How Far Apart Should You Plant Green Giant Arborvitae

You should plant green giant arborvitae about 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense privacy screen, or up to 8 feet apart for a more natural windbreak.
 
This spacing depends entirely on your goal and how quickly you want the plants to fill in.
 
Green giant arborvitae are fast-growing evergreens that can reach 50–60 feet tall and 12–18 feet wide at maturity.
 
If you’ve been wondering how far apart should you plant green giant arborvitae for a hedge or screen, the answer really comes down to two main choices.
 
You can plant them close together for a solid wall in a few years, or give them more room for a looser natural look.
 
In this post, you’ll learn the exact spacing ranges and what influences them.
 
We’ll also cover planting tips so your green giants thrive.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Far Apart Should You Plant Green Giant Arborvitae for a Privacy Screen

The most common reason people ask how far apart should you plant green giant arborvitae is to create a fast privacy screen.
 
When you want a dense barrier that blocks views and noise, tighter spacing works best.
 
Here are the recommended distances for different privacy goals.
 

Dense Privacy Screen – 3 to 4 Feet Apart

For the quickest and thickest screen, plant green giant arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart on center.
 
This spacing lets branches touch within two to three years, forming a solid wall.
 
If you plant them 3 feet apart, the screen fills in even faster but may require more pruning later.
 
Four feet apart is the sweet spot for most homeowners who want a good balance of speed and air circulation.
 
Either way, this is the ideal answer if you need a living fence.
 

Moderate Screen – 5 to 6 Feet Apart

If you’re okay with a slightly more open look but still want coverage, space your green giant arborvitae 5 to 6 feet apart.
 
This still gives you a solid screen within four to five years.
 
It also reduces competition for water and nutrients between trees.
 
This spacing works well along property lines where you don’t mind a tiny gap at the bottom.
 

Natural Windbreak or Loose Hedge – 8 to 10 Feet Apart

Sometimes you want green giants to grow into their full natural shape without crowding.
 
In that case, plant them 8 to 10 feet apart.
 
This spacing lets each tree develop its classic pyramid form.
 
The screen will be less dense but still provides a soft visual barrier and windbreak.
 
It’s also the best choice if you’re planting along a large property or need a more informal landscape.
 

Factors That Influence How Far Apart You Plant Green Giant Arborvitae

The number you choose for how far apart should you plant green giant arborvitae isn’t just random.
 
Several factors affect what spacing will work best in your yard.
 

Soil and Drainage Conditions

Green giants prefer moist, well-drained soil.
 
In heavy clay or poorly drained areas, roots may struggle if trees are crowded.
 
If your soil stays wet, give them a little extra space – 5 to 6 feet instead of 3 to 4 feet.
 
Good drainage helps prevent root rot and keeps your planting healthy.
 

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun is best for green giant arborvitae.
 
They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow thick and strong.
 
In partial shade, they may grow slower and become more open.
 
If your site is shady, consider spacing them a bit farther apart so they don’t compete for light.
 

Growth Rate and Mature Size

These trees grow 3 to 5 feet per year once established.
 
At maturity, they can be 15 to 18 feet wide.
 
If you plant them too close, they’ll eventually crowd each other and may lose lower branches.
 
That’s why even for a tight screen, 3 feet is the minimum.
 
For long-term health, many landscapers recommend 4 to 5 feet apart.
 

Tips for Planting Green Giant Arborvitae at the Right Spacing

Knowing how far apart should you plant green giant arborvitae is just the first step.
 
Proper planting techniques ensure they fill in as expected.
 

Staggered Rows for Maximum Privacy

If you have enough space, plant two staggered rows instead of one straight line.
 
Offset the second row slightly behind the first.
 
Use a spacing of 4 to 5 feet between rows and 4 to 6 feet within each row.
 
This creates an incredibly dense screen that blocks even winter views.
 

Measure Center to Center, Not Edge to Edge

When you mark your planting spots, always measure from the center of one hole to the center of the next.
 
This ensures the trunks are the right distance apart.
 
Do not measure from the edge of the root ball because that varies with pot size.
 

Consider Future Maintenance

Tighter spacing means you’ll need to prune occasionally to prevent disease.
 
Crowded trees can trap moisture, leading to fungal issues.
 
Leaving a little extra room reduces pruning work and improves airflow.
 

So, How Far Apart Should You Plant Green Giant Arborvitae?

You should plant green giant arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense privacy screen, 5 to 6 feet for moderate coverage, and 8 to 10 feet for a natural windbreak.
 
The spacing depends on your goal, soil conditions, and how quickly you want the screen to fill in.
 
Always consider the mature width of 15 to 18 feet to avoid future crowding.
 
Staggered rows can give you an even thicker barrier in less time.
 
We hope this guide helps you decide exactly how far apart should you plant green giant arborvitae in your landscape.
 
Happy planting.