Can Thuja Green Giant Grow in a Pot?

Container Growing Thuja 'Green Giant' for Portability

A homeowner wants to plant 'Green Giant' arborvitae in large decorative pots to create an instant privacy screen they can take when moving. They hope to avoid a 3–4 year wait for in-ground plants to mature.

Why Pots Won't Work Long-Term

'Green Giant' (Thuja standishii × plicata) reaches 30–40 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide at maturity. Its root system needs a soil volume of at least 15 feet wide and several feet deep to support that canopy. No movable container provides adequate space.

Problems with Container Culture

• Root binding: Roots circle, girdle, and eventually strangle the tree.
• Water stress: Containers dry out daily in summer; willows need constant moisture.
• Winter injury: Roots in pots freeze harder than in-ground roots, killing fine roots.
• Nutrient depletion: Frequent fertilization needed; salt buildup damages roots.
• Instability: Tall, narrow pots tip in wind.

Better Alternatives for Portable Privacy

• Plant in ground: Accept they stay with the property. 'Green Giant' grows 3–5 feet/year once established.
• Use large fabric grow bags (100+ gal): Only viable for 3–5 years; still heavy to move.
• Choose smaller container-friendly evergreens: 'Emerald Green' arborvitae (12–15 ft), boxwood, holly, or dwarf conifers in 25–50 gal pots.
• Temporary screen: Bamboo in rhizome-barrier containers, or trellised vines on movable frames.

Bottom Line

Invest in proper in-ground planting. If you move, plant new trees at the next home—they'll establish faster than you think.