Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Have Invasive Roots

Emerald green arborvitae do not have invasive roots.
 
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask before planting near foundations, driveways, or underground utilities.
 
The roots of emerald green arborvitae are actually quite modest and well-behaved compared to many other landscape trees and shrubs.
 
If you’re worried about an emerald green arborvitae root system damaging your home’s structure or cracking your patio, you can breathe easy.
 
These evergreens have a fibrous, shallow root system that stays close to the soil surface and doesn’t aggressively spread outward.
 
In this post, we’ll look closely at why emerald green arborvitae have non-invasive roots, how their root system behaves, and what you should know before planting them near your house.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Emerald Green Arborvitae Do Not Have Invasive Roots

The root system of emerald green arborvitae is naturally compact and non-aggressive.
 
Here’s what makes these roots so safe for planting near structures:
 

1. A Fibrous, Shallow Root Structure

Emerald green arborvitae roots grow in a dense mat of fine, fibrous roots rather than thick, woody taproots.
 
This type of root system spreads horizontally within the top 12 to 18 inches of soil.
 
Because the emerald green arborvitae root system is shallow, it doesn’t dive deep into the ground looking for moisture.
 
Nor does it send out long, lateral roots that can lift sidewalks or infiltrate sewer lines.
 
The roots of emerald green arborvitae stay mostly within the drip line of the tree or shrub.
 
That means they rarely extend more than two to three feet from the trunk in mature specimens.
 

2. Slow Growth Rate Limits Root Expansion

Emerald green arborvitae are known for their slow to moderate growth rate, usually adding just 6 to 12 inches per year.
 
This slow growth directly affects how emerald green arborvitae roots develop.
 
The roots expand at a very steady, predictable pace instead of racing outward like those of willow or poplar trees.
 
Because the entire plant grows slowly, the emerald green arborvitae root system never becomes massive or overwhelming.
 
This makes them an excellent choice for small yards, foundation plantings, and tight spaces around patios.
 

3. Roots Lack Aggressive Spreading Tendencies

Unlike some trees that send roots far beyond their canopy in search of water, emerald green arborvitae roots are content with the moisture in their immediate area.
 
Their roots are not known to wrap around pipes, crack concrete, or heave foundation walls.
 
In fact, the roots of emerald green arborvitae are so gentle that many landscape designers use them as foundation hedges without any special root barriers.
 
The only caution is to avoid planting them directly against a wall where airflow and light are limited, but that’s about spacing, not root invasion.
 

Where to Safely Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae Near Your Home

Now that you know emerald green arborvitae do not have invasive roots, you can place them with confidence.
 
Here are a few tips for siting them safely:
 

1. Keep at Least 3 Feet from Foundations

Even though the emerald green arborvitae root system is non-invasive, it’s still wise to give them some breathing room.
 
A spacing of 3 to 4 feet from your home’s foundation allows roots to spread naturally without competing with the soil around your basement or slab.
 
This also prevents moisture buildup against the siding, which can cause rot or mildew.
 

2. Plant Away from Underground Utilities

Because emerald green arborvitae roots stay shallow and close to the plant, they are unlikely to damage buried cables or pipes.
 
Still, it’s smart to call your local utility marking service before digging any planting hole.
 
The roots of emerald green arborvitae are not aggressive, but you don’t want to accidentally cut a line during installation.
 

3. Give Them Room to Grow Upward, Not Outward

Emerald green arborvitae grow tall and narrow, reaching 12 to 14 feet high but only 3 to 4 feet wide.
 
Because their root system mirrors their narrow shape, you can plant them as close as 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge.
 
No invasive root worries here, just a tidy, upright growth habit.
 

Common Myths About Emerald Green Arborvitae Roots

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions that keep popping up:
 

1. “They’ll Destroy My Septic System”

False. The roots of emerald green arborvitae are not drawn to septic fields or drain lines.
 
Their fibrous roots lack the strength and drive to penetrate solid pipes.
 
Only thirsty, invasive-rooted trees (like willows or silver maples) cause those problems.
 

2. “They’ll Lift My Walkway”

Also false. Emerald green arborvitae roots are too fine and shallow to push up concrete.
 
They may grow over a pathway if planted right on top of it, but they won’t heave or crack it.
 

3. “They’ll Steal Water from My Foundation”

Not really. While all plants take up some soil moisture, the emerald green arborvitae root system is not extensive enough to cause soil shrinkage or foundation settlement.
 
If you live in an area with clay soils, any plant can affect moisture levels, but arborvitae are no more of a risk than typical shrubs.
 

So, Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Have Invasive Roots?

Emerald green arborvitae do not have invasive roots.
 
Their fibrous, shallow, and slow-growing root system is one of the tamest you’ll find among evergreens.
 
The roots of emerald green arborvitae stay close to home, expanding only within the plant’s narrow drip line.
 
This makes them perfectly safe for planting around foundations, patios, driveways, and even near underground utilities.
 
If you’ve been hesitating to add these handsome evergreens to your landscape because of emerald green arborvitae root concerns, you can move forward without worry.
 
Just give them reasonable spacing, proper soil drainage, and regular water during establishment, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance hedge that won’t take over your yard.
 
Happy planting.