Arborvitae trees are among the most reliable evergreens for creating year-round privacy and windbreaks in American landscapes. This guide focuses on popular, fast-growing varieties that form dense screens, require manageable maintenance, and perform well across many regions. The selections below highlight versatile plant sizes—from single-gallon starters to mature-style specimens—so you can design a privacy barrier that fits your yard and climate.
Summary of chosen products:
| Product | Format | Privacy Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant (5-Pack) | 1 Gallon | High | Dense foliage; ideal for rapid screening |
| Thuja Green Giant (18-Pack) | Liner / 18 Pack | High | Instant privacy screen in larger landscapes |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae (2-3 ft) | No Ship West of CO | Medium-High | Year-round privacy; moderate height potential |
| Thuja Green Giant (3 Gallon) | 3 Gallon | Very High | Rapid privacy; robust mature size |
| Thuja Arborvitae Green Giant (10 Quart) | Quart Size | High | Good starter option with strong growth |
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack
The Thuja Green Giant is recognized as a premier fast-growing privacy tree across many U.S. regions. In a dense pyramidal form, this cultivar produces dark green foliage with a pleasant aromatic scent when leaves are broken. It can reach up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity, yet responds well to pruning to fit desired dimensions.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Plant 18-Pack
This value 18-pack is ideal for creating an instant privacy screen or windbreak. Plants arrive as individual Thuja Green Giant liners and are designed to form a lush barrier quickly. A note: shipments to California or Arizona may require cancellation, so verify delivery zones before ordering.
10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 8-12″ Tall Trees
These starter-sized trees require time to establish roots before cold seasons. They benefit from at least 12 weeks of root establishment and can form a substantial privacy screen as they mature. They are commonly shipped as small trees ready to grow into a dense hedge with proper spacing.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon
Another Fast-growing option from Perfect Plants, this 1-gallon version shares the same dense, dark green foliage and pyramidal growth habit. Its height and spread make it suitable for rapid privacy framing and landscape structure, with pruning available to maintain a preferred size.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon
This 3-gallon size accelerates privacy goals, with potential growth up to 3 feet per year and a mature footprint around 40 feet tall by 20 feet wide. It serves well as a dense screen, standalone specimen, or an essential frame for larger landscaping plans. Note that CA and AZ shipping restrictions may apply.
Thuja Arborvitae Green Giant (Florida Foliage)
Florida Foliage offers a Green Giant cultivar noted for rapid growth and a broad pyramidal form. These 10 quart plants are suitable for establishing a privacy boundary with a strong, evergreen presence. They tolerate a mix of soil conditions and require regular watering until established, then drought tolerance improves with age.
Buying Guide
- Growth rate and mature size: Choose varieties that match your available space and desired screening height. Fast-growing types like Green Giant can deliver quick privacy but may require pruning to maintain shape.
- Site and climate compatibility: Ensure your selection is suited to your USDA hardiness zone, sun exposure, and soil type. Some listings note regional shipping restrictions that affect availability.
- Maintenance needs: Consider pruning frequency, water requirements during establishment, and potential pest or disease considerations common to arborvitae.
- Spacing and layout: Plan for spacing that allows air circulation and avoids crowding, which helps prevent disease and promotes uniform growth.
- Longevity and fall color: Arborvitae generally provide year-round privacy; some varieties retain color better in winter, influencing overall visual impact.
- Cost vs. coverage: Compare per-plant cost and the number of plants needed to achieve the desired privacy height and density for your yard.
- Shipping notes: Be mindful of regional restrictions, especially for larger orders or shipments to certain western states.