Answering the demand for narrow, fast-growing privacy trees, tall skinny arborvitae varieties offer a dense, evergreen screen without taking up excessive space. This guide highlights five top options, suitable for small yards, front entrances, and backyard borders. Each pick is described with ideal buyers in mind, plus practical limits to consider before planting. Read on to compare growth, maintenance, and suitability for different climate zones.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant Trees | Large yards seeking rapid privacy | Very fast growth, evergreen | Needs ample root space |
| KVITER Thuja Tree Seeds | Budget-minded planters | Fast germination, versatile planting | Seed-grown; size varies |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Pack | Instant privacy for medium spaces | Dense, naturally pyramid shape | Bareroot shipment; transplant timing matters |
| Faux CedarPine Topiary Set | Decorative, low-maintenance hedges indoors/outdoors | No watering or care required | Artificial plant, not a living tree |
| Baby Giant Arborvitae | Small yards needing privacy now | Compact size with improved winter color | Smaller overall height potential |
Notes: This selection focuses on tall, slender evergreen options that maximize screening in limited spaces. Availability may vary by season and region. Always verify zone compatibility and planting guidelines for your local climate before purchase.
10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inches Tall Trees
Best for: Beginners or homeowners needing a visible privacy screen quickly in a mid-size yard. These potted trees ship with root ball intact, fostering fast establishment. The evergreen foliage provides year-round coverage, and the plant is hardy in zones 5–9.
Why selected: High growth potential of about 3 feet per year makes them a standout for rapid privacy. The potted delivery reduces transplant shock compared to bare-root.
Caution: Ensure adequate root space and consistent watering during establishment. Very cold snaps or drought can stress young trees if not watered properly.
KVITER 50 Thuja Tree Seeds (Arborvitae/Thuja Occidentalis)
Best for: Gardeners who plan vertically for privacy and want to start from seeds. Suitable for zones 3–7, with a focus on long-term growth in outdoor landscapes.
Why selected: Fast germination (10–15 days at 65°F+), and seeds adapt to diverse soils, enabling flexible placement in the yard or patio garden.
Caution: Seed-grown plants take longer to reach mature screening compared to container-grown transplants; protect seedlings from harsh early-season conditions.
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees/Shrubs
Best for: Instant privacy in compact spaces with a desire for a clean, columnar look. The 6–12″ size is ideal for immediate screening when planted as a row.
Why selected: A dense, naturally pyramid shape reduces pruning needs and achieves a professional hedge appearance with minimal effort.
Caution: Bareroot shipments require careful handling during transplant and timing of planting to avoid transplant shock in extreme weather.
Beautiful Realistic Faux Cedar Pines, Artificial Topiary Tree 2-Set
Best for: Decorators seeking year-round greenery without maintenance, suitable for indoor and outdoor display where real trees may be impractical.
Why selected: Realistic appearance with UV protection and weather resistance; ideal for sunlit porches, offices, or patio entrances.
Caution: Not a living plant; cannot provide true evergreen screening or habitat benefits associated with live arborvitae.
Brighter Blooms Baby Giant Arborvitae Tree, 1-2 ft
Best for: Homeowners with smaller yards needing privacy fast or edging along fences. The compact size makes it easy to fit into tight spaces.
Why selected: An improved variety of Thuja Green Giant with year-round verdancy and better winter color, suited for smaller landscapes.
Caution: While compact, growth will still occur; plan for eventual height and spacing to maintain the desired screen density.
Buying Guide
Why choose tall skinny arborvitae:
- Space-saving privacy: Narrow profiles maximize screening in limited spaces.
- Evergreen year-round: Dense foliage maintains concealment through all seasons.
- Variety of starter forms: From potted transplants to seed-planted options, you can tailor to budget and timeline.
Key factors to evaluate before buying:
- Growth rate: Fast-growing options provide quicker screening but may require more maintenance later.
- Zone compatibility: Confirm your USDA hardiness zone supports evergreen arborvitae and typical winter conditions.
- Soil and drainage: Most arborvitae prefer well-drained soil; clay-heavy soils may need amendment.
- Sun exposure: Plant in full sun to partial shade for best growth; too much shade slows progress.
- Transplant method: Containerized plants transplant more easily than bare-root in many regions.
- Watering needs: Establish a regular watering routine after planting to reduce transplant shock.
- Maintenance expectations: Some varieties require pruning to maintain a desired shape; others maintain natural form.
Practical tips for installation:
- Space plants according to mature width to prevent crowding.
- mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
- Staking may be necessary for tall or young plants in windy locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the fastest-growing tall skinny arborvitae?
Answer: Certain varieties can grow several feet per year, but exact rates depend on climate and care. Start with container transplants for quicker establishment. - Do arborvitae tolerate cold winters?
Answer: Many cultivars withstand cold conditions, but temperatures beyond zone limits can affect growth. Check zone recommendations for each product. - Can I plant arborvitae as a hedgerow in small yards?
Answer: Yes, especially the narrow forms, and spacing should reflect their mature width to maintain privacy without crowding. - Are seed-grown arborvitae reliable for screening?
Answer: Seeds take longer to establish and reach full height compared to transplants but offer cost savings and variety in planting density. - Is artificial greenery a good substitute for living trees?
Answer: Artificial topiaries provide year-round decoration but do not offer privacy or ecological benefits of living trees. - What maintenance is required after planting arborvitae?
Answer: Watering during dry spells, occasional pruning to maintain shape, and monitoring for pests or disease as needed.