The Green Giant arborvitae ( Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') is a popular choice for privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks due to its rapid growth and attractive evergreen foliage. But before you plant one (or several!), understanding its mature size is crucial for proper spacing and long-term landscape planning. So, just how wide does a Green Giant arborvitae get?
Understanding Green Giant Arborvitae Mature Size
The width of a mature Green Giant arborvitae is significantly influenced by several factors, including:
- Planting conditions: Well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight contribute to optimal growth. Poor soil or shade can lead to a smaller, less dense plant.
- Pruning: Regular pruning can maintain a narrower shape, although this is often unnecessary unless you want a very formal hedge. Allowing natural growth will result in a fuller, wider plant.
- Individual variation: Like any living organism, even within the same cultivar, individual plants can show slight variations in their growth habits.
Generally, a mature Green Giant arborvitae can reach a width of 3 to 5 feet. However, in optimal growing conditions, some specimens can spread even wider, reaching up to 6 feet or more. This is why careful planning is essential.
Planning for Width: Spacing Recommendations
To ensure your Green Giants have enough room to grow to their full potential without overcrowding, consider these spacing guidelines:
- Privacy screens: For a dense, fast-filling privacy screen, plant Green Giants 4 to 6 feet apart. This allows for their mature widths to overlap, creating a solid barrier.
- Hedges: If you are creating a formal hedge, planting them 3 to 4 feet apart and regularly pruning to maintain the desired width is necessary. Remember to account for the ultimate mature width to avoid overcrowding.
- Specimen planting: If planting as individual specimens, provide ample space, around 6 to 8 feet apart, allowing each tree to reach its full width and height without competing for resources.
Factors Affecting Green Giant Arborvitae Growth
Several factors beyond planting space influence the ultimate width of your Green Giant arborvitae:
- Sunlight: Green Giants thrive in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Less sunlight can result in a more narrow, leggy plant.
- Watering: Consistent watering, especially during dry spells, is vital for robust growth. Lack of water can stunt growth and affect overall width.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial; poorly drained soil can lead to root rot and affect the plant's ability to grow to its full potential. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Fertilization: While not always necessary, annual fertilization can promote faster growth and a fuller plant. Follow product instructions carefully.
Maximizing Green Giant Arborvitae Width (or Controlling It)
Whether you want to encourage width or keep your Green Giant narrower, here are a few tips:
- To encourage wider growth: Provide optimal growing conditions (sunlight, water, soil, and potentially fertilization). Avoid over-pruning.
- To maintain a narrower shape: Regular pruning is key. Shear your hedges frequently throughout the growing season to keep them compact.
By understanding the mature size and growth habits of the Green Giant arborvitae, you can ensure your landscaping project is successful and that your plants will thrive for years to come. Remember to always check local growing conditions and consult with a gardening professional if you have specific questions about your site.
