Trees
If you're asking "how tall do arborvitae trees grow", the answer might surprise you—these evergreens range from tiny 3-foot shrubs to towering 60-foot giants, depending on the variety. Whether you're dreaming of a lush privacy screen or a low-maintenance border, understanding their growth potential is key to planning your landscape.
Some arborvitae varieties, like the Green Giant, grow aggressively—adding 3 feet per year until they reach their full height. Others, such as the Emerald Green, stay compact, making them perfect for small yards or containers. The right choice depends on your space and long-term vision.
But here's the thing: even fast-growing arborvitae can be managed with simple pruning techniques. I'll show you how to keep them at your desired height while maintaining their health and beauty. Plus, we'll cover the best varieties for different goals—whether you want a fast-growing screen or a slow-growing accent plant.
Ready to pick the perfect arborvitae for your garden? Let's break down the fastest and slowest growers so you can make an informed decision—without ending up with a tree that outgrows your space in just a few years.
Arborvitae height by variety: fastest-growing types that skyrocket (and which stay compact)
When planning your landscape, knowing how tall arborvitae trees grow helps you avoid surprises. Some varieties grow like weeds—adding 3 feet annually—while others stay neatly contained in small spaces. The key is matching the variety to your yard's dimensions and your long-term vision.
For example, the Green Giant arborvitae is a classic fast-grower, reaching 40-60 feet in ideal conditions. If you're planting near your home, this variety could easily outgrow your roof! On the flip side, the Emerald Green tops out at just 3-4 feet, making it perfect for foundation plantings or narrow borders.
Here’s the breakdown of what to expect from popular arborvitae varieties, including their mature heights, growth rates, and ideal spacing for a healthy landscape.
The Green Giant is the fastest-growing arborvitae, making it ideal for quick privacy solutions. However, its rapid growth means you’ll need to plan for its eventual 60-foot height. If you’re working with limited space, varieties like Emerald Green or Teddy Bear are far more manageable, staying under 5 feet even after years of growth.
For medium-sized yards, the American Plum arborvitae strikes a balance, reaching 15-20 feet while still offering a lush, evergreen presence. This variety grows at a steady 1-2 feet per year, so you won’t see it outpace your home overnight.
If you’re planting arborvitae as a hedge or border, spacing is everything. Fast growers like Green Giant need 10-15 feet of clearance from structures, while dwarf varieties like Conica can be planted just 2 feet apart for a dense, low-profile look.
One common mistake I see is underestimating how quickly arborvitae can fill out a space. For instance, planting a Green Giant too close to a fence or driveway can lead to pruning headaches—or worse, a tree that blocks sunlight or drainage. Always check the mature height and growth rate before committing to a location.
Pro tip: If you love the look of a tall arborvitae but have limited space, consider pruning regularly to control its height. Even fast growers can be kept in check with the right techniques, which we’ll cover in the next section.
No matter which variety you choose, arborvitae are low-maintenance once established. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and their drought tolerance makes them a smart choice for water-conscious gardeners.
Ready to pick the perfect arborvitae for your space? Start by measuring your yard and matching it to the mature height and growth rate of the varieties above. And remember—when in doubt, opt for a slower-growing type to avoid future pruning regrets!
Arborvitae height by variety: fastest-growing types that skyrocket (and which stay compact)
When planning your landscape, knowing how tall arborvitae trees grow is crucial—especially since some varieties can double in height every decade. The Green Giant arborvitae, for example, is a fastest-growing variety, reaching 50-60 feet in just 10-15 years. That’s why it’s often used for privacy screens along property lines or near highways.
On the opposite end, dwarf arborvitae like the Emerald Green stay a manageable 3-4 feet tall, making them ideal for container gardening or low borders. These compact varieties grow just 6-12 inches per year, so they’re perfect for small yards or urban landscapes where space is limited.
Here’s how the most popular varieties compare—so you can pick the one that fits your space and goals:
| Variety | Mature Height | Growth Rate (Per Year) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Giant | 50-60 ft | 3 ft | Privacy screens, large properties |
| Emerald Green | 3-4 ft | 6-12 in | Containers, borders, small yards |
| American Arborvitae | 40-60 ft | 2-3 ft | Natural landscapes, wooded areas |
| Teddy Bear | 3-4 ft | 4-6 in | Ground cover, rock gardens |
| Leighton Green | 10-15 ft | 1-2 ft | Hedges, medium-sized yards |
If you’re planting near a fence or roof, always check the mature height of your chosen variety. For instance, the Green Giant can easily outgrow a 10-foot fence in just 3-4 years, so plan accordingly. Meanwhile, dwarf varieties like Emerald Green are perfect for container gardening or as hedge accents in tight spaces.
Pro tip: Spacing matters. Fast-growing varieties need 10-15 feet of clearance on all sides to avoid crowding, while dwarf types can thrive in 3-5 feet of space. Always follow the planting guidelines for your specific arborvitae to ensure healthy growth.
Need help deciding? Consider your long-term vision—whether you want a quick privacy screen or a low-maintenance border. The right variety can make all the difference in your landscape’s success! 🌲