So you're thinking about planting Green Giant Thuja? Smart choice. I remember when I first planted these in my backyard seven years ago - I had no idea they'd grow into such impressive privacy screens. But let's cut through the fluff and talk real-world stuff. These evergreens aren't magic (though they sometimes feel like it). They need the right care, and there are things nurseries don't always tell you.
Why Everyone's Planting Green Giant Arborvitae
Let's be honest - most people want privacy without waiting decades. That's where Green Giant Thuja shines. Unlike regular arborvitae that struggle in heat, this hybrid handles Southern summers like a champ. My neighbor's regular arborvitae turned brown during that heatwave last July, but my Green Giants? Barely noticed.
| Feature | Green Giant Thuja | Regular Arborvitae |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | 3-5 ft per year | 1-2 ft per year |
| Mature Height | 40-60 ft | 15-20 ft |
| Disease Resistance | Excellent | Susceptible to blight |
| Winter Hardiness | Zones 5-8 (-20°F) | Zones 3-7 |
| Price Range (6ft tree) | $125-$200 | $70-$120 |
That growth rate is no joke. Planted mine at 4 feet tall - three years later they were pushing 15 feet. But here's what they don't tell you at the nursery: that speedy growth means constant trimming if you want neat hedges. My Saturday mornings? Often spent with hedge trimmers.
Planting Costs You Need to Budget For
Prices vary wildly depending on size and quantity. Here's what I paid last spring:
| Height at Purchase | Price Range Each | Bulk Discount (10+ plants) | Delivery Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 ft | $75-$125 | 15% off | $50-$100 |
| 5-6 ft | $150-$250 | 10% off | $75-$150 |
| 7-8 ft | $300-$500 | 5% off | $100-$200 |
Pro tip: Buy smaller plants. Those 6-footers cost triple but grow so fast it's not worth it. My 4-footers caught up to my neighbor's expensive 6-foot plants in 18 months.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Planting day matters more than you think. I learned this the hard way when three of my first batch died. Here's what actually works:
Timing Is Everything
- Best: Early fall (soil still warm, roots establish before freeze)
- Good: Spring after last frost
- Risky: Summer (unless you water religiously)
That "spring planting" advice? It's okay, but fall gives roots extra months to settle. My September-planted Green Giants outperformed April ones by 20%.
Spacing Secrets for Privacy Hedges
Too close and they'll choke each other. Too far and you get gaps. After trial and error:
| Desired Effect | Distance Between Plants | Years to Full Privacy |
|---|---|---|
| Dense hedge | 4-5 feet | 3-4 years |
| Looser screen | 6-8 feet | 4-5 years |
| Individual specimens | 10+ feet | N/A |
Warning: Don't plant within 10 feet of foundations. Their roots won't damage pipes but they'll grow so wide you'll constantly trim one side.
Care Mistakes That Kill Green Giants
These trees thrive on neglect, but three mistakes cause most problems:
Watering: The Goldilocks Zone
- Year 1: 10 gallons weekly (unless heavy rain)
- Year 2: 5 gallons weekly in dry spells
- Established: Only during droughts
Overwatering causes root rot - my first casualty. Stick your finger 2 inches down - if damp, skip watering.
The Pruning Debate
Most guides say "prune in spring." But if you want dense growth:
Light tip-trimming in June encourages bushiness. Major shaping? Late winter before new growth. Never cut back to brown wood - it won't regreen.
I prune mine twice: a light pass in June to shape, and cleanup in February. Takes maybe 30 minutes per tree.
Pest Control That Actually Works
Bagworms love Green Giants. First sign? Brown patches in summer. Treatment options:
- Organic: Hand-pick bags (best Dec-Feb when obvious)
- Spray: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in May-June
- Systemic: BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub (apply April)
I use the systemic treatment every other spring. Haven't had issues since.
Real-World Growth Timeline
| Year | Expected Height | Care Focus | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2 ft growth | Deep watering | Transplant shock |
| 2-3 | 3-4 ft growth/year | Light fertilization | Spider mites in drought |
| 4-5 | 2-3 ft growth/year | Annual pruning | Lower branch dieback |
| 10+ | Slows to 1 ft/year | Height control | Storm damage to leaders |
See that "lower branch dieback" note? All Green Giant Thuja trees do this as they age. Don't panic - it's normal. Just trim the dead stuff.
Cost vs. Alternatives
Is Green Giant Thuja worth the premium? Let's compare:
| Plant Type | Cost for 20ft Privacy Screen | Years to Maturity | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Giant Thuja | $900-$1,500 | 4-5 years | Medium |
| Leyland Cypress | $600-$1,000 | 5-6 years | High (disease prone) |
| Vinyl Fence | $2,000-$4,000 | Immediate | Low |
| Bamboo | $500-$800 | 2-3 years | Very High (invasive) |
Money Saver: Buy bare-root Green Giants by mail order. Half the cost of potted plants. Mine arrived looking dead but perked up in two weeks.
Top Questions People Actually Ask
How fast do Green Giant Thuja really grow?
In decent soil with sun? 3 feet yearly after establishment. Mine hit 12 feet in four years from 3-foot starters. But growth slows dramatically after 20 feet.
Can I keep them short?
Yes, but it's a battle. They naturally want to be 50-foot trees. To maintain at 10 feet, you'll trim 2-3 times yearly. Better to choose dwarf varieties if height concerns you.
Why are bottom branches dying?
Three common causes: not enough light (plant too close to fence), spider mite infestation, or natural shading as tree matures. If upper growth is green, it's probably normal.
Deer resistance - myth or truth?
Mostly true. Deer will nibble young plants but avoid established Green Giants. During harsh winters? All bets are off. Use liquid fence spray on new plantings.
Can they recover from browning?
Depends. Winter burn? Often regreens in spring. Bagworm damage? Trim affected areas. Root rot? Probably fatal. Prevention beats cure with these.
When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting
Here's what I've learned fixing problems over seven years:
Yellowing Foliage
- New growth yellow: Iron deficiency (apply chelated iron)
- Old growth yellow: Nitrogen deficiency (balanced fertilizer)
- Patchy yellow: Spider mites (hose off daily for a week)
Brown Tips
- Winter: Normal wind/salt damage - trim in spring
- Summer: Underwatering or fertilizer burn
- Localized: Dog urine or chemical drift
My biggest mistake? Planting too close to my driveway. Road salt spray created permanent brown patches on the street side. Now I plant at least 15 feet back.
Buying Guide: What Nurseries Won't Tell You
I've bought Green Giant Thuja from eight suppliers. Here's the real deal:
- Big box stores: Cheapest but root-bound plants. Soak rootball for an hour before planting
- Local nurseries: Better quality but 30% pricier. Worth it for small orders
- Online specialists: Best bulk prices. Order in fall for best selection
Check for these red flags:
- Cracks in rootball (indicates drying out)
- White crust on soil (fertilizer salt buildup)
- Spider webs between branches (mite infestation)
Long-Term Commitment
These trees live 40+ years. Consider:
- Utility lines: Plant at least 20 feet from overhead wires
- Property lines: Check local ordinances about height restrictions
- Future projects: That "empty corner" might someday house a shed or pool
My neighbor didn't check height restrictions. Now he has to top 20 gorgeous Green Giants because they violate HOA rules. Such a waste.
Final Thought: Green Giant Thuja are fantastic privacy solutions if you understand their nature. They're not "plant and forget" but reward effort with incredible growth. Just give them space to thrive and don't fuss over them too much.
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