How Far Apart Do You Space Arborvitae

You should space arborvitae based on their expected mature width, typically 3 to 6 feet apart for most hedge varieties.
 
If you’re planting for a dense privacy screen, how far apart you space arborvitae makes a big difference in how quickly they fill in.
 
The exact distance depends on the specific cultivar you’ve chosen and your long-term landscaping goals.
 
In this post, we’ll break down how far apart to space arborvitae for hedges, specimen plants, and foundation beds.
 
Let’s dig into the details so your arborvitae thrive and look their best.
 

How Far Apart to Space Arborvitae for a Privacy Hedge

For a solid privacy screen, how far apart you space arborvitae determines how dense the wall of greenery will become.
 
Most arborvitae varieties reach a mature width of 4 to 6 feet, so spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart is common.
 
Here are the key considerations:

1. Use the Mature Width as Your Guide

The easiest way to figure out how far apart to space arborvitae for a hedge is to look up the mature width of your variety.
 
For example, Emerald Green arborvitae grows about 3 to 4 feet wide, so spacing them 3 feet apart creates a tight hedge.
 
Green Giant arborvitae can spread 8 to 10 feet, so you’d space them 5 to 6 feet apart for a natural look.
 
Check the tag on your plant or ask your nursery for the mature spread.
 
That number tells you exactly how far apart you need to space arborvitae for your hedge.
 

2. Tighter Spacing Speeds Up Fill-In

If you want your privacy screen to look solid faster, you can space arborvitae a little closer than their mature width.
 
Planting them 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a 4-foot-wide variety will cause limbs to overlap sooner.
 
Just remember that overcrowding can reduce airflow and increase disease risk over time.
 
Balancing speed with long-term health is key when deciding how far apart to space arborvitae.
 

3. Looser Spacing for a Natural Feel

For a more informal hedge, you might space arborvitae at their full mature width or even a bit wider.
 
If you space arborvitae 5 to 6 feet apart, they’ll still form a screen but with gaps that let in light and air.
 
This approach works well if you don’t need total privacy or if you’re mixing arborvitae with other plants.
 

How Far Apart to Space Arborvitae for Individual Specimens

When planting arborvitae as standalone accent trees or foundation shrubs, the spacing rules change.
 
You want each plant to have room to grow into its natural shape without competing with neighbors.
 
Here’s how to determine how far apart you space arborvitae in these settings:

1. Give Each Plant Its Own Space

For a specimen arborvitae, measure the mature width and then add at least half that distance to the next plant.
 
If your arborvitae matures at 5 feet wide, space it at least 7 to 8 feet from the next shrub or tree.
 
This ensures each specimen develops a full, symmetrical shape without overcrowding.
 

2. Distance from Structures and Walkways

When spacing arborvitae near a house, fence, or sidewalk, leave enough room for mature growth.
 
A good rule is to plant the trunk at least half the mature width away from any structure.
 
For a 6-foot-wide arborvitae, that means setting it 3 feet back from the house or edge of a path.
 
This prevents branches from rubbing against siding or blocking walkways as the plant fills out.
 

3. Underplanting and Companions

If you’re mixing arborvitae with perennials or small shrubs, maintain proper spacing to avoid root competition.
 
How far apart you space arborvitae from companion plants should be at least 2 to 3 feet.
 
This gives both plants enough soil nutrients and sunlight to thrive without crowding.
 

Factors That Affect How Far Apart You Space Arborvitae

Several variables influence the ideal arborvitae spacing beyond just the mature width.
 
Keep these in mind when planning how far apart to space arborvitae in your landscape:

1. Growth Rate and Final Height

Fast-growing cultivars like Green Giant need more horizontal room because they grow wide quickly.
 
Slower growers like Emerald Green can be planted a bit closer since they stay narrower.
 
Also consider final height: tall arborvitae planted close together may shade each other’s lower branches.
 
That shading can cause the bottom half of the hedge to thin out over time.
 

2. Soil Fertility and Water Availability

In rich, well‑drained soil, arborvitae will grow faster and wider, so you may want to space them a little further apart.
 
In poor or dry soil, growth is slower and spacing can be slightly tighter without issue.
 
How far apart you space arborvitae should also account for your local climate and watering routine.
 

3. Pruning and Maintenance Plans

If you plan to trim your arborvitae regularly, you can plant them closer because you’ll control the width.
 
Without pruning, they’ll reach their natural spread, so looser spacing is better.
 
Decide up front how much maintenance you’re willing to do — it affects how far apart to space arborvitae.
 

So, How Far Apart Do You Space Arborvitae?

You should space arborvitae based on their mature width, with 3 to 6 feet apart being the standard range for most varieties.
 
How far apart you space arborvitae for a privacy hedge is typically 3 to 4 feet, while specimen plants need 5 to 8 feet of room.
 
Always check the specific cultivar’s spread, consider your goals for density, and account for soil and sunlight conditions.
 
Arborvitae spacing isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all answer, but with this guide you can confidently plant them for a healthy, beautiful landscape.