How Far Apart To Plant Arborvitae For Privacy

Arborvitae should be planted 3 to 6 feet apart for privacy, depending on the variety you choose.
 
If you’re wondering how far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy, the spacing directly affects how quickly your screen fills in.
 
Planting arborvitae for privacy too far apart leaves gaps while planting too close stresses the plants.
 
The ideal arborvitae spacing for privacy balances mature width with your timeline for a dense hedge.
 
In this post we’ll cover the exact distances for different varieties and why how far apart to plant arborvitae matters so much.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Far Apart to Plant Arborvitae for Privacy

The general rule for how far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy is to space them at half their mature width.
 
For most privacy hedges, that means planting arborvitae 3 to 6 feet away from each other.
 
Here’s why that range works and how it applies to your yard.
 

1. Variety Determines the Exact Distance

How far apart to plant arborvitae depends first on which species you pick.
 
Narrow varieties like Emerald Green grow about 3–4 feet wide, so planting arborvitae for privacy with these means 3–4 feet apart works perfectly.
 
Broad growers like Green Giant can spread 12–15 feet, so planting arborvitae for privacy with them requires 5–6 feet apart.
 
Always check the tag to know the mature width before deciding how far apart to plant arborvitae.
 

2. Desired Density Affects Arborvitae Spacing for Privacy

If you need an instant screen, plant arborvitae closer within that range like 3 feet for narrow types.
 
But if you’re patient and want lower cost, plant arborvitae farther apart—say 5–6 feet—and let them fill in over a few years.
 
The closer the arborvitae spacing for privacy, the faster the hedge looks solid.
 
However, planting arborvitae too close can cause overcrowding as they mature.
 

3. Growth Rate Changes How You Space Arborvitae for Privacy

Fast‑growing arborvitae like Green Giant can be spaced at 5–6 feet because they close gaps quickly.
 
Slower varieties like Techny need tighter spacing—around 4 feet—so your privacy screen develops sooner.
 
When deciding how far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy, always factor in how many years you’re willing to wait.
 

Factors That Affect Arborvitae Spacing for Privacy

Beyond variety, several conditions influence how far apart to plant arborvitae for lasting privacy.
 
Ignoring these can turn a good hedge into a patchy one.
 

1. Mature Width of the Specific Cultivar

Even within the same species, different cultivars vary.
 
For example, Emerald Green arborvitae stays narrow while Woodwardii is rounder and wider.
 
Always measure the expected mature width from a reliable source before planting arborvitae for privacy.
 
This ensures your arborvitae spacing for privacy matches reality.
 

2. Soil and Sunlight Conditions

Poor soil or partial shade can slow growth, making your hedge take longer to fill gaps.
 
In such spots, you might want to plant arborvitae a little closer than the standard recommendation.
 
Good soil and full sun let you space arborvitae for privacy on the wider end because growth is vigorous.
 
So how far apart to plant arborvitae also depends on where you put them.
 

3. Climate and Hardiness Zone

In colder zones, some arborvitae grow more slowly, so closer spacing helps the hedge unite sooner.
 
Hot, humid regions can cause wider growth, meaning you can plant arborvitae a bit farther apart.
 
Check your zone and local experiences when deciding how far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy.
 

Spacing Guidelines for Common Arborvitae Varieties

Here are the exact distances for popular types to make planting arborvitae for privacy simple.
 

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Mature width: 3–4 feet.
 
Recommended spacing: 3 feet apart for a solid hedge.
 
Planting arborvitae for privacy with Emerald Green at 4 feet still works but takes an extra year to fill.
 

Green Giant Arborvitae

Mature width: 12–15 feet.
 
Recommended spacing: 5–6 feet apart.
 
This is the most forgiving variety when asking how far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy because it grows so fast.
 

Techny Arborvitae

Mature width: 6–8 feet.
 
Recommended spacing: 4–5 feet apart.
 
Planting arborvitae for privacy with Techny at 4 feet gives you a dense screen in about three years.
 

Pyramidal Arborvitae

Mature width: 5–6 feet.
 
Recommended spacing: 4 feet apart.
 
How far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy with this upright variety? Stick to 4 feet for quick results.
 

So, How Far Apart Should You Plant Arborvitae for Privacy?

Arborvitae should be planted 3 to 6 feet apart for privacy, depending on the variety and your goals.
 
If you’re still unsure how far apart to plant arborvitae for privacy, start on the closer end for faster coverage.
 
Remember that planting arborvitae for privacy is a long‑term investment—spacing wisely now saves headaches later.
 
Check the mature width, consider your soil and climate, and you’ll nail the perfect arborvitae spacing for privacy.
 
Happy planting.