Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald': American Arborvitae for Year-Round Green Privacy Hedges

American Arborvitae 'Emerald' (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald'), syn. 'Smaragd', is a compact, evergreen, pyramidal tree retaining glossy bright green foliage year-round, making it a valuable hedge plant or specimen. Tolerates a wide range of soils and likes humid weather with regular rain. Foliage becomes less dense in too much shade.

Growing Conditions

Average, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Water deeply in hot dry weather; mulch root zone. Prune in early spring before new growth. If grown as hedge, trim in spring and late summer. Keep trained to a single leader to avoid ice/snow damage. Propagate by inserting semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Watch for caterpillars, bark beetles, weevils, mites, scale, butt rot, twig dieback, Botrytis, mushroom root rot, needle blights.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 6–10 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumping, Moderate
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Native, Showy Foliage
• Foliage Color: Evergreen
• Uses: Screening, Specimen
• Type: Trees