How Far Apart Should Arborvitae Trees Be Planted

Arborvitae trees should be planted anywhere from 3 to 15 feet apart depending on the variety and your landscaping goal.

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The spacing for how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted really comes down to what you want them to do in your yard.

If you’re planning a dense privacy hedge then arborvitae trees should be planted on the closer end of that range.

For larger specimen trees that will stand alone you’ll want to give them plenty of room to spread.

In this post we’ll break down the exact distances for different arborvitae types and situations.

Let’s get into how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted for the best results.

How Far Apart Should Arborvitae Trees Be Planted

The answer to how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted depends on the specific variety and your purpose.
 
Here are the most common spacing recommendations broken down by scenario.
 

For Privacy Screens and Hedges

When you want a solid living fence then arborvitae trees should be planted about 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
This tight spacing encourages the branches to interlock and form a continuous green wall.
 
Green Giant arborvitae is a popular choice for this and these trees should be planted about 4 to 5 feet apart for a thick screen.
 
American arborvitae trees should be planted slightly closer at 3 to 4 feet apart for hedge purposes.
 
The key here is that how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted for privacy is always on the closer side.
 

For Specimen or Standalone Trees

If you’re planting an arborvitae as a focal point then arborvitae trees should be planted much farther apart.
 
Give them 8 to 15 feet of space from other trees and structures so their natural shape can fully develop.
 
Large varieties like Green Giant can reach 15 to 20 feet wide at maturity so how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted in this case is at least 10 to 15 feet.
 
This spacing allows each tree to grow into its full conical form without crowding.
 

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For Dwarf Arborvitae Varieties

Dwarf arborvitae trees should be planted much closer together since they stay small and compact.
 
These varieties typically need only 2 to 4 feet of spacing between them.
 
When considering how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted for low borders or foundation plantings the answer is about 2 to 3 feet.
 
Dwarf cultivars like ‘Little Giant’ or ‘Hetz Midget’ are perfect for these tighter spaces.
 

Factors That Influence Arborvitae Planting Distance

Understanding how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted also requires looking at a few key factors.
 
These elements can shift the recommended spacing up or down depending on your specific situation.
 

Mature Width of The Variety

The single biggest factor in how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted is their mature width.
 
Always check the tag on your specific variety because a Green Giant needs far more room than a ‘Techny’ or ‘Emerald Green’.
 
If the tag says a tree reaches 12 feet wide then arborvitae trees should be planted at least 10 to 12 feet apart.
 
This ensures they won’t compete for sunlight or airflow once they’re fully grown.
 

Purpose of The Planting

Your goal changes how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted in your landscape.
 
For a thick privacy screen you plant closer together than the mature width would suggest.
 
For windbreaks the spacing can be slightly wider since you want some air to filter through.
 
If you’re creating a natural border then arborvitae trees should be planted with enough room to keep them healthy and reduce maintenance.
 

Soil and Sunlight Conditions

In rich well-draining soil with full sun arborvitae trees grow faster and wider so how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted should lean toward the generous side.
 
In poor or compacted soil growth slows down and arborvitae trees should be planted slightly closer together to achieve the same visual density.
 
Proper spacing also prevents shading which keeps lower branches healthy and full.
 

Tips for Planting Arborvitae at The Right Distance

Getting the spacing right goes beyond just knowing how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted on paper.
 
Here are some practical tips to make sure your arborvitae thrive in the ground.
 

Measure Before You Dig

Once you know how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted for your variety lay out the spacing with stakes and string.
 
This gives you a visual preview of the final arrangement before any dirt is moved.
 
Adjust the distance if needed so each tree has its own space to grow without overlapping.
 

Account for Future Growth

It’s tempting to plant arborvitae trees closer than recommended to get an instant screen.
 
But remember that how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted now affects them years down the road.
 
If you plant too tight they may crowd each other and lose lower foliage or become prone to disease.
 
Better to wait a couple extra years for them to fill in than to have to remove stressed trees later.
 

Stagger for a Natural Look

If you’re planting multiple rows then arborvitae trees should be planted in a staggered pattern rather than directly across from each other.
 
This creates a fuller appearance and allows more light and air to reach each tree.
 
The staggered spacing also makes it less obvious how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted because the arrangement looks more organic.
 

So, How Far Apart Should Arborvitae Trees Be Planted?

Arborvitae trees should be planted 3 to 15 feet apart depending on the variety and your landscaping purpose.

And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

For dense privacy hedges plant them 3 to 4 feet apart while for standalone specimens go with 8 to 15 feet of space.

Dwarf types need only 2 to 4 feet between them so always check the mature width of your specific cultivar.

Consider your goals for the planting and the growing conditions in your yard to fine tune the spacing.

Hope this post has helped you feel confident about how far apart should arborvitae trees be planted in your landscape.