How to Plant a Thuja Green Giant for a Privacy Screen in 2026

If you need a fast and effective privacy screen, the Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a popular choice among homeowners. This 5-6 foot evergreen is bred for rapid growth, adding up to 3-5 feet per year once its roots are settled. It's specifically designed for gardeners who want a natural hedge without the fuss of constant pruning.

In real-world performance, this tree delivers on its promise of quick vertical growth. Buyers often note that it arrives healthy and well-packaged, and with proper care it quickly becomes a dense, uniform screen. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to clay soil, making it versatile across many outdoor settings. The deer resistant quality is a major plus for rural or suburban yards.

The tree's natural pyramid shape means you can leave it unpruned for a classic look. Its build is sturdy, with a strong root system that establishes quickly. However, some buyers have reported receiving trees that are slightly shorter or narrower than expected. This inconsistency in sizing is a point of caution, though many others have been thrilled with the size and health upon arrival.

A few customers also experienced disappointments with plant survival rates, noting that some trees didn't thrive or eventually died. While these cases appear to be the minority, they suggest that individual results can vary based on handling, planting, and local conditions.

Overall, the Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a solid investment for creating a fast-growing, low-maintenance privacy hedge. If you can accept the possibility of size variations and are in an eligible shipping zone, this tree offers great value for the money.

The Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack is a top choice for anyone looking to create a fast, natural privacy screen. These evergreen trees are known for their incredible growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year, making them one of the quickest ways to block unwanted views, reduce noise, or create a windbreak. This pack includes eight 2-foot tall trees, shipped directly from a Florida nursery in sturdy nursery pots with moist soil and bamboo stakes. They are ready to plant in spring or summer in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Standout features include dense, bright green foliage that holds its color year-round and releases a pleasant pine scent when the leaves are crushed. The trees form a pyramidal shape with a wide base, reaching up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full maturity. They respond well to pruning, so you can keep them at a desired height or shape them into a formal hedge or topiary. Once established, they become drought-tolerant and require little maintenance beyond annual fertilization for best growth.

Real-world performance has been excellent. Customer reviews consistently praise the health and packaging of the trees. Many note that the plants arrive in perfect condition, with moist soil and sturdy bamboo stakes for support. Buyers in northern climates like Wisconsin report that with proper care and sunlight, these trees grow quickly and thrive. The value is often highlighted as unbeatable compared to local nursery prices. However, a few customers mention that the trees are on the smaller side at 2 feet, which is expected for this price point.

One potential drawback is that young Thuja Green Giants are not fully deer resistant. A reviewer reported that deer ate their trees down to twigs during winter, so protection may be needed in areas with heavy deer pressure. Also, the trees need consistent watering for the first few weeks after planting until their roots establish. Overall, these are minor concerns for an otherwise outstanding product.

Verdict: If you want a fast, low-maintenance privacy screen that adds beauty and value to your property, the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack is an excellent investment. The trees are healthy, well-packaged, and grow rapidly with basic care. Just be aware of potential deer issues and give them regular water early on. Highly recommended for homeowners in zones 5-9.

The Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant is a versatile evergreen live plant that delivers on its promise of fast growth. Whether you need a privacy screen, a windbreak, or a backdrop for your garden, this Thuja fits the bill. It ships in a 3-gallon grower's pot with a care guide, making it easy for both new and experienced gardeners to get started.

Standout features include its impressive growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year, which means you won't wait long for a full barrier. The foliage stays green all year, so your landscape looks vibrant even in winter. It thrives in full sun and adapts to most well-drained soils, with moderate watering needed. Hardiness in zones 3 to 8 means it handles cold winters without issue.

The plant arrives in good condition, ready to be transplanted. The 3-gallon pot gives the roots enough space to establish quickly. Design-wise, it's a no-fuss addition to any yard. Just dig a hole, water it in, and watch it grow. The included care guide covers planting depth, watering schedule, and pruning tips.

A drawback worth noting is the shipping restriction. This plant cannot be sent to California or Arizona due to state agricultural rules. Also, during the first year, it may need extra attention with watering and protection from strong winds. But once settled, it's remarkably low maintenance.

Overall, the Thuja Green Giant from Perfect Plants is a solid investment for anyone looking to create a living privacy screen without a lot of hassle. Its fast growth, hardiness, and year-round color make it a top pick for hedges and shrubs. Just be sure to check your state's shipping policy before ordering.

The Thuja Green Giant from Perfect Plants Nursery is a powerhouse when it comes to adding privacy to your landscape. This live plant arrives at 3-4 feet tall, but don't let its modest start fool you: with a growth rate of 3-5 feet per year, it fills in quickly. It's a perfect choice for homeowners in USDA zones 5 through 9 who want a natural screen without the wait. The included fertilizer and planting guide make getting started straightforward.

What really stands out is how adaptable this tree is. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. The rich green foliage keeps its color all winter, so you get a living wall that looks good even in the off-season. I've seen these used as single specimen trees, but they really shine when planted in a row to form a dense privacy hedge. The growth is pyramidal, meaning you get a neat, natural shape without constant pruning.

Build quality here is about the plant itself: this is a healthy starter specimen. The root system is well-developed for its size, which gives it a good head start. The manufacturer's 15-day warranty offers some peace of mind, but these trees are known for being tough once they settle in. One thing to note: it doesn't ship to California or Arizona, so check your state regulations before ordering.

On the downside, this is a large tree at maturity (up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide). That makes it unsuitable for small yards or tight spaces. Young trees might also need a stake in areas with strong winds until their roots establish. And while it's low maintenance overall, regular watering during the first season helps it get established.

For anyone needing a fast, reliable privacy screen that requires little upkeep, the Thuja Green Giant delivers. It's not flashy, but it does exactly what it promises: grows fast, stays green, and blocks the view. Just make sure you have enough room and you're in the right hardiness zone. If that fits, this tree is a solid investment in your property's curb appeal and seclusion.

Botanical Name: Thuja 'Green Giant'

Mature Height: 20-40 feet

Mature Width: 12-20 feet

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soils

Moisture Needs: Moderate watering (keep moist first year)

Expected Blooming Period: Year Round (foliage, not flowering)

Expected Planting Period: Spring to Fall

Included Components: Live plant, special blend fertilizer, planting guide

Item Weight: 18 pounds

Unit Count: 1 count

Color: Green

Brand: PERFECT PLANTS

The Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack is a top choice for anyone looking to create a fast, natural privacy screen. These evergreen trees are known for their incredible growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year, making them one of the quickest ways to block unwanted views, reduce noise, or create a windbreak. This pack includes eight 2-foot tall trees, shipped directly from a Florida nursery in sturdy nursery pots with moist soil and bamboo stakes. They are ready to plant in spring or summer in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Standout features include dense, bright green foliage that holds its color year-round and releases a pleasant pine scent when the leaves are crushed. The trees form a pyramidal shape with a wide base, reaching up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full maturity. They respond well to pruning, so you can keep them at a desired height or shape them into a formal hedge or topiary. Once established, they become drought-tolerant and require little maintenance beyond annual fertilization for best growth.

Real-world performance has been excellent. Customer reviews consistently praise the health and packaging of the trees. Many note that the plants arrive in perfect condition, with moist soil and sturdy bamboo stakes for support. Buyers in northern climates like Wisconsin report that with proper care and sunlight, these trees grow quickly and thrive. The value is often highlighted as unbeatable compared to local nursery prices. However, a few customers mention that the trees are on the smaller side at 2 feet, which is expected for this price point.

One potential drawback is that young Thuja Green Giants are not fully deer resistant. A reviewer reported that deer ate their trees down to twigs during winter, so protection may be needed in areas with heavy deer pressure. Also, the trees need consistent watering for the first few weeks after planting until their roots establish. Overall, these are minor concerns for an otherwise outstanding product.

Verdict: If you want a fast, low-maintenance privacy screen that adds beauty and value to your property, the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack is an excellent investment. The trees are healthy, well-packaged, and grow rapidly with basic care. Just be aware of potential deer issues and give them regular water early on. Highly recommended for homeowners in zones 5-9.

The Thuja Green Giant from Perfect Plants is a popular choice for homeowners who want a fast-growing, low-maintenance evergreen for privacy. This 3-gallon tree is a young start of a variety that can eventually tower up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, adding dense green coverage to your yard in just a few years. It's ideal for anyone looking to create a living fence, block out neighbors, or reduce wind without waiting decades.

The standout feature here is speed. This arborvitae can add 3 feet of height per year in optimal conditions, which means you'll see noticeable growth each season. Buyers report that trees arrive in good shape and come with clear planting instructions. One reviewer noted the roots weren't huge, but the tree still established well with proper care. The deer resistance is a real plus for rural or suburban areas where browsing animals are a problem.

Design-wise, the Thuja Green Giant keeps its rich, dark green color year-round and naturally forms a neat conical shape. It's adaptable to a range of soil types as long as drainage is good, and it handles full sun best. The tree is rated for zones 5 through 9, covering a wide swath of the U.S. Maintenance is minimal after the first year, but you will need to water and mulch regularly during that initial establishment period.

A couple of honest drawbacks: this tree cannot be shipped to California or Arizona due to state restrictions, so check your location before ordering. Also, the 3-gallon size means the root system is still developing, so you'll need to be diligent about watering in the first season. And if you have a small yard, the mature size might require occasional pruning to keep it in check.

Overall, the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant is a solid investment for anyone wanting a fast privacy screen. It delivers on its promises of rapid growth, easy care, and year-round beauty. Just be prepared for its eventual size and give it the attention it needs during the first year.

Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 30 inches

Item Weight: 15 pounds

Brand: Perfect Plants

Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun

Unit Count: 1 Count

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Mature Size: Up to 40 ft tall x 20 ft wide

Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year

Deer Resistant: Yes

Cannot Ship To: CA, AZ

The DaylilyNursery 10 Arborvitae Green Giant Thuja Plicata starter plants are a solid choice for homeowners and landscapers wanting to create a privacy hedge or windbreak without breaking the bank. Each plant comes in a 2.5-inch pot, standing 6 to 12 inches tall, and the bundle includes ten of them. This is a budget-friendly way to get a head start on a fast-growing evergreen screen.

Customer feedback consistently points to two things: the plants arrive healthy and the packaging is outstanding. Multiple reviewers mention the plants were larger than advertised and came with bamboo stakes for support. The roots are wrapped in plastic to keep them moist during transit, and the box is braced to prevent shifting. That kind of care matters, especially when ordering live plants online.

In terms of performance, the Thuja Plicata Green Giant is known for its rapid growth once planted in the ground. It prefers partial shade and sandy, well-drained soil, and it stays within USDA zones 5 to 8. Moderate watering is ideal until the plants are established. The main catch is timing: the seller provides a detailed planting guide by zone, recommending mid to late spring for most areas. Shipping during extreme weather below 32°F or above 95°F can stress the plants, so order accordingly.

Drawbacks are few but worth noting. You need to be mindful of your local frost dates and avoid planting too early or late. The starter pots are small, so these aren't instant trees they require a season or two to really take off. But for the price and the healthy start they provide, that's a fair trade.

Overall, the DaylilyNursery Arborvitae bundle is a reliable option for anyone looking to add fast-growing evergreen coverage on a budget. The company's careful packaging and the plants' positive track record with buyers make this a trustworthy purchase. Plant with patience and follow the zone guide, and you'll be rewarded with a thriving green screen.

The FloridaFoliage Thuja Green Giant 50-pack offers an excellent solution for anyone looking to establish a fast, natural privacy screen or windbreak. These evergreen trees are a hybrid of Thuja standishii and Thuja plicata, bred for rapid growth, disease resistance, and a dense, uniform shape. This bundle is designed for homeowners and landscapers who want to cover long borders or create a thick hedge without the high cost of individual larger trees.

The standout feature is the growth rate: Thuja Green Giants can add 3-5 feet per year once established, quickly transforming an open yard into a secluded retreat. The trees maintain rich green foliage year-round, providing both privacy and aesthetic structure. Real-world reviews confirm that the saplings arrive healthy and well-packaged, with most surviving and thriving after planting. One reviewer noted that 49 out of 50 survived over seven months and grew 6-7 inches, with expectations of faster growth in the following year.

Build quality is solid: each plant comes with a robust root system, and the packaging prevents dirt spillage and stem breakage during transit. The seller is responsive to shipping issues, as seen in a review where lost plants were refunded promptly. However, buyers should note that the trees are small on arrival (often quart-size) and will take a few years to reach their full potential as a tall screen. They require full sun and moderate watering, but adapt well to various soil types, including sandy soils.

Potential drawbacks include the size at delivery and the risk of a few plants being damaged in shipping, though the company generally addresses these problems. Also, these trees need space: planting them 5-6 feet apart is recommended for a dense hedge, which may not suit very narrow borders. Overall, this is a reliable, cost-effective choice for anyone wanting a lush, fast-growing evergreen barrier with minimal maintenance.

Verdict: If you're looking for an affordable, high-performance privacy screen that grows quickly and requires little fuss, the FloridaFoliage Thuja Green Giant 50-pack is a top pick. Just be patient during the first year while they settle in, and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful, living fence.

Brand: FloridaFoliage

Type: Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata)

Quantity: 50 live trees

Sunlight: Full sun

Water needs: Moderate

Soil: Adaptable, prefers sandy soil

Mature height: 40-60 feet

Growth rate: Fast (3-5 feet per year)

Foliage: Evergreen, dense green year-round

Uses: Privacy screen, windbreak, border, hedge