The American arborvitae, or Thuja occidentalis, has long been a favored choice for private hedges and windbreaks across the United States. This guide highlights five reliable evergreen options that help you create dense, low-maintenance privacy screens. Read on to compare size, growth, and versatility, and find a product that fits your yard, climate, and landscape goals.
| Product | Pack Size / Height | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Emerald Green Arborvitae | 6-12″ tall | Instant privacy with a naturally tidy pyramidal shape |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae | 6-12″ tall | Larger instant privacy wall; compact column form |
| TomorrowSeeds American Arborvitae Seeds | 300+ seeds | Cost-effective planting for future screens |
| Thuja Green Giant 2ft 8-Pack | About 2 ft | Fast-growing, dense evergreen privacy |
| Thuja Green Giant 18-Pack | Liners, varies | Instant privacy in larger installations |
Choosing a hedge for privacy and year-round greenery involves considering climate adaptability, growth rate, and maintenance needs. The selections below cover a range of starting sizes—from bare-root plugs to ready-to-plant bundles—and highlight how each option performs as an American arborvitae hedge. Whether you want an immediate visual screen or a long-term landscaping plan, these products offer dependable evergreen coverage across many U.S. zones.
10 Emerald Green Arborvitae – 6-12″
These bareroot seedlings are about 6-12 inches tall, arriving ready to establish an instant privacy screen as they grow. They feature a natural, dense pyramid shape that minimizes trimming needs and helps maintain a manicured look with minimal effort. Expect a robust, year-round green hedge as they mature in suitable soils and sun exposure. Initial spacing should reflect a tightly packed hedge, but the compact growth habit helps create a professional, landscaped appearance with less maintenance than other hedge varieties.
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae – 6-12″
This larger pack expands your privacy capability, delivering a dense living wall similar to the 10-pack but with twice the quantity. The same pyramidal shape reinforces a clean, professional look that fills spaces more quickly. Like the 10-pack, they ship bareroot and are well-suited for installation in zones with full to partial sun. Proper spacing and consistent water during establishment support rapid coverage and long-term resilience against wind and prying eyes.
TomorrowSeeds American Arborvitae Seeds
Seed-based options can be a cost-effective approach to forming a privacy screen over time. These American arborvitae seeds promise dense evergreen growth and wind protection through upright development, with a classic landscape appeal. They are cold-hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates, making them a flexible choice for new plantings. Expect a longer establishment period, with successful screens depending on germination, proper seed-starting conditions, and attentive post-planting care.
KVITER Thuja Tree Seeds – 50 Count
This seed pack emphasizes fast germination and a broad growing window, with seeds suited for zones 3–7. Plantings can become tall privacy trees that form a natural barrier over time. The seeds thrive in various soils, including clay or loam, and respond well to consistent moisture. It’s a versatile option for homeowners who prefer starting from seed and gradually building a hedge, rather than purchasing mature shrubs.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft – 8 Pack
Known for rapid growth, the 2-foot-tall Green Giant pack provides a substantial privacy screen quickly. These dense, evergreen liners are designed to establish into a lush hedge with minimal pruning. They tolerate a broad range of conditions and can be shaped to maintain a solid wall or to fit irregular spaces. This option is ideal when immediate screening is a priority and you want to ramp up coverage within a single planting season.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant – 18-Pack
This value-packed kit delivers 18 private-hedge liners, designed to create an instant privacy screen or windbreak. The Green Giant varieties offer dense, dark-green foliage with a distinctly evergreen aroma when foliage is brushed. The arrangement supports large-scale privacy projects, such as property lines or expansive yard screens, with less planning time than assembling many smaller plants. Proper spacing and early establishment care maximize the long-term effectiveness of this kit.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for American Arborvitae Hedges
When selecting arborvitae for a hedge, consider climate zone, soil type, sun exposure, and maintenance expectations. Fast-growing varieties deliver quicker privacy but may require more water during establishment. Seed-based options are more affordable but demand patience and ongoing care until they form a solid screen. For immediate effect, larger bareroot or nursery-grown transplants are the most effective choice. For long-term resilience, mix planting methods—seed to supplement and transplant to fill gaps and maintain a dense barrier.
- Growth rate: Evergreen hedges vary from slow to fast growers; plan for eventual height and width to avoid future pruning surprises.
- Sun and soil: Most arborvitae prefer full sun and well-drained soil; ensure irrigation during dry periods, especially in hot climates.
- Spacing: Proper spacing accelerates full coverage while reducing competition and disease risk.
- Winter hardiness: Select varieties rated for your USDA zone to resist cold damage and dieback.
- Maintenance: While many arborvitae require minimal pruning, occasional shaping helps maintain a neat hedge appearance.