★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 Stars

1 Year Warranty on All Plants

Get 10% Off with code FALL10

Up to 81% Off- Shop the Fall Sale Now!

Emerald Green Arborvitae

$17995 $41995
Choose Height at Delivery
Choose Quantity
Free Shipping - Your plants ship tomorrow
Plant Health Guaranteed
Free Lifetime Support
Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
Use code "FALL10" for an extra 10% off!

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae Planting Instructions:

  1. Site Selection & Soil Preparation: Choose a location that gets full sun to partial shade—Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. It prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types, from slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0-8.0). Dig a hole that is slightly shallower than the root ball and twice as wide. This allows for the roots to spread easily and prevents the tree from sitting in water, which could cause root rot. Create a small mound at the bottom of the hole, placing the tree so that the top of the root ball sits slightly above ground level.
  2. Spacing & Mulching: If planting as a privacy hedge or windbreak, space the trees about 3-4 feet apart for a dense hedge. For individual trees, allow 5-6 feet of space. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduces weeds.
  3. Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. For the first few months, water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on weather conditions. Make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Emerald Green Arborvitae prefers consistent moisture during its establishment phase.

Emerald Green Arborvitae Care Instructions:

  1. Watering During Establishment: For the first year, keep the soil evenly moist by watering weekly, especially during dry periods. These trees can tolerate some drought once established, but regular watering ensures strong root growth. Check the soil by digging down a few inches to see if it feels dry before watering.
  2. Fertilization: Emerald Green Arborvitae generally doesn’t need much fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth or burn the roots.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: While generally low-maintenance, Emerald Green Arborvitae can sometimes attract pests like spider mites or bagworms. Check the foliage regularly for signs of discoloration or webbing, and treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, so ensure trees are properly spaced.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

  1. Pruning: Prune your Emerald Green Arborvitae lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid cutting into old wood, as this may not regrow. Regular pruning is usually not necessary, but light trimming can help shape the tree into a neat, conical form.
  2. Watering and Drought Tolerance: Once established, Emerald Green Arborvitae is relatively drought-tolerant, but it’s still a good idea to water during prolonged dry spells, especially in the summer. Water deeply, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone, but allow the soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot.
  3. Winter Care: Emerald Green Arborvitae is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C). However, during harsh winters, branches can become brittle and break under the weight of snow and ice. To prevent damage, gently brush off heavy snow and consider wrapping the tree with burlap in areas prone to strong winds.

Indoor and Container Gardening:

Because the Emerald Green Arborvitae grows up to 12-15 feet tall, it is not suitable for indoor growing. However, it can be grown in large containers outdoors, especially in smaller gardens or patios. Choose a pot at least 24 inches wide with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix designed for trees or shrubs. Water when the top 2 inches of soil dry out, and ensure the container is placed in a sunny location. While container-grown trees may need more frequent watering, ensure the soil doesn’t remain soggy. In colder climates, protect the container from extreme freezing to prevent root damage.

By following these guidelines, your Emerald Green Arborvitae will thrive and provide year-round greenery and structure to your landscape!

What Customers say about the Emerald Green Arborvitae:

The Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in Zones 3-8

Growing Zones for the Emerald Green Arborvitae

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Emerald Green Arborvitae.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 3-8
Mature Height 10-15 ft.
Mature Width 3-5 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

The Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in Zones 3-8

Growing Zones for the Emerald Green Arborvitae

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Emerald Green Arborvitae.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 3-8
Mature Height 10-15 ft.
Mature Width 3-5 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Beware- Not all Emerald Green Arborvitaes are the Same!

Be sure to get Superior evergreens, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Trees: Some nurseries send you "bare root" trees to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Emerald Green Arborvitaes in large, soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall evergreens in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Mature emerald green arborvitae growing in a row along a mulch garden bed with grass beside.

This is a popular alternative to the larger Thuja Green Giant- growing up to just 10-15 feet tall-  making it the perfect solution for smaller yards or tighter areas.

  • Perfect Size: Reaching a manageable height of 10-15 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, it fits into all landscapes, offering full privacy without overpowering your space.
  • Vibrant Year-Round Color: Get rich green foliage all year long, even during the coldest months. This tree holds its color beautifully, creating a lush, vibrant backdrop to your yard.
  • Low Maintenance: It is drought-tolerant and virtually care-free. It resists most pests and diseases, too.
  • Cold Hardy: The Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in growing zones 3-8, enduring even the coldest winters without browning or damage.

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "5-6 ft." tree may only be about three feet when planted. We measure all trees from the soil line, ensuring your tree reaches the promised height after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
Emerald Green Arborvitae Row and Alternate Planting Guide with views of the planting styles from eye level and overhead views.

Different Privacy Options

Plant in a Row (straight line) to save space.

Plant in an Alternating / Staggered pattern for quicker privacy with a classy look.

How far apart do I plant my trees?

Plant 2-3 ft. apart for a tight privacy wall to block out neighbors and noise.

Read more about the Emerald Green Arborvitae

Perfect Privacy for Smaller Spaces

The Emerald Green Arborvitae gives you an elegant, low-maintenance, and perfectly-sized evergreen that provides year-round privacy and enhances any landscape.

This is a popular alternative to the larger Thuja Green Giant- growing up to just 10-15 feet tall-  making it the perfect solution for smaller yards or tighter areas.

  • Perfect Size: Reaching a manageable height of 10-15 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, it fits into all landscapes, offering full privacy without overpowering your space.
  • Vibrant Year-Round Color: Get rich green foliage all year long, even during the coldest months. This tree holds its color beautifully, creating a lush, vibrant backdrop to your yard.
  • Low Maintenance: It is drought-tolerant and virtually care-free. It resists most pests and diseases, too.
  • Cold Hardy: The Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in growing zones 3-8, enduring even the coldest winters without browning or damage.

Not All Emerald Green Arborvitaes are the Same

Make sure you know what you're getting. Some other online nurseries sell "bare root" evergreens. That means there is not pot or soil to protect your tree's roots! This is risky, and often these types of trees don't survive the planting process.

Nationwide Plants only offers potted, well-rooted Emerald Green Arborvitae trees. This is very important for these types of evergreens- they're often a year or two older than the ones you can find at other places. This means that once they are planted in your yard, they are ready to take off with explosive growth the first year.

Be Careful when Comparing Heights

Most online nurseries measure a tree's height by including the pot and roots in their measurement. This means that an actual "5-6 ft. tree" might only be three feet tall once it is planted!

Nationwide Plants measures its trees above the ground. Rest assured that when you purchase a "5-6 ft. tree" from us, it'll actually be that tall when you plant it.

This is extremely important when purchasing privacy evergreens, because you need instant privacy now! Purchasing from other sites might cost you two or three years of privacy.

Ideal for Privacy, Even in Tight Spaces

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is well-known for its dense, compact foliage, making it one of the best options for creating a natural privacy screen, windbreak, or sound barrier. Whether planted in rows or as a specimen tree, it offers beauty and seclusion.

  • Perfect for Small Spaces: With its narrow profile, this tree is ideal for planting along property lines, around patios, or next to structures like fences and driveways. You can create a full privacy hedge without taking up too much space.
  • Dense Foliage: The thick, feathery green foliage provides a solid visual screen, offering privacy from neighbors, reducing noise, and even blocking wind—all while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Planting and Care Made Easy

At Nationwide Trees, LLC, we believe in making landscaping simple and rewarding. The Emerald Green Arborvitae is easy to plant and requires very little care to thrive.

  • Planting Instructions: For a privacy hedge, plant your Emerald Greens about 3 feet apart. If you're planting near structures like fences or buildings, be sure to leave 4 feet of space for proper air circulation and easy maintenance.
  • Soil and Watering: This tree adapts well to various soil types, as long as they’re well-draining. Water regularly for the first few months, then let nature take over—once established, it only needs occasional watering, even in dry spells.
  • Sunlight: The Emerald Green prefers full sun (6-8 hours per day), but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Low Maintenance, High Reward

One of the reasons homeowners love the Emerald Green Arborvitae is that it requires minimal maintenance.

  • Minimal Pruning: Unlike many other privacy trees, the Emerald Green doesn’t require regular pruning. However, if you prefer a neatly trimmed hedge, you can lightly prune once a year to maintain your desired height and shape.
  • Drought and Cold Tolerance: After the first year, this tree becomes highly drought-tolerant and thrives in both hot and cold climates, meaning less watering and no special winter care.
  • Resistant to Pests and Disease: You won’t have to worry about common tree problems like pests or diseases, as the Emerald Green Arborvitae is naturally resilient.

Versatile Planting Options

Whether you're lining your property or adding a decorative touch to your garden, the Emerald Green Arborvitae fits perfectly into any landscape design. Its versatility and adaptability make it a favorite among homeowners and landscapers alike.

  • Straight Row for Privacy: Plant 3 feet apart in a straight line to create a dense, green privacy fence. This method is perfect for those looking to quickly create a secluded backyard or block out street noise.
  • Staggered Rows for Full Coverage: For even more privacy and depth, stagger two rows of Emerald Greens. This method provides thicker coverage while using fewer trees.

History of the Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ was discovered in Denmark in the 1950s. The cultivar name ‘Smaragd’ comes from the Danish word for "emerald," referring to its rich green foliage.

The plant was introduced by D.T. Poulsen Nursery, a well-known Danish horticultural firm. It is believed to have originated as a chance seedling or a naturally occurring mutation of Thuja occidentalis.

Since its introduction, ‘Smaragd’ (commonly known as Emerald Green Arborvitae) has become one of the most widely planted arborvitae cultivars due to its compact, pyramidal growth habit and year-round vibrant green color.

Why Nationwide Trees, LLC?

At Nationwide Trees, LLC, we are committed to delivering the healthiest and highest-quality trees directly to your door. When you order from us, you can be confident that your Emerald Green Arborvitae will arrive ready to thrive in your landscape.

  • Healthy, Well-Rooted Trees: We grow our Emerald Green Arborvitaes with care, ensuring they have strong, well-established roots, so they thrive from the moment they're planted.
  • Ready for Success: Unlike bare-root trees that can struggle to get started, our trees come rooted and ready to grow, ensuring faster establishment and success in your yard.

Ready to Create Your Own Green Haven?

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is the perfect combination of beauty, privacy, and practicality. Whether you’re looking to block out neighbors, create a wind barrier, or simply enhance your landscape, this tree is a fantastic choice.

Don't wait to start enjoying the privacy and beauty of this stunning evergreen. Order your Emerald Green Arborvitae today from Nationwide Trees, LLC and transform your outdoor space into a private, peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Emerald Green Arborvitae

How tall and wide does Emerald Green Arborvitae get?

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows 10 to 15 feet tall and just 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity. Its narrow, pyramidal shape makes it one of the best evergreens for privacy in small yards and tight spaces, like along property lines, fences, driveways, and patios.

How fast does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow?

Emerald Green Arborvitae has a slow to moderate growth rate of roughly 6 to 12 inches per year once established. Because it grows steadily rather than quickly, starting with a taller, well-rooted potted tree is the fastest way to get privacy. Nationwide Plants measures every tree from the soil line up, so you get the full height you pay for.

How far apart should I plant Emerald Green Arborvitae for a privacy hedge?

For a dense privacy hedge, plant Emerald Green Arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart in a straight row. For even thicker coverage, stagger two rows. When planting near a fence, house, or other structure, leave about 4 feet of space for air circulation and easy maintenance.

What is the difference between Emerald Green Arborvitae and Thuja Green Giant?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a compact, narrow evergreen that tops out at 10 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, making it ideal for smaller yards. Thuja Green Giant grows much faster and larger, reaching 30 to 50 feet tall. Choose Emerald Green for a manageable, low-maintenance hedge, and Green Giant for tall screening on larger properties.

What growing zones does Emerald Green Arborvitae grow in?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is extremely cold hardy and grows in USDA zones 3 through 8. It can withstand winter temperatures down to -40°F, making it a reliable privacy tree in northern climates as well as much of the South.

How much sun does Emerald Green Arborvitae need?

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates, but plants in too much shade grow more slowly and fill in less densely.

How often should I water newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Water deeply right after planting, then water deeply 1 to 2 times per week for the first few months and about once a week through the first year, especially in dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, Emerald Green Arborvitae is drought tolerant and only needs water during long dry spells.

What kind of soil does Emerald Green Arborvitae need?

Emerald Green Arborvitae adapts to many soil types, from slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0 to 8.0), as long as the soil drains well. Avoid low spots where water stands, and plant with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level to prevent root rot.

Do Emerald Green Arborvitae need to be pruned?

Emerald Green Arborvitae needs little to no pruning thanks to its naturally tidy, conical shape. If you want a neater hedge, lightly trim once a year in late winter or early spring. Avoid cutting back into old, bare wood, because it will not regrow.

Does Emerald Green Arborvitae stay green in winter?

Yes. Emerald Green Arborvitae keeps its rich green color all year, even through cold winters, providing year-round privacy. In areas with heavy snow, gently brush snow off the branches to prevent bending or breakage, and consider wrapping young trees in burlap where winter winds are harsh.
Back to top