Planting a living fence means committing to a structure that defines your property line for decades, and the Emerald Green Arborvitae delivers the narrow, dense, low-maintenance profile that makes it the most popular privacy hedge in American landscaping. Its tight pyramidal form and rich green foliage don’t require shearing to stay neat, making it the go-to choice for homeowners who want a formal look without constant upkeep.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing grower data, comparing zone hardiness claims against real-world owner reports, and breaking down the critical differences in root system development and transplant success rates for this specific narrow evergreen category.
This guide cuts through the nursery hype to bring you a focused comparison of live trees and artificial alternatives so you can confidently choose the right best emerald green arborvitae hedge for your specific screening needs and planting conditions.
How To Choose The Best Emerald Green Arborvitae Hedge
Buying a hedge involves more than picking the tallest tree in the lot. You need to match the cultivar’s growth habit, hardiness zone, and container maturity to your specific landscape conditions to avoid wasted money and dead plants.
Mature Size and Spacing Requirements
True Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) reaches 12-15 feet tall with a spread of only 3-4 feet at maturity. This columnar habit allows you to space them 3 feet apart for a solid screen. In contrast, the Thuja Green Giant can hit 40-60 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide — a very different long-term footprint that often overwhelms standard residential lot lines.
Container Size and Root Quality
A #3 container (3-gallon) is the most common starting size for mail-order arborvitae. Look for a plant where the root ball is firm but not pot-bound (roots circling the bottom). A healthy 3-gallon specimen will establish faster and suffer less transplant shock than a bargain-priced tree with a weak root system. Larger 5-6 foot specimens come in larger root balls and cost more but deliver immediate visual impact.
USDA Zone Compatibility and Sun Exposure
Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in zones 3-8, handling winter temperatures down to -40°F. It prefers full sun to partial shade — at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In dense shade, the foliage thins and the hedge becomes sparse. Check your zone match before ordering, especially if you live in a borderline zone 8 area with hot summers.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Promise Farms Emerald Green #3 | Live Plant | Classic narrow hedge | 3-Gal container, zones 3-8 | Amazon |
| Brighter Blooms Emerald Green 5-6 ft | Live Plant | Instant visual screen | 5-6 ft tall pre-grown | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack | Live Plant | Fast-growing tall screen | 2 ft tall 8-pack, zones 5-9 | Amazon |
| Green Promise Farms Thuja Green Giant #3 | Live Plant | Rapid growth hedging | 3-Gal container, zones 4-8 | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant 10-Pack (7-10 in) | Live Plant | Budget large-quantity planting | 7-10 in tall, zones 5-9 | Amazon |
| National Tree Co. 36 in Artificial Topiary | Faux Plant | No-care indoor/outdoor decor | 36 in tall, 497 branch tips | Amazon |
| DOPGIB Artificial Ivy Privacy Fence | Fence Screen | Large-area instant privacy | 128×72 in, 64 sq ft coverage | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Green Promise Farms Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ Emerald Green Arborvitae #3
This is the true ‘Smaragd’ cultivar — the genuine Emerald Green that landscape professionals trust for its tight, columnar growth habit and reliable hardiness. Shipped in a #3 size (3-gallon) container, the root system is fully developed and ready to transition into the ground immediately upon arrival, minimizing transplant shock compared to bare-root alternatives.
The 12-pound shipping weight reflects a substantial soil mass that protects feeder roots during transit. The mature height of 18-20 feet with a spread of just 5-6 feet means you can plant these 3 feet apart for a dense screen without worrying about overcrowding a decade from now. The rich emerald foliage holds its color through winter without browning, a key advantage over some other evergreen hedging species.
One minor point: the expected plant height at delivery is around 30 inches, so you need patience for a full-height screen. Water deeply once a week during the first growing season to establish the root system, and you’ll see 12-18 inches of new growth per year.
What works
- Genuine ‘Smaragd’ cultivar with proven narrow habit
- Large 3-gallon root system reduces transplant shock
- Excellent cold hardiness down to zone 3
What doesn’t
- Starts small at ~30 inches tall — not instant privacy
- Single plant only, buying multiples adds up
2. Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae 5-6 ft
For homeowners who need a privacy screen immediately rather than waiting 3-4 years for a smaller plant to mature, this 5-6 foot specimen delivers instant visual impact. The plant is already at a height where it provides meaningful screening from ground-floor windows and patios, and the dense pyramidal form is well-established before it ever leaves the nursery.
Shipping restrictions apply (no delivery to AK, AZ, HI, OR) due to federal agricultural regulations, so verify your location before ordering. The warranty covers healthy arrival and true-to-type genetics, though cosmetic leaf damage from shipping is not covered — simply trim any yellowed needles and the plant will recover. At this size, the root ball is substantial and requires careful handling during planting to avoid damaging the established structure.
The trade-off is clear: you pay significantly more for the instant height versus a smaller container plant. But if your goal is a finished look this season and you have the budget, this is the most effective way to achieve it without buying dozens of smaller trees and waiting years.
What works
- Immediate 5-6 foot height for instant privacy
- Well-established pyramidal form at delivery
- True ‘Smaragd’ genetics for narrow growth
What doesn’t
- Significantly more expensive than smaller plants
- Cannot ship to AK, AZ, HI, OR
- Heavy root ball requires careful planting
3. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
This is not an Emerald Green Arborvitae — it’s the Thuja Green Giant, a different species that grows much faster (3-5 feet per year) and much larger (up to 60 feet tall). I’m including it because many hedge buyers compare the two, and the Green Giant is the better choice if your priority is rapid coverage and you have the space for its 15-20 foot mature width.
The 8-pack at 2 feet each gives you a strong start for a substantial hedge line. Space them 6-7 feet apart (not the 3 feet used for Emerald Green) to accommodate their wider mature spread. The foliage has a pleasant pine-like scent when crushed and the trees are highly adaptable to various soil types once established. The 25-pound total shipping weight reflects healthy soil volume around each root system.
Be honest about your long-term space. If you plant these in a narrow side yard where an Emerald Green would fit perfectly, you will face aggressive pruning battles within 5 years as the Green Giant outgrows its location. The speed is remarkable, but the sprawl demands planning.
What works
- Grows 3-5 feet per year for fast screening
- 8-plant pack covers substantial hedge length
- Highly adaptable to different soil conditions
What doesn’t
- Not an Emerald Green — much wider mature spread
- Reaches 60 ft tall, too large for small lots
- Requires 6-7 ft spacing, not tight hedge spacing
4. Green Promise Farms Thuja-X Green Giant #3
Another Green Giant entry from the same reputable grower, this single 3-gallon tree is a direct alternative for those who want the fast growth of the Green Giant but only need one specimen for a focal point rather than a full hedge line. The 13-pound container weight indicates a robust root system comparable to the Emerald Green #3 from the same brand.
The mature size of 30-50 feet tall with a 12-16 foot spread makes this suitable for large properties where a single tree can anchor a corner or provide shade. The medium-green foliage is slightly lighter in color than the deep emerald of ‘Smaragd’, but it holds its color well year-round in zones 4-8. The grower recommends spreading 12-16 feet apart for hedge use — a clear indicator of how much room this tree demands.
If you’re comparing this directly to the Emerald Green #3 from the same brand, the decision comes down to space and patience. The Emerald Green stays narrow and grows slowly; this Green Giant spreads wide and grows fast. Choose based on your property’s dimensions, not just price.
What works
- Fast growth of 3-5 ft per year once established
- Healthy 3-gallon root system from reliable grower
- Suitable for large properties needing a specimen tree
What doesn’t
- Mature width of 12-16 ft is too large for tight spaces
- Single plant only, not economical for full hedging
5. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inches Tall
This is the most budget-friendly way to acquire a large number of hedging plants, offering 10 Thuja Green Giants at just 7-10 inches tall each. At this price per plant, you can afford to over-plant and thin later if needed, or fill a long property line without breaking the bank on larger container-grown specimens.
These are young, unhardened plants that require careful handling and ideal planting conditions. The warranty covers a 5-day inspection period and 30-day issue reporting window, but extreme weather during shipping can damage these small plants — order in mild spring or fall temperatures to maximize survival. The expected growth rate of 3 feet per year means you’ll need patience, but within 3-4 years you’ll have a substantial screen.
The major caveat: these are Green Giants, not Emerald Greens. They will reach 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity. Space them 6-7 feet apart as instructed. If you try to hedge with them at 3-foot spacing (as you would with true Emerald Greens), you’ll face severe overcrowding and disease pressure within 5 years.
What works
- Excellent per-plant value for large-scale planting
- 10 plants cover significant hedge distance
- Fast growth rate of 3 ft per year when established
What doesn’t
- Very small (7-10 in) — requires years to mature
- Not Emerald Green — Green Giant grows much wider
- Susceptible to shipping damage in extreme weather
6. National Tree Company 36 Inch Artificial Arborvitae Topiary
This is a completely artificial product — a fake topiary tree designed to replicate the look of an arborvitae without any of the maintenance. It’s not a live hedge plant, but it serves a specific purpose for renters, apartment dwellers, or homeowners who want the aesthetic of a narrow evergreen without sunlight, watering, or soil requirements.
The 497 branch tips create a dense, full appearance that convincingly mimics a real arborvitae from a few feet away. The UV-stabilized plastic is rated for outdoor use on covered patios or porches, though prolonged direct sun will eventually fade the color over several seasons. The 7-pound weight and included dark green grower’s pot make it easy to move and position without additional planters.
The limitation is obvious: this is a static decoration, not a living hedge that grows, spreads, or provides ecological benefits like pollination or carbon sequestration. It’s best used as an accent piece for a balcony or entryway, not as a substitute for a real privacy hedge. If your goal is a living screen, skip this and buy the real plant.
What works
- Zero maintenance — no watering, pruning, or sunlight needed
- Realistic appearance with dense 497 branch tips
- UV-stabilized for indoor or covered outdoor use
What doesn’t
- Not a living plant — no growth or ecological benefit
- Static 36-inch height cannot replace a hedge
- Will fade over time in direct outdoor sunlight
7. DOPGIB Artificial Ivy Privacy Fence Roll Screen 128×72 in
This is another artificial alternative — a 128-by-72-inch panel of fake ivy leaves designed to attach to existing chain-link fences, balcony railings, or walls for instant privacy. It covers 64 square feet in a single panel and uses interlocking connectors for multi-panel installations. This is not a hedge you plant; it’s a screen you mount.
The UV-resistant plastic material is engineered to resist fading and remain green through extreme weather. Installation requires cutting the panel to size with scissors and attaching it with zip ties or adhesive tape — no permanent modifications to your property. When not needed, the panel rolls up easily for storage. The realistic leaf texture and layered density provide effective visual screening up close.
The major distinction from a living arborvitae hedge: this provides immediate coverage at a fixed height with no maintenance, but it also provides no sound buffering, air purification, or wildlife habitat. It’s a practical solution for renters or temporary screening needs, but it cannot replace the long-term value and living character of a planted hedge.
What works
- Instant 64 sq ft coverage per panel
- Cut-to-size flexibility for any fence shape
- UV-resistant and weatherproof for outdoor use
What doesn’t
- Not a living hedge — no natural growth or benefits
- Fixed height cannot increase over time
- Requires a fence or structure for mounting
Hardware & Specs Guide
Emerald Green Arborvitae Mature Dimensions
The true Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ reaches 12-15 feet in height with a narrow 3-4 foot spread at maturity. This columnar habit is what makes it the premier choice for tight spaces like foundation plantings and side-yard hedges where a wider evergreen would quickly outgrow the available room. Plant spacing of 3 feet on center produces a solid screen within 5-7 years.
Container Size and Transplant Success
A #3 (3-gallon) container holds approximately 12-15 pounds of soil and root mass, giving the tree a 3-6 month head start over bare-root or smaller potted specimens. The larger root ball retains more moisture during the critical first weeks after planting and reduces the risk of transplant shock. Always water deeply (1 inch per week) for the first full growing season regardless of rainfall.
FAQ
How fast do Emerald Green Arborvitae grow per year?
Can I plant Emerald Green Arborvitae in partial shade?
What is the difference between Emerald Green and Green Giant Arborvitae?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best emerald green arborvitae hedge winner is the Green Promise Farms Emerald Green #3 because it delivers the true ‘Smaragd’ genetics, a robust 3-gallon root system, and proven hardiness across zones 3-8 — the complete package for a classic narrow privacy hedge. If you want instant visual impact without waiting years, grab the Brighter Blooms 5-6 ft Emerald Green. And for large properties needing fast, tall screening, nothing beats the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack.