Thuja P. ‘Green Giant’ 5-6‘

Latin Name: Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Green Giant’

Common Name: Green Giant Arborvitae

Zones: 5-8

Height & Spread: 40-60 feet tall (often kept lower by pruning), spreading 12-18 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A large, fast-growing evergreen hybrid of Japanese arborvitae (T. standishii) and western redcedar (T. plicata), widely used as a disease-resistant alternative to Leyland cypress. Forms a dense, narrow, pyramidal tree with horizontal to slightly upturned branching and lustrous, dark green, scale-like foliage held in flat sprays right down to the ground. In good conditions it can add 3-4 feet of growth per year once established, making it a go-to choice for quick privacy screens and windbreaks. The foliage stays green through winter with only slight bronzing in the coldest weather. Thrives in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil, and tolerates a range of soil types and some drought once established. Needs plenty of room, since planting too close leads to crowding and spindly growth. It can be sheared to a lower height for a hedge, but avoid cutting back into bare wood, which will not regrow. Deer tend to browse it in some areas, and bagworms and heavy snow can cause damage. Provides nesting and shelter for birds. An excellent choice for large-scale privacy screens, windbreaks, snow breaks, or a bold specimen on large properties in full sun to part shade.