How To
How tall does arborvitae grow? Their heights range from a modest 3 feet to towering 60 feet, depending on the variety—some reach privacy-screen status in just a decade while others take decades to mature.
If you're planning to plant arborvitae for privacy, windbreaks, or landscape accents, knowing their mature height is critical—but growth rates vary dramatically by species. Some reach towering heights in decades, while others stay compact for years.
Fast-growing varieties like Green Giant can add 3 feet per year, while slower types like Emerald Green grow just 6 inches annually. That means a 10-foot hedge today could be a 20-foot wall in a decade—or a lifetime project if you choose the wrong type.
Below, I break down the fastest-growing arborvitae by height gain, spacing tips to avoid overcrowding, and pruning tricks to keep them at your desired size—so you can pick the perfect fit for your yard and timeline.
Arborvitae height by species: mature sizes and growth rates in feet per year
Choosing the right arborvitae depends on your space and timeline. Some varieties grow slowly to 5 feet, while others surge to 60 feet in 20 years. The key is matching the species to your yard’s dimensions and privacy goals.
Below, I’ll break down 10+ arborvitae varieties, their mature heights, and how fast they grow annually to help you plan.
For quick privacy, focus on fast-growing arborvitae like the Green Giant, which can add 3–4 feet per year. For low-maintenance borders, dwarf varieties like Golden Globe max out at 3–4 feet but grow just 2–4 inches annually. Understanding these differences ensures you avoid overcrowding or underwhelming results.
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The Green Giant arborvitae is the fastest
How to estimate arborvitae growth in your climate: sun, soil, and spacing tips
Arborvitae growth isn’t just about the species you choose—your local climate, sunlight exposure, and soil conditions play huge roles. In my Zone 6a garden, a Green Giant arborvitae grows nearly 12 inches per year in full sun, but only 6 inches in partial shade.
Understanding these factors helps you set realistic expectations and plan your landscape design accordingly.
Start by assessing your sunlight conditions. Arborvitae thrive in full sun to partial shade, but their growth rate accelerates with more sunlight.
For example, Emerald Green arborvitae may reach 15–20 feet in 10 years with 6+ hours of sun daily, while the same variety in shady conditions might only hit 10–12 feet. Use a sunlight map of your yard to identify the best planting spots.
- 🌞 Full Sun (6+ hours/day): Boosts growth by 30–50%. Ideal for Green Giant or Leighton Green varieties.
- 🌿 Partial Shade (3–6 hours/day): Slows growth but improves foliage density. Best for Emerald Green or American arborvitae.
- 🌧️ Poor Drainage: Stunts root growth, reducing height by 20–30%**. Amend soil with compost or sand.
- 📏 Spacing: Plant 3–5 feet apart for dwarf varieties, 6–10 feet for standard types to prevent overcrowding.
- 🌡️ Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas may have slower growth due to pollution or compacted soil.
Soil drainage is another critical factor. Arborvitae roots need well-draining soil to avoid root rot, which can stunt growth. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in organic matter like compost or peat moss before planting.
In my experience, amending the soil can increase growth by up to 25% in the first few years. Always test your soil’s pH level—arborvitae prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
Proper spacing is often overlooked but directly impacts growth. Planting arborvitae too close together can lead to stunted growth and poor air circulation, increasing the risk of fungal diseases.
For example, a Green Giant arborvitae, which can reach 40–50 feet at maturity, needs 8–10 feet of space between plants. Dwarf varieties like Teddy Bear arborvitae only need 3–4 feet of clearance.
Pruning plays a key role in shaping your arborvitae without sacrificing height. I recommend light pruning in late winter or early spring to remove dead or overgrown branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the plant and slow growth.
For taller varieties, focus on thinning out dense areas to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. Never prune more than 25% of the foliage in a single session.
Finally, adjust your expectations based on your regional climate. Arborvitae in cooler northern climates (like Zones 3–5) may grow slower due to shorter growing seasons, while those in warmer southern zones (like Zones 6–8) can grow more aggressively.
In my Zone 6a garden, I’ve seen Leighton Green arborvitae grow 10–12 inches per year, but in Zone 7, the same variety can reach 14–16 inches annually. Always check your USDA hardiness zone for accurate growth projections.