Emerald Green Arborvitae
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 30 Day Plant Promise. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Here's what you can expect:
Beware- not all online plant nurseries are the same!
Some nurseries cut corners to save money- especially when shipping larger plants!
- We never ship bare-root plants
- We never chop or cut roots just to fit into a smaller box
- We ship plants with large, developed root systems so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
Here’s exactly what you can expect after you place your order.
Selecting Your Plants for Shipping
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on what you ordered
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling through the carrier network. Depending on what you ordered, packaging may include:
- Support materials to keep the plant stable
- Protection around the pot and root ball to prevent shifting
- Reinforced boxing to reduce bending or breakage
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of the plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast, Reliable Shipping with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickly across the country
- They are consistently the most gentle with live plant packages
- Faster transit means less stress on your plant
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
We Ship From Multiple Nursery Locations
Nationwide Plants ships from multiple locations across the country, including locations on both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently

How We Measure Your Tree Size
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
What Your Plant Might Look Like After Shipping
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after being in transit. Your plant has been traveling in a box, and you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants (Quick & Easy)
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
-
Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
-
Remove all packing materials
-
Check soil moisture
-
If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering
-
-
Let the plant recover
-
Give it a little fresh air after shipping
-
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives looking droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
|
The Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in Zones 3-8
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
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' |
Description
Description
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.











