Unlike the towering 'Green Giant', emerald green only grows up to 12 inches each year after reaching maturity, reaching a height of 15 feet and a width of 4 feet.

Arborvitae appearance In their natural form, arborvitae are tall, dense, columnar-shaped trees. They are often planted in a row. The leaves are flat, scaly, and arranged in fan-like clusters.

Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') is known for its bright emerald green foliage that retains its color year-round. It's ideal for privacy screens because of its pyramid ...

Perhaps the most popular variety is the emerald green arborvitae (T. occidentalis ‘Smargd’). Growing 12 to 15 feet tall, it is a staple screening shrub in many residential landscapes.

A neglected arborvitae can easily become too large for its space, without enough green margin for pruning. In nature, arborvitaes can reach 50 to 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide.