Why Emerald Green is Oregon's favorite hedge
Emerald Green arborvitae, sold as Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', is the go-to narrow evergreen for privacy screens in Oregon. It stays a deep, glossy green all winter, keeps a tidy narrow shape without shearing, and fits along fences and property lines where wider trees won't.
Size and growth rate
- Mature height: 12 to 15 feet
- Mature width: 3 to 4 feet
- Growth rate: moderate, often 6 to 12 inches a year once established
- Shape: naturally narrow and pyramidal
If you need height fast or a screen taller than 15 feet, a faster grower may suit you better. See our guide to the fastest growing privacy trees in Oregon.
How far apart to plant arborvitae
For a solid hedge, space Emerald Green arborvitae about 3 feet apart, center to center. Planted at that spacing they fill in to a continuous wall within a few years. For a looser screen where each tree keeps its own shape, space them 4 feet apart. Keep the row at least 2 to 3 feet off a fence so air can move and you can reach the back side.
When to plant
Fall is the best time to plant arborvitae in the Willamette Valley. Warm soil and cool, rainy weather let roots grow all winter, so the tree is ready for its first summer. Early spring is the next best window. Summer planting works, but it takes far more watering. Our fall planting guide walks through the steps.
Light and soil
Plant in full sun to light shade. Six or more hours of sun keeps the foliage dense to the ground. In heavy shade, arborvitae thins out. They handle Oregon clay if it drains, but they don't tolerate standing water. On soggy sites, plant slightly high or in a raised bed.
Watering
- Water deeply once or twice a week through the first two summers, more during heat waves.
- Soak the root ball, not just the surrounding soil. New trees dry out from the root ball first.
- Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, keeping mulch a few inches off the trunk.
- Once established, give a deep soak every week or two in dry summer spells.
Pruning and care
Emerald Green rarely needs pruning. If you want a crisp hedge, lightly shear new growth in late spring or early summer. Never cut back into bare brown wood. Arborvitae won't regrow from it. Deer browse arborvitae in winter, so protect young plants with netting or repellent if deer visit your yard.
Find Emerald Green at The Nursery Outlet
We grow and stock Emerald Green arborvitae along with the spiral-trained Emerald Green for entries and patios. Check availability in our plant catalog or stop by the nursery in Woodburn.