Emerald Cedar Hedge: Growth Habit and Thickening Timeline

Mature Dimensions

• Height: 25 ft (slows dramatically at 15 ft)
• Width: 5–8 ft (slows at 4 ft)

Hedge Management

Maintain at 8–15 ft height. Natural shape = upside-down ice cream cones. Initial planting creates a zigzag top line until plants merge.

Thickening Strategy

• Light shearing after spring flush encourages lateral branching.
• Don't shear into old wood (brown zone)—no regrowth.
• Full sun = densest growth; shade = open, leggy habit.

Patience Required

Emerald cedars (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') are slow to fill at the base. Expect 3–5 years for a solid screen at 3 ft spacing.