Arborvitae Spacing Calculator
Calculate exact tree counts, plant spacing, and space from your fence for Emerald Green and Green Giant arborvitae. Give trees room to thrive and prevent overhanging branches.
Arborvitae Screen Setup
Emerald Green forms a slender, dense privacy screen perfect for suburban backyards and property lines.
Emerald Green vs. Green Giant: Two Very Different Trees
A common landscaping mistake is thinking Emerald Green and Green Giant are similar in size. Green Giants grow three to four times larger! Drag the year slider below to see how each tree compares to a standard 6-foot backyard fence over time:
Fence & Property Line Distance Guide
Planting too close to a fence can push branches into your neighbor's yard or damage wooden fence panels. Drag the distance slider below to find a safe planting distance:
At 3.5 ft away, full-grown Emerald Green branches will barely brush the fence panels without pushing against boards or spilling into the neighbor's yard.
Popular Arborvitae Varieties, Size, and Spacing
| Variety | Full-Grown Height | Full-Grown Width | Plant Spacing | Deer Resistance | Winter Snow Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Green | 12–15 ft (3.6–4.5 m) | 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) | 2.5–3.0 ft (75–90 cm) | Low (Deer like to browse) | Tie multiple stems before heavy snow |
| Green Giant | 40–60 ft (12–18 m) | 12–18 ft (3.6–5.5 m) | 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m) | Excellent (Deer avoid it) | Strong central trunk sheds snow |
| American Pillar | 25–30 ft (7.6–9.1 m) | 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) | 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) | High | Very narrow upright shape |
| Techny Arborvitae | 15–20 ft (4.5–6.0 m) | 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) | 4 ft (1.2 m) | Moderate | Best extreme cold tolerance (Zone 2) |
Protecting Trees from Heavy Snow & Split Trunks
Emerald Green arborvitae often grow with several upright stems. In winter, heavy wet snow can weigh down these stems, bending them outward or splitting the trunk. Here is how to keep your trees strong and upright in winter:
1. Train One Main Trunk
Years 1–2In years 1 and 2, pick the strongest straightest center stem. Trim back extra competing upright stems. A tree with one main trunk sheds heavy snow easily.
2. Soft Ties for Multi-Stems
Soft WebbingFor older trees with multiple stems, wrap soft green tree-tie webbing around the inner stems about two-thirds of the way up. Tie loosely so bark has room to grow. The tie stays hidden inside the leaves.
3. Plant in a Zigzag Row
Double RowIn windy, open areas, plant trees in a double zigzag pattern. The trees shelter each other from strong winds and heavy blowing snow.
Arborvitae Spacing, Fence Space & Care FAQs
How far apart should Emerald Green arborvitae be planted for a privacy hedge?+
Plant Emerald Green arborvitae 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a thick, fast-filling privacy screen. At 3 feet apart, branches will touch in 2 to 3 years without crowding roots or shading out bottom branches.
How far apart should Green Giant arborvitae be spaced?+
Because Green Giant grows into a huge tree (40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide), space them 5 to 6 feet apart in a single row, or 8 to 10 feet apart in a zigzag row. Planting them closer than 5 feet makes roots fight for water, causing brown, bare patches near the bottom.
How far from a fence or property line should arborvitae be planted?+
Plant trees at least half their full-grown width away from the property line: set Emerald Green at least 2.5 to 3 feet away from fences, and Green Giant at least 6 to 8 feet away. Planting too close pushes branches into the fence, causes wood to rot, or lets branches hang over into your neighbor's yard.
Is a single row or zigzag double row better for privacy?+
For narrow backyard spaces, a single straight row of Emerald Green works best. For blocking traffic noise or strong winds, a double zigzag row of Green Giants blocks sound and wind while giving you solid privacy all year.
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