Question
Hi.  Will Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' do okay in Scottsdale Arizona?  I would like
to plant a series of them 2' from a block wall at intervals of about 3'.  It is a
North wall but receives good sun throughout the day.  I need it to reach 8' and
then I will be pruning it to maintain that height.  Thank you.

Answer
You should have not problem with this tree in Scottsdale as long as it does not dry out. Make sure the hole that they are planted in is about twice the size of the root ball and fill with good top soil, water and mulch with not more than 3 inches of mulch for moisture retention.  

They can be prunned to whatever height you want them to stay at.