Planting Green Giant Arborvitae for a Hedge in Eastern NC

Best Time and Method for a Green Giant Screen

A homeowner in eastern NC wants a hedge row of Green Giant arborvitae. They ask if summer planting is okay or if they should wait for fall.

Recommendation

• Best: early spring as hardwoods leaf out.
• Potted plants can go in almost anytime if watered diligently.
• Avoid fall planting—roots won't establish before freezing.
• Use 5-gallon or larger plants; space for mature width.

Planting & Care

• Dig holes twice the pot size; backfill with topsoil/potting mix.
• Mulch 3 inches, not touching trunks.
• Water 1 inch weekly for first month, then during dry spells.
• No fertilizer first year.

Green Giants grow fast—3+ feet/year—so plan for their 20-foot width.