{"product_id":"emerald-green-arborvitae","title":"Emerald Green Arborvitae","description":"\u003ch1\u003eThe Narrow, Bright-Green Privacy Arborvitae for Tight Minnesota Spaces\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae (\u003cem\u003eThuja occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Smaragd') is the go-to upright evergreen for narrow privacy screens. It holds a slim, formal pyramid 12-15 feet tall and just 3-4 feet wide, keeping vivid emerald-green color through the coldest Minnesota winters without the bronzing that affects lesser arborvitae. Slow and tidy, it rarely needs shearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThuja occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Smaragd'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae, Smaragd Arborvitae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-15 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow to moderate - 6-12 inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade (4+ hours)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate; water deeply through the first two seasons.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b-5a)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdaptable; tolerates Minnesota clay-loam.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen - flat sprays of vivid emerald-green that resist winter bronzing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow - deer browse arborvitae; protect with fencing or repellent the first 2-3 winters.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Status\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies native to Minnesota; 'Smaragd' is a cultivated selection from Denmark\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNarrow Privacy Hedges\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmerald Green is the gold-standard privacy hedge for a reason: a uniform, narrow pyramid 12 to 15 feet tall and just 3 to 4 feet wide that lines up into a clean, even wall. Planted 2.5 to 3 feet apart it forms a solid screen — a 30-foot run takes about 10 to 12 plants. It's the most-requested hedge for property lines and backyard privacy in Edina, Plymouth, and Woodbury. One caution for western suburbs: deer browse arborvitae heavily, so read the deer note below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFormal Accents and Entries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts naturally tidy, symmetrical form makes Emerald Green a clean choice for formal plantings — flanking an entry, marking the corners of a house, or repeating along a walkway in Wayzata or St. Paul. It holds its shape with little to no shearing, so the formal look stays crisp without constant trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVivid Color That Resists Bronzing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many arborvitae that dull to bronze in the cold, Emerald Green (sold in Europe as 'Smaragd,' the word for emerald) holds its vivid green through a Minnesota winter. That means a hedge that still looks fresh and green in February rather than tired and brown — a big part of why it's the benchmark privacy evergreen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an evergreen, Emerald Green establishes best when planted in \u003cstrong\u003elate August through mid-September\u003c\/strong\u003e. The soil is still warm enough to drive root growth, while cooler air eases transplant stress and gives the plant six to eight weeks to settle in before the ground freezes around mid-November. \u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April through May)\u003c\/strong\u003e is the solid second choice, leaving a full season to root before the first winter. Avoid the heat of midsummer, and never plant after mid-October — evergreens set out too late are prone to winter desiccation before their roots can support them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDig wide, not deep.\u003c\/strong\u003e Make the hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball but no deeper — the top of the root ball should sit slightly above grade. In heavy clay, go even wider.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMind the moisture.\u003c\/strong\u003e Arborvitae like consistent moisture, so a spot that doesn't bake dry is ideal — but avoid standing water; if drainage is poor, mound-plant a few inches high.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBackfill with amended soil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix your native soil with 20 to 30 percent compost to hold moisture and loosen heavy clay; this species rewards a richer backfill than junipers do.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace for the use.\u003c\/strong\u003e Set plants 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a solid privacy hedge, or 4 feet apart for a looser row or as individual accents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuild a water basin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Form a 3 to 4 inch soil ring around the base to channel water to the roots. Flatten it before winter so ice doesn't collect against the trunk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch with bark.\u003c\/strong\u003e Spread 2 to 3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips, kept 2 inches off the trunk, to lock in the moisture arborvitae crave. Skip gravel mulch — it bakes roots and gives no winter insulation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Emerald Green Arborvitae in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Deep soak every 1 to 2 days (15–25 minutes at a slow trickle).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 2 to 3 days — arborvitae need more consistent moisture than junipers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 4 to 6 days during active growth; don't let the root zone dry out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop watering 2 to 3 weeks before the ground freezes (late October in the metro) — then give one last deep soak in early December, especially if fall was dry, to limit winter burn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater deeply through the first two seasons while the hedge establishes. After that, Emerald Green needs supplemental water mainly during dry spells — a deep soak every 7 to 10 days when there's been two-plus weeks without rain. It is less drought-tolerant than juniper or spruce, so don't let it bake, and always finish with that early-December deep watering before freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Emerald Green Arborvitae survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — it's hardy to roughly -40°F (USDA zone 3) and is prized for holding its vivid green through the cold rather than bronzing. Brush heavy snow off the hedge so the narrow forms don't splay, and give a deep December watering to limit winter burn; in very exposed sites, a burlap wind screen the first winter helps the youngest plants settle in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it deer-resistant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — Emerald Green is one of the deer's favorite winter foods in Minnesota, and an unprotected hedge can be browsed bare to about five feet by spring, especially in high-pressure western suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Chanhassen. Plan to protect it: a winter repellent rotated through the season, burlap or netting wraps, or fencing. Where deer pressure is severe and a long hedge can't be protected, a juniper screen offers privacy with genuine deer resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many do I need for a hedge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace Emerald Green 2.5 to 3 feet apart on center for a solid screen — about 10 to 12 plants per 30 feet. For a faster-filling or denser wall, lean toward the 2.5-foot spacing; for a looser, more economical row, 3 feet works. Plant in full sun for the densest growth, though it tolerates part shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTechny Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — a tougher, more cold- and wind-hardy arborvitae for exposed hedge sites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThin Man Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — a faster, even narrower upright for quick privacy in tight spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHetz Wintergreen Arborvitae\u003c\/strong\u003e — a taller, faster screen for blocking second-story views.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHetzii Columnaris Juniper\u003c\/strong\u003e — a deer-resistant narrow green column for high deer-pressure yards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Emerald Green Arborvitae Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a solid privacy hedge, space plants \u003cstrong\u003e2.5–3 feet apart\u003c\/strong\u003e (center to center):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlants at 2.5–3 ft spacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9–10 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–12 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17–20 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e34–40 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor formal accents, plant pairs flanking an entry or singles at house corners with \u003cstrong\u003e4 feet of clearance\u003c\/strong\u003e from walls and walks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEmerald Green Arborvitae Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright new emerald growth tips refresh the whole pyramid as soil warms in May.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense, flat fan-like sprays hold a crisp formal column with little to no shearing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Color stays vivid green while deciduous neighbors drop; small upright cones appear on mature plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The headline trait — keeps true emerald color through February with minimal bronzing; brush off heavy snow so columns don't splay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Evergreen   ✔ Four-Season Interest   ✔ Shade-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/techny-arborvitae\"\u003eTechny Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — tougher, wind-hardier arborvitae for the exposed end of the same hedge line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/thin-man-arborvitae\"\u003eThin Man Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — faster and even narrower where you need quicker privacy in a tighter strip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hetz-wintergreen-arborvitae\"\u003eHetz Wintergreen Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — taller, faster-growing screen for blocking second-story sightlines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hetzii-columnaris-juniper\"\u003eHetzii Columnaris Juniper\u003c\/a\u003e — deer-resistant green column to substitute where browsing pressure is severe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Emerald Green Arborvitae Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Emerald Green if you want a \u003cstrong\u003eformal, narrow, low-maintenance privacy wall\u003c\/strong\u003e in full sun to part shade with decent moisture — it's the benchmark hedge plant for Twin Cities property lines. \u003cstrong\u003eNot a fit if\u003c\/strong\u003e you have heavy deer pressure and can't protect it: deer strip arborvitae bare in winter, and on hot, dry, unirrigated sites it browns out where a juniper would shrug.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#10 Gallon","offer_id":54281471066417,"sku":"GT-E3285","price":123.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#15 Gallon","offer_id":54281471099185,"sku":"GT-E3285.2","price":150.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#20 Gallon","offer_id":54281471131953,"sku":"GT-E3286","price":192.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5' B\u0026B","offer_id":54281471164721,"sku":"GT-E3286.5","price":219.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/emerald-green-arborvitae.jpg?v=1779469309","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/emerald-green-arborvitae","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}