Thuja Green Giant and Thuja Emerald Green are two popular cultivars of arborvitae that are commonly used for hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks. While they are both types of arborvitae, there are some important differences between the two that can impact their suitability for different landscaping purposes.
Growth Rate
One of the main differences between Thuja Green Giant and Thuja Emerald Green is their growth rate. Thuja Green Giant is known for its fast growth rate and can grow up to 3-5 feet per year, while Thuja Emerald Green has a slower growth rate and typically grows at a rate of 2-3 inches per year in the first year or two, but gradually increases to 6-7 inches per year by the tenth year. This means that Thuja Green Giant is a good choice for creating a privacy screen or windbreak quickly, while Thuja Emerald Green is better suited for slower-growing hedges and borders.
| Year | Thuja Green Giant (feet per year) | Thuja Emerald Green (inches per year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| 2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| 3 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| 4 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| 5 | 2-3 | 4-5 |
| 6 | 2-3 | 4-5 |
| 7 | 2-3 | 5-6 |
| 8 | 2-3 | 5-6 |
| 9 | 2-3 | 6-7 |
| 10 | 2-3 | 6-7 |
Size
Another difference between Thuja Green Giant and Thuja Emerald Green is their size at maturity. Thuja Green Giant can grow up to 50-60 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, while Thuja Emerald Green is typically smaller, reaching a height of 12-14 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. This makes Thuja Green Giant a better choice for larger landscapes and properties, while Thuja Emerald Green is better suited for smaller gardens and yards.
Foliage
Thuja Green Giant and Thuja Emerald Green also differ in their foliage. Thuja Green Giant has a dense, pyramidal shape with dark green foliage that can turn bronze in the winter, while Thuja Emerald Green has a more narrow, columnar shape with bright green foliage that maintains its color throughout the year. This means that Thuja Green Giant is better suited for creating a dense, impenetrable screen or hedge, while Thuja Emerald Green is better suited for creating a vertical accent or specimen plant.
Hardiness
Both Thuja Green Giant and Thuja Emerald Green are hardy, evergreen trees that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. However, Thuja Green Giant is slightly more cold-hardy than Thuja Emerald Green, making it a better choice for colder climates and regions with harsh winters.
Table Showing Yearly Growth and Total After