Arborvitae (Thuja) belongs to the Cypress Family and is are evergreen tree or shrub known for its easy maintenance, fast growth rate, and beautiful pyramidal shape. Additionally, they have dense foliage and are mainly used as privacy hedges, foundational plantings, or standout lawn accents. Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves in fall, these trees stay green year-round and can withstand harsh weather and even occasional drought.
But as they grow dense, most plant enthusiasts wonder, “How far apart should arborvitae trees be planted?” To understand, read this blog till the end.
What Are the Types of Arborvitae Trees?
Here are 6 common types of arborvitae trees you can plant in your yard -
| Common Name | Botanical | Growth Rate | Mature Height | Mature Width |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae | Thuja Occidentalis “Emerald Green” | Slow, Up to 1 Ft. Per Year | 14-16 Feet | 4-5 Feet |
| Forever Goldy Arborvitae | Thuja Plicata “Forever Goldy” | Moderate | 10-12 Feet | 3.5-4 Feet |
| Thuja Nigra Arborvitae | Thuja Occidentalis “X” | Slow, Up to 1 Ft. Per Year | 15-20 Feet | 5-10 Feet |
| DeGroot’s Spire Arborvitae | Thuja Occidentalis “DeGroot’s Spire” | Moderate, Up To 1.5 Ft Per Year | 50-60 Feet | 4-5 Feet |
| American Pillar Arborvitae | Thuja Occidentalis “X” | Moderate, Up To 3 Ft Per Year | 4-5 Feet | 4-5 Feet |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Thuja Plicata x Standishii | Fast, 3-5 Ft Per Year | 50-60 Feet | 15-18 Feet |
How Far Apart Should Arborvitae Be Planted?
The placement of arborvitae trees depends on the type of tree you want in your landscape. Before planting -
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Measure the length and width of the available space, as this helps in understanding how your hedge should be laid out.
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Decide if you want dense or loose spacing.
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If you like a straight or a staggered line for a smooth planting process.
Also, consider the mature size of the trees before finalizing the space. This ensures the space can accommodate the trees as they grow to their full size. For a privacy screen or buffer, a double-staggered row with trees spaced 6 feet is usually considered best. However, if you want quick coverage, consider planting them 3-4 feet apart. For example, Thuja Green Giant can grow up to 15-18 feet wide, so for proper growth, it is advised to plant them about 15 feet apart.
On the other hand, American Pillar arborvitae can grow up to 3-5 feet wide. So, if you are looking for a denser hedge, plant them 2.5 feet apart, and for a loose hedge, plant them 4 feet apart. This will give your arborvitae enough room to grow properly.
Also, if you are planting Emerald Green arborvitae, keep them 3-4 feet apart. This way, the trees will grow narrow and pyramidal, which removes the hassle of pruning or trimming.
A general rule of thumb says, “Green Giant Arborvitae is advised to be spaced 2-3 feet away from the fence or property line. This is because the lower section of the tree is thick and bushy, while the upper half is a straight shoot.
Factors to Consider When Planting Arborvitae Trees
Here are some ground rules to be considered when planting arborvitae trees -
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Light: Arborvitae requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
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Water: Water 2-3 times a week after planting the trees.
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Soil: Though Thuja are adaptable, they thrive best in moist, well-drained soil.
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Food: After planting the trees, apply a slow-release fertilizer, such as Espoma Holly-tone.
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Temperature: Arborvitae thrives in the heat and humidity of the South and can tolerate dry spells once fully grown.
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Toxicity: They may not be highly toxic, but thujas can be harmful to pets if ingested in large quantities.
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Mulch: After planting the trees, add 1-2 inches of shredded hardwood mulch or pine fines, and leave 6 inches from the base of the tree. It prevents the stem from rotting.
How to Plant Arborvitae Trees in Your Yard?
When you have everything planned, the first step is to clean the planting area by removing grass, weeds, and debris. Once done, follow the steps below -
Measure the Distance
Determine how far back in the bed you want your trees to be placed. You can mark each spot with stakes or flags to outline where the arborvitae will be for the hedge.
Unbox Your Plants
Unbox the plants, place them outdoors in shade, and leave them in their nursery pots for a couple of days. Also, water it thoroughly. This helps the plant to release the shipment shock and acclimate.
Dig the Hole
Take the arborvitae’s container as a reference to determine how deep the hole should be. Also, it should be twice as wide to allow the hedge to be placed in a straight line.
Place Your Arborvitae
Pop your tree from the burlap bag and rough up the root ball, and place it in the hole you dug. Next, fill in the hole with the soil that you removed while digging.
Final Step
After you’ve planted the trees, water each thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch around the trees to prevent the stems from rotting.
Conclusion
When determining the spacing for arborvitae trees, always consider their maturity size. You can refer to the distance guide above to ensure your trees aren’t overwhelmed and can grow to their full potential.
