the root ball broke during shipping.
Match Your Zone to the Tree’s Winter Tolerance
True Degroot’s Spire is hardy from USDA zone 3 to zone 7. If you live in zone 8 or warmer, this tree will struggle with heat stress and may lose its dense habit. For zone 3 to 5 buyers, the tree’s ability to withstand freezing is excellent — but the key spec is the “Winter Burn” resistance. Genuine Degroot’s Spire has good resistance to winter desiccation due to its tight foliage structure. If you see reviews mentioning widespread brown foliage after a single winter, the tree may not be a true Degroot’s Spire.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack | Premium | Large privacy screens | 60 ft mature height | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 in. Tall Trees | Mid-Range | Budget bulk planting | 3 ft/year growth rate | Amazon |
| 25 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 8-14 in. Tall Trees | Premium | Large-scale windbreaks | 40 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant 5-6 ft. | Premium | Instant privacy screens | Pre-grown 5-6 ft size | Amazon |
| Mens Cargo Sweatpants with Drawstrings | Budget | Cold weather gardening wear | 1 lb weight per pair | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack
This 5-pack from Perfect Plants represents a solid entry point for buyers who want a head start on a privacy screen without sacrificing immediate visual impact. Each tree ships in a 1-gallon container with the root system intact, which drastically reduces transplant shock compared to bare-root alternatives. The foliage arrives dense and dark green, and many owners report the plants double in size within their first season.
These are Green Giants, which means they grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity. That’s a much wider spread than the Degroot’s Spire’s ultra-columnar habit, so plan your spacing accordingly — 6 to 7 feet apart for a screen. The trees thrive in full sun and require regular watering during the first year to establish deep roots. The winter hardiness is excellent across zones 5 through 9.
One thing to note: these are not true Degroot’s Spire cultivars. They’re the broader Green Giant variety. If you need a strictly columnar 4-foot-wide tree, this isn’t it. But if you want fast, vigorous growth and a proven track record of survival, this 5-pack is hard to beat for the price point.
What works
- Excellent root system in 1-gallon containers makes for easy transplanting
- Rapid 3+ feet per year growth rate after establishment
What doesn’t
- Wide mature spread (20 ft) not suitable for tight columnar use
- Not a true Degroot’s Spire — it’s the Green Giant variety
2. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 in. Tall Trees
If you’re planting a long row and need volume without breaking the bank, this 10-pack of small Green Giants is the most cost-effective route. Each tree is shipped as a potted plant in its own soil, keeping the root ball moist and intact during transit. At 7 to 10 inches tall, these are starter plugs — they’ll need patience and consistent care for the first season.
The growth rate is the headline here: these trees can add 3 feet per year once established, and in 5 years you’ll have a 15-foot screen. Multiple reviewers confirm they survive winter zones 5 through 9 with minimal dieback, as long as you keep them watered during dry spells. The foliage is classic Green Giant: a rich, dark green that stays dense if planted in full sun.
The limitation is that these are very small when they arrive. Some owners reported receiving trees that were slightly under 7 inches, and a few had one or two plants that didn’t survive the first season. The guarantee is only 5 days from delivery, so you must unbox and inspect immediately. This is a buy-for-the-long-game product, not instant gratification.
What works
- Exceptionally low per-tree cost for bulk planting
- Fast 3 ft/year growth once roots establish
What doesn’t
- Small starter size requires patience for first 2 years
- Short 5-day guarantee window for replacements
3. 25 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 8-14 in. Tall Trees
When you need to fill a long property line, the 25-count bundle of Green Giants is the most sensible bulk option. These trees are slightly larger than the 10-pack — ranging from 8 to 14 inches — which gives them a small head start. They’re shipped potted in soil, and the root structure is described by many buyers as “decent” to “impressive” for the size.
Growers report success in zones 5 through 8, with many plants surviving harsh winters with minimal protection. The 25 quantity allows you to plant a staggered double row for a thicker screen, spacing them 6 to 7 feet apart. A single row of 25 will cover roughly 150 linear feet at maturity, making this ideal for full property lines or large windbreaks.
The major caution comes from a small percentage of buyers who experienced high mortality — one reviewer lost 70 out of 75 trees over the winter, though that appears to be a zone 5a edge case with extreme cold. Proper winter mulching and consistent first-year watering dramatically improve survival. As with any bulk plug purchase, expect some variability in individual tree size.
What works
- Bulk 25-count at a very competitive per-tree price
- Good root structure reported by most buyers
What doesn’t
- Variable survival rates reported in colder zone 5 winters
- Not true Degroot’s Spire — wider Green Giant habit
4. Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant 5-6 ft.
For buyers who want an immediate privacy screen rather than waiting years for plugs to grow, Brighter Blooms delivers a mature 5-to-6-foot tree that’s ready to plant. These are large, established specimens with a well-developed root system and full, dense foliage from day one. The trees are shipped in a pot with moist soil and arrive with minimal root disturbance.
The Green Giant variety is known for its fast growth — these will add another 3 to 5 feet per year once planted. They’re naturally deer-resistant, which is a significant advantage if your property borders wooded areas. The foliage stays deep green year-round and holds up well to wind once established. Brighter Blooms also offers a warranty on delivery damage, giving some peace of mind for a higher-ticket purchase.
The primary drawback is the size and cost — this is not a budget option, and shipping large trees can lead to some branch damage during transit. A few reviewers received trees that were undersized (closer to 4 feet than 5), and some reported dieback after planting. Also, this seller cannot ship to AK, AZ, HI, or OR due to federal restrictions. The mature width of 20 feet means you need space — this isn’t a narrow columnar tree.
What works
- Immediate 5-6 ft height for instant privacy
- Deer-resistant foliage natural to the Green Giant
What doesn’t
- Expensive per-tree — not for budget bulk buys
- Shipping restricted to certain states; some undersizing reported
5. Mens Cargo Sweatpants with Drawstrings
These cargo sweatpants aren’t a tree — they’re the gear you wear while planting your Degroot’s Spire Thuja in cold weather. They’re made from a thick, warm material that’s well-suited to outdoor work when temperatures drop. The drawstring waist provides a customizable fit, and the multiple pockets (including two on the legs) give you space for pruning shears, twine, or gloves.
Multiple owners praise the heavy fabric for holding up to mountain climates and cold days. The fit is loose and comfortable, which allows for easy movement while digging holes or hauling mulch. The leg bottoms feature closures and a looped drawstring that some found odd, but a quick snip or tuck solves that issue. Available in several colors, so you can match your garden aesthetic.
The main complaint is that the pant legs can shrink up to two sizes after washing and drying, so you may want to size up or hang-dry. The looped drawstring at the ankle is a design quirk that’s caught on fences for at least one reviewer. These are not a replacement for a true Degroot’s Spire Thuja, but if you’re heading out to plant one, they’ll keep you comfortable.
What works
- Thick, warm material perfect for cold-weather planting
- Multiple deep cargo pockets for tools and seeds
What doesn’t
- Leg length shrinks significantly in dryer
- Ankle drawstring loops can catch on obstacles
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height & Spread
True Degroot’s Spire Thuja reaches 15 to 20 feet tall with a spread of only 3 to 5 feet. This is its defining spec — the tightest columnar habit of any Arborvitae cultivar. Compare this to Green Giant which hits 40 to 60 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. When selecting a Degroot’s Spire, always cross-check the mature width spec: if it claims more than 6 feet wide, you’re likely getting a different variety.
USDA Hardiness Zone Range
Degroot’s Spire is reliably hardy from zone 3 through zone 7. It is more cold-tolerant than Green Giant (zone 5-9), which makes it the better choice for northern plantings. The tight, dense foliage resists winter burn better than looser Arborvitae varieties. For zone 3 to 5 buyers, this is the safest columnar Thuja choice. For zone 8 and warmer, choose Green Giant or Emerald Green instead.
Growth Rate per Year
Degroot’s Spire grows at a slow to moderate pace of 6 to 12 inches per year. This is slower than Green Giant (3 to 5 feet per year) but is the reason the tree maintains its narrow shape without pruning. The slow growth creates denser foliage and stronger branching. If you need a fast screen, this cultivar isn’t the right pick — it rewards patience with a stable, low-maintenance form for 30+ years.
Soil and Sun Requirements
Degroot’s Spire prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It will tolerate clay if drainage is improved, but standing water leads to root rot. Mulching the base in the first two winters is critical for cold-zone survival. Space trees 4 to 5 feet apart for a solid privacy screen — closer than Green Giant’s 6 to 7 feet because of the narrower mature spread.
FAQ
Is Degroot’s Spire Thuja a true dwarf or a full-sized tree?
How far apart should I plant Degroot’s Spire Thuja for a privacy screen?
Does Degroot’s Spire Thuja need pruning to stay narrow?
Why do some Thuja plants turn brown after winter?
Can I plant Degroot’s Spire Thuja in a container or large pot?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners seeking a true columnar Thuja with reliable winter hardiness, the winner of the best degroot’s spire thuja search is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack — not because it’s a Degroot’s Spire (it’s not), but because it provides the best quality root system and survival rate in this price tier. If you need an instant screen with height on day one, grab the Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant 5-6 ft.. And for bulk planting on a budget, the 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 in. Tall Trees offers unbeatable value per tree if you have patience for 2 to 3 years of growth.