How To
If you're wondering how tall do arborvitaes grow, the answer might surprise you—these evergreen trees can range from just 3 feet to towering over 50 feet, depending on the variety. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy privacy hedge or a dramatic backyard centerpiece, choosing the right size is everything.
Arborvitaes like the Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae) typically reach 30-40 feet at maturity, while dwarf varieties like 'Emerald Green' stay compact at 3-5 feet. Your yard's space, sunlight, and long-term vision will determine which type fits best—so let's break down the options to help you plan.
Beyond height, growth rate and spacing matter too. Some arborvitaes grow 1-2 feet per year, while others shoot up 3+ feet annually. We'll cover how to space them for healthy growth and when to prune to keep them in check—because even giants need a little guidance.
Ready to find the perfect arborvitae for your landscape? Let's explore the varieties, growth tips, and pruning secrets to make your outdoor space thrive with these versatile 🌲 evergreens.
Arborvitae height by variety: dwarf to giant sizes explained
Arborvitaes are incredibly versatile, offering heights from just 3 feet to towering 50-foot giants. The key to choosing the right variety lies in understanding their mature size, growth rate, and ideal spacing for your landscape. Whether you need a low-maintenance hedge or a privacy screen, there's an arborvitae perfect for your space.
Most arborvitaes belong to the Thuja genus, with Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae) and Thuja plicata (Western red cedar) being the most common. However, cultivar differences create dramatic variations in height. Let’s break down the three main categories—dwarf, medium, and giant—to help you visualize which will thrive in your yard.
Dwarf arborvitaes (3–8 feet tall) are ideal for foundation plantings or container gardening. Varieties like 'Emerald Green' or 'Teddy Bear' grow just 3–5 feet tall, making them perfect for small spaces or urban landscapes. Their slow growth (6–12 inches per year) means minimal pruning, but they still provide year-round evergreen color.
Medium-height arborvitaes (10–15 feet tall) strike a balance, offering privacy without overwhelming your yard. Cultivars like 'Green Giant' or 'Hetz Midget' grow 12–15 feet tall at maturity, with a 2–3 foot spread. These are my go-to choices for hedges along property lines or windbreaks, as they fill out quickly (1–2 feet per year) while remaining manageable.
| Variety | Mature Height | Growth Rate | Best For | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 'Teddy Bear' | 3–5 ft | 6–12 in/year | Containers, borders | 2–3 ft apart |
| 'Emerald Green' | 12–15 ft | 1–2 ft/year | Hedges, privacy screens | 3–4 ft apart |
| 'Green Giant' | 30–40 ft | 2–3 ft/year | Large privacy screens | 8–10 ft apart |
| 'Hetz Midget' | 4–6 ft | 8–12 in/year | Foundation plants | 3 ft apart |
| 'Thuja plicata' | 40–50 ft | 1–2 ft/year | Specimen trees | 15–20 ft apart |
The giant arborvitaes (30–50 feet tall) are the statement makers of the group. Varieties like 'Green Giant' or Western red cedar grow 2–3 feet per year, reaching their full height in 15–20 years. These are best suited for large properties or woodland gardens, where their natural, columnar shape adds vertical interest.
If you’re planning a privacy screen, I recommend spacing medium-height arborvitaes (like 'Emerald Green') 3–4 feet apart to create an unbroken barrier in 5–7 years. For dwarf varieties, 2–3 feet of spacing ensures they fill out without crowding. Always check the cultivar’s specific notes, as some (like 'Golden Globe') grow wider than tall.
One common mistake
How to choose the right arborvitae height for your landscape
Selecting the perfect arborvitae height for your landscape starts with understanding your space constraints and design goals. A 3-foot dwarf like 'Teddy Bear' fits cozy patios, while a 40-foot giant like 'Green Giant' demands wide-open yards. My rule of thumb? Measure your space first—then match the arborvitae to the height and spread you need.
For privacy screens, medium-height varieties (10–15 feet) are ideal. They block views effectively while leaving room for walkways or garden beds. I’ve used 'Emerald Green' along my property line—it grows 1–2 feet per year, so in 5–7 years, you’ll have a lush, unbroken barrier without the maintenance of taller trees.
If you’re working with limited vertical space, dwarf arborvitaes shine. Varieties like 'Golden Globe' (3–4 feet tall but 5–6 feet wide) create stunning foundation plantings or container displays. Just remember: wider varieties need more horizontal spacing—4–5 feet apart to prevent overcrowding.
🌲 Arborvitae Height Guide by Landscape Use
- 🏡 Foundation Plants: Dwarf varieties (3–8 ft) like 'Teddy Bear' or 'Hetz Midget'—space 2–3 feet apart.
- 🌿 Hedges/Borders: Medium-height (10–15 ft) like 'Emerald Green'—space 3–4 feet apart for full coverage.
- 🏡 Privacy Screens: Semi-dwarf (15–20 ft) or standard (20–40 ft)—space 5–10 feet apart for dense growth.
- 🌳 Specimen Trees: Giant varieties (30–50 ft) like 'Thuja plicata'—plant 15–20 feet from structures.
- 🏡 Urban Gardens: Containers or dwarf varieties—ensure pots are at least 18 inches deep.
Sunlight plays a huge role in height control. Arborvitaes in full sun grow 20–30% taller than those in partial shade. If your yard has shady spots, opt for shade-tolerant cultivars like 'Nicholas' or 'Pembroke Blue'—they stay compact even with less light.
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing height: planting giant arborvitaes too close to power lines or houses (minimum 10 feet clearance), or selecting fast-growing varieties without planning for their mature size. I once saw a 'Green Giant' planted 5 feet from a fence—it now blocks the entire driveway!
Pro tip: Sketch your landscape with to-scale measurements before buying. Use stakes or flags to mark where each arborvitae will go—this helps visualize how they’ll fill out over time. For layered planting, mix heights (e.g., dwarf in front, medium in back) to create depth and texture.