How Close To Plant Arborvitae For Privacy

How close to plant arborvitae for privacy depends on the variety you choose and how quickly you want coverage.
 
Generally, you should plant arborvitae 3 to 6 feet apart for a dense hedge, but that range shifts based on mature width.
 
If you want an instant privacy screen, you can plant arborvitae closer together — even 2 to 3 feet apart — but you’ll need to plan for future growth.
 
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how close to plant arborvitae for privacy, what happens if you space them too tight or too loose, and the best practices for each popular variety.
 
Let’s get into it so you can enjoy your private backyard sooner.
 

How Close to Plant Arborvitae for Privacy

The most common question when installing a hedge is how close to plant arborvitae for privacy, and the short answer is: between 3 and 5 feet apart for most varieties.
 
But the exact spacing depends on whether you’re after a solid wall or a looser screen.
 
Here are the key factors that help you decide how close to plant arborvitae for privacy in your specific situation:
 

1. Know the Mature Width of Your Arborvitae

Every arborvitae variety has a mature width, and that measurement tells you how close to plant arborvitae for privacy.
 
For example, Emerald Green arborvitae mature at about 3 to 4 feet wide, so planting them 3 to 4 feet apart works perfectly.
 
If you plant them closer than that — say, 2 feet — they’ll crowd each other as they grow, leading to brown inner branches and disease.
 
So the golden rule is: take the mature width and subtract a few inches for a tight fit without overlap.
 

2. Decide How Fast You Want a Solid Screen

Planting arborvitae closer together gives you a quicker privacy hedge, but it also means more maintenance later.
 
If you need privacy immediately, you can plant arborvitae 2 to 3 feet apart for varieties like Green Giant that grow fast and wide.
 
Just remember that you’ll need to prune them annually to prevent them from growing into each other.
 
For a slower but healthier approach, stick to the recommended spacing based on mature size.
 

3. Consider Your Climate and Soil

In windy or hot climates, arborvitae need more room to breathe, so you might plant them a little farther apart.
 
Poor soil also slows growth, meaning you can plant arborvitae a bit closer since they won’t reach full width as quickly.
 
Always check your local growing conditions before deciding how close to plant arborvitae for privacy.
 

Spacing Recommendations by Arborvitae Variety

Because different arborvitae grow at different rates and widths, let’s break down how close to plant arborvitae for privacy for the most common types:
 

Emerald Green Arborvitae

These popular evergreens mature at 3 to 4 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet tall.
 
For a dense hedge, plant them 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
If you want a slightly tighter screen, you can plant them 2.5 feet apart, but expect to trim side branches occasionally.
 

Green Giant Arborvitae

Green Giants grow huge — up to 15 to 20 feet wide and 40 to 60 feet tall.
 
For a living fence, plant them 5 to 6 feet apart.
 
If you plant them 4 feet apart, they’ll merge into a solid wall faster, but you’ll need to keep up with pruning to avoid breakage.
 

Techny Arborvitae

Techny arborvitae reach 6 to 8 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet tall.
 
Plant them 4 to 5 feet apart for a thick screen that doesn’t require much trimming.
 
This variety is a great middle ground for how close to plant arborvitae for privacy because it’s slower growing and very hardy.
 

Nigra Arborvitae

Nigra, or dark American arborvitae, matures at 4 to 6 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet tall.
 
Space them 3 to 4 feet apart for a nice, dark green hedge.
 
They tolerate colder climates well, so you can stick with the standard spacing without worry.
 

Common Mistakes When Planting Arborvitae for Privacy

Even if you know how close to plant arborvitae for privacy, a few errors can ruin your hedge.
 
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your arborvitae healthy and full:
 

Planting Too Close Together

When you plant arborvitae too close — say, 1 to 2 feet apart — the branches rub and shade each other.
 
This leads to brown patches, poor airflow, and increased risk of fungal diseases.
 
Always resist the urge to overcrowd, even if you’re impatient for privacy.
 

Planting Too Far Apart

If you space arborvitae 8 feet apart for a variety that only grows 4 feet wide, you’ll get gaps that never fill in.
 
You’ll have a row of individual trees instead of a solid screen, which defeats the purpose of privacy.
 
So stick to the mature width guide when deciding how close to plant arborvitae for privacy.
 

Not Considering Sunlight and Drainage

Arborvitae need full sun (at least 6 hours per day) and well-drained soil.
 
If you plant them in shade or soggy ground, they grow slowly and may not reach their full width.
 
That can throw off your spacing plan, so check your site conditions first.
 

So, How Close to Plant Arborvitae for Privacy?

How close to plant arborvitae for privacy comes down to matching the spacing to your variety’s mature width and your patience for a full hedge.
 
For most homeowners, planting arborvitae 3 to 5 feet apart creates a dense, healthy privacy screen without constant trimming.
 
If you choose a fast-growing variety like Green Giant, you can push the spacing to 4 to 6 feet and still get coverage in a few years.
 
And if you’re set on instant privacy, planting arborvitae 2 to 3 feet apart works — but only if you commit to annual pruning.
 
Now you know exactly how close to plant arborvitae for privacy, so go ahead and plan your hedge with confidence.