Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green' vs. 'Green Giant': Which Arborvitae for Your Hedge?

Are Emerald Green and Green Giant the Same Tree?

No. Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green' (also called 'Smaragd') is a cultivar of Eastern arborvitae. It grows 12 feet tall by 3 feet wide, retains vibrant green color through winter, and forms a dense, narrow column.

Why 'Green Giant' Is Often Preferred

Thuja (standishii × plicata) 'Green Giant' is a hybrid of Western redcedar and Japanese arborvitae. Advantages include:

• Fast growth: 3–5 feet per year.
• Mature size: 50+ feet tall, narrow spread.
• Adaptable to wet or dry soils, clay, and a wide pH range.
• Resistant to deer, bagworms, and most pests/diseases.
• Hardy to –25°F (USDA zones 5–8).
• Can be sheared to a dense 6-foot hedge.

Recommendation

For a tall, fast, low-maintenance privacy screen, 'Green Giant' is the superior choice. 'Emerald Green' suits smaller spaces where a narrow, slower-growing hedge is desired.