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Pyramidal arborvitae can grow at a moderate to fast rate, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
If you’ve been wondering how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow, the answer depends heavily on the specific variety, soil quality, sunlight, and care you provide.
These evergreens are popular privacy screens because how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow means you won’t wait decades for a tall, dense hedge.
In this post, we’ll break down the growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae, what influences it, and how you can help your trees reach their full potential faster.
Let’s dig into how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow so you can plan your landscape with confidence.
How Fast Do Pyramidal Arborvitae Grow?
On average, pyramidal arborvitae grow about 1 to 2 feet per year once established.
That speed makes them one of the quicker evergreen options for creating a living fence or a vertical accent.
Here’s a closer look at the growth stages and what to expect when asking how fast pyramidal arvitae grow.
1. First Year After Planting
During the first year, much of the tree’s energy goes into root development rather than vertical growth.
You might only see 6 to 12 inches of new growth above ground.
But don’t worry — the root system is building the foundation for the rapid growth that follows.
Once roots are established, how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow will increase noticeably.
2. Year Two and Beyond
Starting in the second year, the growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae often accelerates to 12 to 24 inches annually.
This is when you’ll really notice your trees filling in and gaining height.
With consistent watering and good soil, pyramidal arborvitae growth can remain steady at this pace for many years.
Some fast-growing cultivars like ‘Emerald Green’ (a closely related variety) can even push 2 to 3 feet per year.
3. Mature Height and Slowdown
Most pyramidal arborvitae reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet, depending on the specific cultivar.
As they near their ultimate size, how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow gradually slows.
Eventually, annual growth tapers to just a few inches per year for older specimens.
But for the first 10 to 15 years, you can expect impressive pyramidal arborvitae growth.
Factors That Influence How Fast Pyramidal Arborvitae Grow
Not all trees grow at the same speed, even within the same species.
Understanding these factors helps you manage how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow in your own yard.
1. Sunlight Exposure
Pyramidal arborvitae thrive in full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day.
Too much shade reduces how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow and can lead to sparse, leggy foliage.
If your tree is planted in partial shade, expect a slower growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae.
2. Soil Quality and Drainage
Well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5) is ideal.
Poor drainage or heavy clay can stunt roots and limit how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow.
Amending soil with compost before planting gives your tree a strong start.
Consistent moisture — not soggy — keeps the growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae steady.
3. Watering and Mulching
During the first two years, regular watering is crucial for how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow.
A deep soak once a week encourages roots to spread and support faster top growth.
Mulching with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
This simple practice boosts pyramidal arborvitae growth by reducing stress.
4. Fertilization
A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can improve how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can cause weak, leggy growth.
A soil test will tell you exactly what nutrients your tree needs.
With proper feeding, the growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae can reach the upper end of its range.
5. Spacing and Competition
If you plant pyramidal arborvitae too close together, they compete for light and nutrients.
This competition slows how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow and can lead to uneven shapes.
For optimal growth, space them 3 to 4 feet apart for a hedge, or 6 to 8 feet for individual specimens.
How to Maximize the Growth Rate of Your Pyramidal Arborvitae
Want your trees to reach full height as quickly as possible?
Here are actionable tips to speed up how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow in your landscape.
1. Choose the Right Cultivar
Not all pyramidal arborvitae have the same growth rate.
Fast-growing varieties like ‘Green Giant’ (a popular hybrid) can grow 3 to 4 feet per year.
Others, like ‘Techny’ or ‘Brandon’ grow more modestly at 1 to 1.5 feet per year.
Selecting a vigorous cultivar directly influences how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow.
2. Plant at the Right Time
Early spring or early fall is best for planting.
This gives roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold stress.
A strong root system is the foundation for how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow once spring arrives.
3. Provide Consistent Care Year-Round
Water during dry spells, especially in the first two years.
Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches, as heavy pruning can slow how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow.
Protect from winter winds with a burlap screen if you live in a harsh climate.
Ongoing care ensures the growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae remains optimal.
So, How Fast Do Pyramidal Arborvitae Grow?
Pyramidal arborvitae can grow at a moderate to fast rate, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
The growth rate of pyramidal arborvitae depends on sunlight, soil, water, and the specific variety you choose.
By giving them the right care and selecting a fast-growing cultivar, you can enjoy a tall, lush screen in just a few seasons.
Hopefully this post has answered your question about how fast pyramidal arborvitae grow and shown you exactly what to do to encourage vigorous pyramidal arborvitae growth.