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How Close Can Arborvitae Be Planted?
Arborvitae can be planted as close as 2 to 4 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge.
The exact spacing depends on the variety you choose and how tall you want your screen to grow.
If you are wondering how close can arborvitae be planted without harming their health, the answer is generally 3 feet for most popular types.
For a tight, seamless wall of green, planting arborvitae close together is the way to go, but you must plan for their mature width.
In this post, we’ll break down how close can arborvitae be planted for different varieties, the benefits of close spacing, and what happens if you plant them too tightly.
Let’s dig into the details so your hedge grows lush and healthy.
How Close Can Arborvitae Be Planted for Different Varieties
The answer to how close can arborvitae be planted changes depending on which type you pick.
Each variety has a different mature width, and that number is your guide for spacing.
Here’s a closer look at the most common arborvitae types.
1. Emerald Green Arborvitae Spacing
Emerald Green is one of the most popular choices for privacy hedges.
These trees grow to about 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity.
If you want a solid screen, plant them 2 to 3 feet apart.
At that spacing, the branches will interlock and create a dense wall with no gaps.
So when you ask how close can arborvitae be planted for Emerald Green, the sweet spot is 2.5 feet on center.
2. Green Giant Arborvitae Spacing
Green Giants are fast growers and can reach 15 to 20 feet wide if left unpruned.
Because of that massive spread, planting arborvitae close together for Green Giants means 5 to 6 feet apart.
You can go as tight as 4 feet, but that may require regular shearing to keep them from crowding each other.
For a tall, windbreak-style hedge, 6 feet is the most common recommendation.
3. Pyramidal Arborvitae Spacing
Pyramidal arborvitae, often sold as “Techny,” grow 6 to 8 feet wide.
To figure out how close can arborvitae be planted in this group, aim for 3 to 4 feet apart.
A 3-foot spacing produces a tight, formal hedge, while 4 feet gives them a bit more breathing room.
These trees are great for creating a natural-looking boundary without looking overcrowded.
4. Globe or Dwarf Arborvitae Spacing
Smaller varieties, like Globe arborvitae, only grow 2 to 3 feet wide.
You can plant them as close as 18 inches to 2 feet for a low, rounded border.
If you are planting arborvitae close together for landscaping beds, this spacing keeps them compact and defined.
Just remember that even dwarf types need enough airflow to prevent disease.
Why Does Spacing Matter So Much?
Understanding how close can arborvitae be planted also means knowing why spacing matters for long-term health.
Planting arborvitae close together has benefits and drawbacks depending on your goals.
1. Dense Hedge vs. Healthy Airflow
Close spacing gives you that instant, thick privacy screen.
But if you plant arborvitae too tight, branches rub together and create wounds.
Those wounds become entry points for pests and fungal infections.
Balancing how close can arborvitae be planted with the need for airflow is key.
A general rule: never plant closer than half the mature width.
2. Light Competition and Leaf Drop
When arborvitae are crowded, lower branches may not get enough sunlight.
That can cause browning and needle drop near the bottom.
So even if you’re planting arborvitae close together for privacy, leave enough room for light to filter through.
Otherwise you end up with a hedge that is thin at the base and full only at the top.
3. Root Space and Water Needs
Arborvitae have shallow, fibrous root systems that spread wide.
If you plant them too close, roots compete for water and nutrients.
That stress can stunt growth and make them more vulnerable to drought.
When deciding how close can arborvitae be planted, consider that roots need roughly the same spread as the canopy.
Tips for Success When Planting Arborvitae Close
Now that you know how close can arborvitae be planted, here are practical steps to make it work.
1. Measure on Center
Always measure from the center of one trunk to the center of the next.
That’s the true spacing, not the distance between the edges of the pots.
Using center-to-center ensures you follow the recommendations for how close can arborvitae be planted.
2. Plan for Future Growth
It’s tempting to cram them in for an instant hedge.
But remember that planting arborvitae close together in year one means more crowding in year five.
If you choose a spacing of 2.5 feet for Emerald Green, be ready to prune side branches occasionally.
3. Water Deeply and Mulch
Close spacing increases competition for water.
Give your arborvitae deep soakings during dry spells, especially the first two years.
A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
That’s how you keep a tight hedge healthy.
4. Shear for Shape
If you want a formal, manicured look, shear the sides lightly each year.
That keeps the hedge uniform and prevents branches from crossing.
Shearing also encourages denser growth, which is exactly why people choose to plant arborvitae close.
So, How Close Can Arborvitae Be Planted?
Arborvitae can be planted as close as 2 to 4 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge.
The answer to how close can arborvitae be planted depends on the variety you choose and your desired look.
For Emerald Green, 2 to 3 feet is ideal.
For Green Giants, aim for 5 to 6 feet.
Pyramidal types do well at 3 to 4 feet, and dwarfs can go as tight as 1.5 feet.
Now that you know how close can arborvitae be planted, you can confidently plan your hedge.
Happy planting, and enjoy that beautiful green screen you’re about to create.