How Far Apart Should You Plant Arborvitae Trees

How far apart you should plant arborvitae trees depends on the variety and your overall landscaping goals.
 
For privacy hedges, you generally want to plant arborvitae trees closer together than you would for individual specimen trees.
 
The exact spacing for arborvitae trees ranges from 3 feet for compact varieties up to 15 feet for larger, spreading types.
 
In this post, we’ll explore how far apart you should plant arborvitae trees for hedges, screens, and standalone displays.
 
Let’s get into the best spacing for arborvitae trees so you can plant with confidence.
 

How Far Apart Should You Plant Arborvitae Trees for a Hedge?

When creating a living privacy screen, how far apart you plant arborvitae trees determines how quickly the hedge fills in.
 
For dense, year‑round coverage, a spacing of 3 to 4 feet between trees works well for most upright varieties.
 
If you’re using smaller or naturally narrow arborvitae trees, like ‘Emerald Green’, planting every 3 feet will create a solid screen in just a few seasons.
 
For larger cultivars such as ‘Green Giant’, a 5‑ to 6‑foot spacing still forms a thick barrier while allowing each tree room to grow.
 
Here are the key reasons spacing matters for hedge arborvitae trees:
 

1. Full Shade and Air Circulation

Proper spacing ensures that arborvitae trees receive enough sunlight on all sides.
 
When you plant arborvitae trees too close, lower branches can die back from lack of light.
 
Adequate spacing also promotes airflow, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases like tip blight.
 
So how far apart should you plant arborvitae trees for good air movement? At least half the mature width of the variety.
 

2. Root Competition and Nutrient Access

Arborvitae trees have fibrous, shallow root systems that spread wide.
 
If you plant arborvitae trees too close, roots compete for moisture and nutrients, stunting growth.
 
Providing the recommended spacing lets each tree develop a healthy root ball.
 
This is why knowing how far apart to plant arborvitae trees is essential for long‑term vigor.
 

3. Avoiding Overcrowding as They Mature

Many homeowners underestimate how wide arborvitae trees eventually become.
 
A ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae can spread 12 to 15 feet at maturity.
 
If you plant these arborvitae trees at 3 feet apart, they will soon crowd each other and suffer.
 
Always check the mature width of the specific cultivar when deciding how far apart you should plant arborvitae trees.
 

How Far Apart to Plant Arborvitae Trees for Individual Specimens

If you’re using arborvitae as accent trees rather than a hedge, you’ll want more generous spacing.
 
For single, show‑stopping arborvitae trees, give them at least 10 to 15 feet of room on all sides.
 
This allows the natural conical or pyramidal shape to develop without interference.
 
Key spacing guidelines for specimen arborvitae trees:
 

1. Dwarf and Compact Varieties

Small arborvitae trees like ‘Hetz Midget’ or ‘Little Giant’ stay under 4 feet wide.
 
Plant these arborvitae trees 4 to 5 feet apart from each other or from structures.
 
This spacing keeps them looking tidy and reduces the need for pruning.
 

2. Medium‑Sized Arborvitae Trees

Varieties such as ‘Techny’ or ‘Pyramidalis’ grow 6 to 8 feet wide.
 
A spacing of 8 to 10 feet apart gives each tree enough personal space.
 
With this distance, arborvitae trees can breathe and maintain their dense foliage.
 

3. Large and Giant Arborvitae Trees

For towering types like ‘Green Giant’ or ‘Thuja plicata’, a 12‑ to 15‑foot spacing is best.
 
These arborvitae trees become massive, so planting them too close leads to lopsided growth.
 
Remember that how far apart you plant arborvitae trees directly affects their final shape and health.
 

Common Mistakes When Deciding How Far Apart to Plant Arborvitae Trees

Even experienced gardeners sometimes misjudge the spacing for arborvitae trees.
 
Avoid these frequent errors to ensure your arborvitae thrive.
 
Here’s what to watch for:
 

1. Ignoring Mature Width

Many people learn how far apart to plant arborvitae trees only after they’ve outgrown their space.
 
Always research the final spread of your chosen cultivar before digging holes.
 
A quick search for “how far apart should you plant arborvitae trees [variety]” will give you the exact number.
 

2. Planting Too Tight for a “Instant” Hedge

It’s tempting to place arborvitae trees every 2 feet for an immediate wall of green.
 
But that cramped spacing forces the trees to compete and eventually thin out.
 
Instead, follow the recommended distance and be patient; arborvitae trees grow quickly.
 

3. Forgetting About Future Maintenance

When you plant arborvitae trees close together, accessing them for pruning or pest treatment becomes difficult.
 
Adequate spacing makes it easier to inspect and care for each tree.
 
That’s another reason why knowing how far apart to plant arborvitae trees matters for long‑term maintenance.
 

So, How Far Apart Should You Plant Arborvitae Trees?

How far apart you should plant arborvitae trees depends on the purpose and the variety.
 
For a thick hedge, space upright arborvitae trees 3 to 6 feet apart, depending on the cultivar.
 
For individual specimens, give arborvitae trees enough room to reach their full width without rubbing branches.
 
Always check the mature size of your specific arborvitae trees before planting.
 
Hope this post has helped you decide how far apart to plant arborvitae trees in your landscape.