How Far Apart Should Emerald Green Arborvitae Be Planted

Emerald green arborvitae should be planted 3 to 4 feet apart for the best privacy hedge.
 
This classic spacing lets each tree develop its natural cone shape while still merging into a solid green screen.
 
If you’ve been wondering how far apart to plant emerald green arborvitae for a dense wall of foliage, 3 feet on center is the sweet spot.
 
When you plant emerald green arborvitae at this distance, the branches will interlock after a couple of growing seasons.
 
You get a thick, uniform barrier without crowding the root systems too much.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how far apart emerald green arborvitae should be planted for different goals.
 
Let’s dig into the spacing details so your hedge thrives.
 

How Far Apart Should Emerald Green Arborvitae Be Planted

The standard answer is 3 to 4 feet apart, measured from the center of one tree to the center of the next.
 
But the right number depends on what you’re trying to achieve with your emerald green arborvitae.
 

1. 3 Feet Apart for a Quick, Dense Screen

When you plant emerald green arborvitae 3 feet apart, you’ll get the fastest fill-in time.
 
This is the most common spacing for homeowners who want privacy as soon as possible.
 
At 3 feet, the trees have enough room to reach their mature width of about 3 to 4 feet without fighting for space.
 
If you’re asking how far apart to plant emerald green arborvitae for a solid hedge, 3 feet is your best bet.
 

2. 4 Feet Apart for a Slightly Airier Look

Planting emerald green arborvitae 4 feet apart still gives you great coverage.
 
It just takes a little longer for the branches to touch and form a continuous wall.
 
This spacing works well if you want some light and air to filter through while still getting decent screening.
 
Many landscapers recommend this how far apart emerald green arborvitae should be planted for a more natural appearance.
 

3. 5 Feet Apart for Individual Specimens

If you aren’t looking for a hedge at all, you can plant emerald green arborvitae 5 to 6 feet apart.
 
At this distance, each tree keeps its own distinct shape and doesn’t touch its neighbors.
 
This is perfect for accent planting along a fence line or driveway.
 
Just know that if you eventually change your mind and want a hedge, you’ll have to wait much longer for it to fill in.
 

Factors That Influence How Far Apart to Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae

Your specific site conditions can shift the ideal spacing by a foot or more.
 
Here’s what to consider when deciding how far apart emerald green arborvitae should be planted in your yard.
 

1. Mature Size and Growth Habit

Emerald green arborvitae typically reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity.
 
Knowing that final width is the key to choosing your spacing.
 
If you want the trees to just touch at maturity, plant them exactly 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
If you want a small gap between each tree, push the spacing to 5 feet.
 
This is why the question how far apart to plant emerald green arborvitae always starts with their mature width.
 

2. Climate and Growth Rate

In warmer zones (5 through 8), emerald green arborvitae grow a little faster each year.
 
So you can lean toward the wider end of the spacing range.
 
In cooler climates or areas with shorter growing seasons, growth is slower.
 
That means planting emerald green arborvitae a bit closer can help you achieve coverage sooner.
 

3. Soil Quality and Drainage

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage supports vigorous root growth.
 
In these conditions, the standard 3 to 4 foot spacing works perfectly.
 
If your soil is heavy clay or compacted, roots may struggle to spread.
 
In that case, spread your emerald green arborvitae a little wider, maybe 4 to 5 feet apart, to reduce competition.
 

How to Measure and Mark the Spacing for Emerald Green Arborvitae

Getting the spacing right on paper is one thing, but marking it in the ground is just as important.
 

1. Use a Measuring Tape and Stakes

Measure from the center of one planting hole to the center of the next.
 
Place a stake or landscape flag at each spot before you dig.
 
This gives you a visual layout of how far apart emerald green arborvitae will be once they’re in the ground.
 

2. Consider Staggering a Double Row

If you have the room and want an ultra-dense screen, plant two rows of emerald green arborvitae.
 
Space the rows 4 to 5 feet apart and stagger the trees so they form a zigzag pattern.
 
This creates a thicker barrier even with wider spacing within each row.
 
Just remember the same guidelines for how far apart to plant emerald green arborvitae within each row.
 

3. Mark the Entire Length Before Digging

Lay out all your stakes first so you can adjust the spacing if needed.
 
It’s much easier to move a stake than to dig a new hole later.
 
This simple step saves you from guessing how far apart emerald green arborvitae should be after the first hole is dug.
 

So, How Far Apart Should Emerald Green Arborvitae Be Planted?

Emerald green arborvitae should be planted 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge.
 
That spacing gives you the fastest fill-in while keeping the trees healthy and happy.
 
If you want a looser screen or are planting emerald green arborvitae as individual accents, go with 4 to 5 feet apart.
 
And if you’re in a rush for privacy, 3 feet on center is the tried-and-true answer to how far apart to plant emerald green arborvitae.
 
Consider your soil, climate, and desired look, and you’ll pick the perfect spacing for your landscape.