How to Plant Green Giant Arborvitae: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

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 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 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a popular choice for homeowners who want a fast-growing evergreen screen without paying a premium for mature trees. This bundle of 10 saplings, each 7 to 10 inches tall, gives you a head start on creating a living fence or windbreak at a very affordable price. These trees are well-suited for gardeners in zones 5 through 9 who have a bit of patience and are willing to nurture young plants during their first growing season.

A standout feature is the growth rate: once established, Green Giants can put on up to 3 feet per year. That means within a few years, you can have a privacy screen that blocks unwanted views or harsh winds. They also tolerate a range of soil conditions, from sandy loams to heavy clays, and can handle some shade, though full sun produces the fastest growth. The mature size is impressive, reaching 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide, so be sure to space them 6 to 7 feet apart for a dense screen.

Real-world performance, based on customer reviews, is mostly positive. Many buyers report that the plants arrived in good health, with well-developed root systems, and took off after planting. One detailed review noted that trees receiving full sun grew to 3 feet within 16 months. However, not all experiences are perfect. A significant negative review described high mortality rates, with only 11 out of 35 trees surviving after several months, despite similar care given to other arborvitae. This suggests that individual results can vary, and factors like soil quality, watering consistency, and local climate play a role.

Packaging is a mixed bag. Most reviews mention secure, moist packaging that kept the plants safe, but one customer complained about loose soil and excessive staples that made unpacking difficult. The plants are shipped in their nursery pots, which is generally a plus for reducing transplant shock. You should inspect each tree upon arrival, water thoroughly, and plant as soon as the risk of frost has passed. Providing regular water during dry spells in the first year is critical for survival and strong growth.

Overall, the Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae bundle is a solid investment for budget-conscious gardeners who want to create a fast-growing evergreen screen. While there is some risk of losses, the low cost per tree makes it worthwhile, especially if you have space to plant extras. With proper site selection, sun exposure, and care, most of these saplings will reward you with years of green privacy and beauty.

Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor
Brand: Thuja
Material Feature: Natural
Color: Green
Expected Blooming Period: Winter
Sunlight Exposure: Partial Shade
Unit Count: 1 Count (10 trees)
Expected Planting Period: Winter
Product Care Instructions: Moist
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8
Expected Plant Height: 12 Inches (at shipment; mature to 40 ft)
Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering
Number of Pieces: 10
Product Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 6 inches (package)

The Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 18-pack is a comprehensive solution for homeowners who want to establish a dense privacy screen or windbreak without the hassle of multiple purchases. This bundle includes 18 individual liners, each a healthy start to one of the most popular evergreen arborvitae varieties. It's especially suited for gardeners in USDA zones 5-9 who need a fast-growing, low-maintenance tree that can withstand deer and drought.

These Thuja Green Giants are known for their dense, dark green foliage that releases a fresh Christmas tree scent when the leaves are crushed. They grow in a symmetrical pyramidal shape, reaching up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full maturity. However, you can prune them to maintain a smaller size if needed. The trees thrive in full sun and once established, they require very little attention - just occasional watering during dry spells.

In terms of build quality, the liners are well-rooted and ready for transplanting. The 18-pack is a cost-effective way to cover a large area, but note that these are young plants and will take several years to reach substantial height. Also, the product cannot be shipped to California or Arizona due to restrictions, so check your state before ordering.

One potential drawback is that the liners are relatively small upon arrival, so patience is needed. For best results, plant them in a location with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Despite this, the combination of fast growth, deer resistance, and drought tolerance makes this an excellent choice for creating a natural barrier without constant upkeep.

Overall, the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 18-pack offers exceptional value for anyone looking to add privacy and beauty to their landscape quickly. With proper care, these trees will become a lasting feature that enhances your property's curb appeal and privacy.

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 Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') is a popular evergreen shrub from Brighter Blooms, marketed as a low-maintenance privacy solution. This live plant arrives 1-2 feet tall, ready to grow into a dense, columnar hedge reaching 10-15 feet at maturity. It is ideal for homeowners in zones 3-8 who want a tidy, narrow screen without the hassle of pruning.

One standout feature is its natural pyramid shape, which needs absolutely no trimming to stay attractive. This makes it a favorite for busy gardeners or those who prefer a 'plant and forget' approach. The foliage retains a rich green color year-round, even in winter, providing reliable screening and aesthetic appeal. It handles full sun to partial shade and adapts to various soil conditions, from sandy to clay.

In terms of performance, the Arborvitae is drought tolerant once established, though it requires consistent watering during its first month. After that, weekly watering suffices. It's hardy in cold climates down to zone 3, but does not thrive in extreme heat (zones 9+). The narrow width of 3-4 feet allows it to fit into tight spots, such as along foundations or between windows.

Potential drawbacks include shipping restrictions to AK, AZ, HI, and OR due to agricultural regulations. Also, the growth rate is moderate, so patience is needed for a full hedge (typically 2-3 years). The rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars reflects some variability in customer satisfaction, possibly due to shipping stress or initial care requirements.

Overall, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a solid choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, elegant privacy screen. It delivers on its promise of no pruning and year-round greenery, though it's best suited for cooler climates and patient growers. For the price, it offers good value as a long-term landscape investment.

If you're looking to add fast-growing privacy to your yard without breaking the bank, the KVITER 50 Thuja Tree Seeds could be a tempting option. These seeds are from the American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), a popular evergreen known for its dense foliage and columnar shape. The package includes 50 organic seeds, ideal for creating a living fence or ornamental specimen in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. This product targets budget-conscious gardeners and DIY landscapers who don't mind starting trees from seed rather than buying established plants.

The standout feature here is the claimed germination speed: 10-15 days at consistent temperatures above 65°F. That's notably quick for conifer seeds, which often require cold stratification. The seeds also boast low maintenance needs, adapting to clay or loam soils and thriving in either full sun or partial shade. Once established, these trees can reach heights of 30-40 feet with a narrow footprint, making them a space-saving choice for smaller properties. Their scale-like leaves provide year-round green color, and they are drought tolerant once mature.

On the downside, the product's rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars with zero written reviews raises a red flag. Without verified customer feedback, it's hard to know how reliably these seeds perform in real-world conditions. Arborvitae seeds can be finicky; they may need a period of cold treatment before sowing, and even then germination rates vary. Additionally, growing a full privacy hedge from seed requires patience and multiple seeds per desired location. If you expect instant results, you'll be disappointed.

Build quality of the product itself is straightforward: a small packet of 50 organic seeds with basic planting instructions. The packaging is unassuming but functional. There's no mention of seed source or any guarantee, which is typical for low-cost seed packets. At its price point, it's an affordable experiment rather than a sure thing. For best results, follow the suggested steps: soak seeds, surface sow at 1/4 inch depth in well-draining soil, keep consistently moist, and provide ample sunlight.

Overall, the KVITER Thuja Tree Seeds offer a low-cost entry into growing your own privacy trees, but they come with uncertainty due to the lack of customer validation. If you're an adventurous gardener who enjoys the process of growing from seed and doesn't mind a potential failure, these seeds are worth a try. For gardeners who need reliable, quick results, purchasing young arborvitae plants from a reputable nursery would be a smarter investment. As with many seed packets, success will depend largely on your skill and adherence to proper planting techniques.

Brand: KVITER

Unit Count: 50 seeds

Plant Type: Thuja occidentalis (American Arborvitae)

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7

Expected Plant Height: 30 feet (up to 40 feet)

Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Type: Loam, Clay

Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor

Material Feature: Natural, Organic

Color: Green (foliage)

Expected Planting Period: Spring to Summer

The Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a top-selling evergreen for homeowners who want a fast, natural privacy screen. These young plants (1-2 feet tall at delivery) are the start of a hedge that can reach 30-50 feet at maturity, with a spread of 12-15 feet. They are ideal for gardeners in USDA zones 5-9 who need a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant solution for blocking views or wind.

In real-world use, the Green Giant lives up to its reputation for speed: many buyers report 3-5 feet of growth per year after establishment. The foliage stays a vibrant green year-round, and the tree's natural pyramid shape means you rarely need to prune. It adapts well to both full sun and partial shade, as long as it gets at least 4 hours of direct sun daily. Watering is only critical during the first six months; after that, regular rainfall usually suffices.

Build quality and packaging receive high marks from most reviewers. The plants are shipped in sturdy cardboard boxes with internal bracing, and the pot is secured to prevent shifting. Several customers noted that their trees arrived taller than the advertised height, sometimes exceeding 3 feet. However, a minority received plants that were small, had orange or dying foliage, or looked like cuttings rather than established trees. These mixed experiences suggest quality control can be inconsistent.

Drawbacks are mainly around sizing and condition upon arrival. A few buyers felt the trees were overpriced for their size, especially when they arrived looking stressed. The shipping window of up to two weeks can be frustrating, and the seller does not ship to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon. For best results, order early in the growing season and inspect the plant immediately; Brighter Blooms does offer replacements for damaged items.

Overall, the Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a solid choice if you need a fast-growing, low-fuss privacy hedge. The majority of customers receive healthy, well-packaged plants that thrive with basic care. Just be aware that occasional quality issues exist, so it pays to buy from a reputable seller and check your tree as soon as it arrives.