How Far Apart Do You Plant Arborvitae

You should plant arborvitae between 3 to 6 feet apart for most privacy hedges, but the exact distance depends on the variety and your landscaping goal.
 
If you’ve been wondering how far apart do you plant arborvitae to create a dense screen, the quick answer is that spacing determines how quickly they fill in and how tall they grow.
 
Planting arborvitae too close can lead to competition for water and nutrients, while planting them too far apart leaves gaps that take years to close.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the ideal arborvitae planting distance for different types, what happens if you space them wrong, and practical tips for getting it right.
 
Let’s dig into how far apart do you plant arborvitae so your hedge thrives.
 

How Far Apart Do You Plant Arborvitae? The General Rule

The most common question from homeowners is how far apart do you plant arborvitae for a solid privacy fence, and the answer varies.
 

1. Standard Spacing for Privacy Hedges

For most arborvitae varieties used as hedges, the arborvitae planting distance is 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
When you plant arborvitae this closely, the branches will touch within a couple of years, creating a continuous green wall.
 
This spacing works well for popular types like Emerald Green or American arborvitae.
 
If you’re using a faster-growing variety, you may be able to space them slightly wider and still get good coverage.
 

2. Wider Spacing for Specimen Trees

If you want individual arborvitae as accent plants rather than a hedge, how far apart do you plant arborvitae changes significantly.
 
For specimen planting, give each tree at least 6 to 8 feet of space from other plants or structures.
 
This allows the arborvitae to grow into its natural pyramidal shape without crowding.
 
Some large varieties, like Green Giant, may need 10 to 12 feet between them if you’re not aiming for a hedge.
 

3. Calculating Number of Plants per Linear Foot

To figure out exactly how far apart do you plant arborvitae for a specific run, use a simple formula.
 
Divide the total length of your planting bed by the spacing distance (in feet) to get the number of plants needed.
 
For example, a 20-foot hedge with 4-foot spacing needs 5 trees.
 
Always add a little extra if you want a denser look faster.
 

Factors That Affect How Far Apart You Plant Arborvitae

The ideal arborvitae planting distance isn’t one-size-fits-all because several factors change how far apart do you plant arborvitae.
 

1. Mature Width of the Variety

Different arborvitae varieties grow to different widths, so know your plant’s mature spread before deciding spacing.
 
Narrow types like Emerald Green only reach about 3–4 feet wide, so planting arborvitae 3 feet apart works perfectly.
 
Wider types like American arborvitae can spread 10–15 feet, which means you’ll need to plant arborvitae much farther apart if you’re not making a hedge.
 
Always check the tag on your plant to confirm the expected mature width.
 

2. Desired Hedge Density and Speed

How quickly you want your privacy screen to fill in influences how far apart do you plant arborvitae.
 
Closer spacing of 3 feet gives a dense look in 2–3 years, while 5-foot spacing may take 5 years to fully close gaps.
 
If you are patient, you can plant arborvitae further apart and save money on plants, but you’ll wait longer.
 
For instant gratification, some gardeners plant arborvitae even 2.5 feet apart, though this risks crowding later.
 

3. Soil Conditions and Drainage

Soil quality impacts root spread, so how far apart do you plant arborvitae should account for your soil type.
 
In poor, compacted soil, roots compete more aggressively, so wider spacing helps reduce stress.
 
In rich, well-drained soil, you can plant arborvitae slightly closer since roots will have enough resources.
 
Always improve your soil with compost before planting to give your arborvitae the best start.
 

Spacing Tips for Common Arborvitae Varieties

Knowing the specific variety is key to answering how far apart do you plant arborvitae in your yard.
 

1. Emerald Green Arborvitae Spacing

For Emerald Green, the recommended arborvitae planting distance is 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
These narrow evergreens max out at about 4 feet wide, so 3-foot spacing quickly creates a tight screen.
 
If you want a looser look, you can plant arborvitae up to 4 feet apart, but expect slower fill-in.
 

2. Green Giant Arborvitae Spacing

Green Giant is a fast-growing, large variety, so how far apart do you plant arborvitae for this type is different.
 
For a hedge, space them 5 to 6 feet apart; they’ll grow together in a few years.
 
For individual specimens, give Green Giant 10 to 12 feet of room.
 
Planting arborvitae too close with this variety can lead to overcrowding and disease.
 

3. American Arborvitae (Eastern) Spacing

American arborvitae are wider, so the arborvitae planting distance should be 6 to 8 feet apart for hedges.
 
This allows their broad, fan-like branches to develop without rubbing.
 
If you plant arborvitae closer than 5 feet, you’ll have to prune regularly to prevent damage.
 

So, How Far Apart Do You Plant Arborvitae?

How far apart do you plant arborvitae depends on your variety and what you want to achieve.
 
For privacy hedges, the general rule is 3 to 4 feet apart for narrow types like Emerald Green, and 5 to 6 feet for larger types like Green Giant.
 
How far apart do you plant arborvitae if you want specimen trees? Give them 6 to 12 feet of space based on their mature width.
 
Remember that closer spacing gives a faster screen but requires more plants and eventual thinning.
 
Wider spacing saves money but patience is needed for a full barrier.
 
Now that you know how far apart do you plant arborvitae, you can plan your hedge with confidence.