When you want reliable year-round privacy, arborvitae trees are among the top choices. This guide highlights the best options for dense, fast-growing evergreen screens, including multi-pack plush evergreens and compact varieties suited for smaller spaces. The top picks are ideal for homeowners seeking effective screening, windbreaks, and manicured hedges. The following selections explain who each product is best for and why.
Quick product snapshot
- Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack — Best for quick, dense privacy screens in larger yards.
- 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees/Shrubs — Best for instant privacy walls with minimal maintenance.
- 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 inches Tall Trees — Best for ongoing, scalable privacy coverage from a small start.
- Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack — Best for flexible planting and fast growth in mixed landscapes.
- Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer — Best for supporting dense foliage and root health over time (care product for established screens).
| Product | Best For | Approx. Size | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack | Large yards needing rapid privacy | Up to 2 ft at purchase | Fast-growing privacy evergreen with dense, dark green foliage |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees/Shrubs | Instant privacy with low effort | 6-12 inches tall | Dense, impenetrable living wall; naturally pyramid shape |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 inches Tall Trees | Starter plants for expanding screens | 7-10 inches | Shipped potted; rapid growth once established |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack | Flexible planting, versatile landscapes | 1 gallon containers | Same fast-growing privacy characteristics in a smaller package |
| Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer | Maintaining dense foliage in established screens | 32 oz bottle | Nutrition tailored for evergreen care and root strength |
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
The Thuja Green Giant is described as a premier, fast-growing privacy tree suitable for much of the United States. It forms a wide, pyramidal silhouette and can reach up to 60 ft tall and 20 ft wide at maturity. Foliage is dense and dark green, with a fragrance reminiscent of Christmas trees when leaves are broken. Best for buyers wanting a large, long-term privacy screen that can be pruned to a preferred size.
Who it’s best for: Homeowners with ample space seeking a robust, tall screen that matures quickly. Also good for property lines needing a formal, evergreen border.
Why selected: Combines rapid growth with substantial ultimate size, offering a dramatic, year-round privacy solution.
Caution / Limitation: Very large at maturity; plan for eventual height and width to avoid overplanting in smaller yards.
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees
These Emerald Green Arborvitae are about 6-12 inches tall and shipped bare root. They are marketed for instant privacy and screening, forming dense, impenetrable walls that block views while maintaining a manicured, evergreen appearance year-round. The natural pyramid shape requires little pruning, suitable for buyers who want a low-maintenance hedge with a polished look.
Who it’s best for: Buyers needing rapid coverage without extensive initial care, ideal for long borders or property lines.
Why selected: Instant privacy potential with a compact growth habit and low maintenance.
Caution / Limitation: Bare-root stock may require careful transplanting and moisture management during establishment.
10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 inches Tall Trees
These are shipped as potted plants in their soil and container, indicating ready-to-plant convenience with a fast-growing profile of about 3 feet per year and hardy in USDA zones 5–9. They are evergreen and suitable for creating a privacy screen as they mature, with the option to prune for size control.
Who it’s best for: Gardeners starting small screens or filling gaps in an ongoing privacy hedge.
Why selected: A reliable starter for rapid, scalable privacy growth in compatible climates.
Caution / Limitation: Ensure suitable spacing to allow for eventual full growth and avoid overcrowding in narrow spaces.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack
This 5-pack mirrors the two-foot-class product but in a gallon-sized container, offering flexibility for landscape design. The same fast growing, dense foliage, and tall growth are highlighted, with a pyramidal shape that can be pruned to maintain a desired size. Best for mid-sized yards and layered privacy strategies.
Who it’s best for: Homeowners needing a scalable privacy screen with options for staggered planting and mid-yard privacy walls.
Why selected: Combines proven growth traits with container-ready planting for faster installation in existing beds.
Caution / Limitation: Taller, more mature plants will require adequate spacing and ongoing pruning for uniform appearance.
3 American Arborvitae Live Tree Plants
These bare-root American Arborvitae offer a dense evergreen privacy screen with a compact, vertical growth habit suitable for borders and windbreaks. The plants are described as fast-growing and low maintenance, forming a conical shape with minimal pruning. They tolerate cold conditions and adapt to various soils once established (USDA zones 3–8).
Who it’s best for: Gardeners wanting a hardy, cold-tolerant option that can be planted along property lines or borders for privacy.
Why selected: Flexible for cooler climates and smaller yard configurations while maintaining year-round privacy.
Caution / Limitation: Cold hardiness varies by microclimate; ensure zone compatibility for best results.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Privacy Screens
- Growth rate and mature size: If you crave fast privacy, choose varieties with rapid height and spread, but plan for eventual mature size to avoid overcrowding.
- Space and spacing: Measure planting beds and consider width at maturity. Overplanting reduces air circulation and health.
- Climate and hardy zones: Confirm your region’s USDA hardiness zone and choose varieties suited for those conditions.
- Maintenance needs: Decide how much you want to prune. Some varieties require little pruning, while others benefit from shaping for a formal look.
- Rooting and soil conditions: Bare-root stock may require careful transplanting and moisture management. Containerized plants often establish faster after planting.
- Soil type and drainage: Arborvitae prefer well-drained soils. Poor drainage can lead to root problems and reduced vigor.
- Watering needs: New plantings need consistent moisture; established screens are comparatively drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering.
- Fertilization: Use fertilizers formulated for evergreens, especially in poor soil or in rapid growth phases. Follow product directions to avoid overfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which arborvitae is best for a tall privacy screen? Varieties labeled as giant or tall-growing, such as Green Giant, offer substantial height and dense foliage for long, year-round privacy.
- Do arborvitae require pruning? Pruning helps maintain desired shape and size. Some varieties tolerate heavy pruning, while others should be trimmed lightly to preserve natural form.
- Can arborvitae thrive in cold climates? Many arborvitae tolerate cold temperatures, but it depends on the specific cultivar and your zone. Check zone compatibility for best results.
- How long does it take for arborvitae to form a screen? Growth rates vary; many will begin forming noticeable screens within a few years, with full maturity reaching the target height over time.
- Is fertilizer necessary for evergreen hedges? Fertilizer supports dense growth and root health, particularly in nutrient-poor soils or during rapid growth. Use as directed and avoid over-fertilization.
- What spacing is needed between arborvitae? Spacing depends on variety; plan for their mature width to ensure adequate air circulation and growth without crowding.