Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'): The Perfect Narrow Evergreen Screen

'Emerald Green' (also sold as 'Smaragd') is a popular cultivar of eastern arborvitae (white cedar) prized for its narrow, pyramidal form, vibrant emerald-green foliage that holds color through winter, and compact size. It is the go-to choice for privacy hedges, screens, and formal accents in cold-climate gardens.

Botanical Profile

• Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)
• Genus: Thuja
• Species: occidentalis
• Cultivar: 'Emerald Green' (syn. 'Smaragd')

Growth and Appearance

Grows 12–15 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide, maintaining a dense, narrow pyramid without pruning. Foliage is scale-like, bright emerald green, resistant to winter bronzing. Slow to moderate growth rate. Extremely cold-hardy (USDA zones 2–7).

Culture

Full sun to part shade. Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and wet sites better than most conifers. Avoid dry, exposed, windy sites. Mulch to conserve moisture. Prune only to shape or control height; do not cut into old wood (no buds).

Uses

Privacy hedge, screen, windbreak, foundation planting, specimen, container. Space 2–3 feet apart for a solid hedge. Deer-resistant.