Thuja Plicata Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ (Size: 6-7′)

Green giant arborvitae is a large, needled, evergreen, conifer tree that is a hybrid cultivar of T. plicata and T. standishii (a cross between the western red cedar and Japanese arborvitae, respectively). This hybrid was developed in the 1930s in Denmark and was introduced to the U.S. in 1967 when the U.S. National Arboretum received a specimen. Later availability to nurseries increased interest for use in landscapes. Its low-branching, dense columnar-pyramidal habit reaches a mature height of 40-60 feet and width of 12-18 feet with a lifespan of 40-60 years. Dark green sprays of small, glossy, scale-like needles retain their deep green color through the winter.

This tree does best in a moist, full-sun location with light afternoon shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils and, in optimal conditions, can grow 3-4 feet per year.

It resists most diseases, insects, periodic drought, and deer. It does not tolerate salt (spray or salty soils). It is a low-maintenance landscaping choice due to its hardiness and uniform growth habit that requires little to no pruning to maintain an attractive pyramidal shape. Younger plants may be trimmed into hedges or privacy screens.

Size: 6-7′