This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thuja green giants grow impressively fast, often adding 3 to 5 feet of height per year in ideal conditions.
How fast do thuja green giants grow is a common question for anyone looking to create a privacy screen or windbreak quickly.
The answer is that these evergreens are among the fastest-growing conifers, capable of reaching 15 feet in just a few years.
You might be wondering exactly how fast do thuja green giants grow compared to other hedge plants.
In this post, we’ll explore the growth rate of thuja green giants, what influences their speed, and how you can help them thrive.
Let’s dive into the details to see just how fast these green giants can transform your landscape.
How Fast Do Thuja Green Giants Grow Each Year
When you plant a thuja green giant, you can expect a steady and rapid upward surge.
How fast do thuja green giants grow in a single growing season depends on several factors, but the typical range is 3 to 5 feet per year.
Under optimal conditions, some owners report growth rates closer to 4 to 6 feet annually.
That means your thuja green giants can easily outpace most other privacy hedges within two or three years.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down the growth rate by year.
Year 1: Establishment Phase
During the first year, how fast do thuja green giants grow might seem slower as the roots settle in.
Expect only 1 to 2 feet of new growth as the tree focuses on developing a strong root system.
Don’t be discouraged; once established, the speed picks up dramatically.
Even in the first year, the growth rate of thuja green giants outpaces many other evergreens.
Year 2 and Beyond: Explosive Growth
By the second year, how fast do thuja green giants grow becomes truly impressive.
You’ll see 3 to 5 feet of new height each season, sometimes even more.
By year three, a thuja green giant can tower 10 to 15 feet tall.
At maturity, these green giants reach 50 to 60 feet, though most people prune them to stay at 20 to 30 feet.
So if you’re asking how fast do thuja green giants grow, the answer is one of the fastest available for screening.
Factors That Affect How Fast Thuja Green Giants Grow
The speed of your thuja green giants isn’t just luck; it’s influenced by environment and care.
Understanding these factors helps you maximize how fast do thuja green giants grow in your yard.
1. Sunlight Requirements
Thuja green giants thrive in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct light per day.
If they get too much shade, how fast do thuja green giants grow will slow down significantly.
Partial shade results in leggy, less dense growth and a slower annual increase.
For peak speed, choose a spot with unobstructed sunlight.
2. Soil Quality and Drainage
These green giants prefer loamy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
How fast do thuja green giants grow depends heavily on soil consistency.
Clay soils that hold water can stunt root development and slow growth to half the normal rate.
Adding compost before planting gives your thuja green giants a strong start.
3. Watering Consistency
During the first two years, consistent moisture is critical for rapid growth.
If you let the soil dry out, the growth rate of thuja green giants drops quickly.
Once established, they are somewhat drought-tolerant but still appreciate deep weekly watering.
Overwatering, however, can rot roots and kill the tree, so balance is key.
4. Spacing Between Trees
How fast do thuja green giants grow also depends on how close you plant them.
For a dense screen, spacing at 5 to 6 feet apart works well.
Closer spacing (3 to 4 feet) can slow individual growth as roots compete.
Wider spacing (8 to 10 feet) allows each tree to reach its full potential size quickly.
How to Boost the Growth Rate of Thuja Green Giants
If you want to maximize how fast do thuja green giants grow, a little extra care goes a long way.
1. Fertilize in Early Spring
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens right when growth begins.
Nitrogen encourages lush foliage and faster upward growth.
Use a 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 mix, following package directions.
Too much fertilizer can burn roots, so don’t overdo it.
2. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of your thuja green giants.
Mulch keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds that compete for nutrients.
This simple step noticeably improves how fast do thuja green giants grow.
3. Prune for Shape, Not Size
Pruning is rarely needed to speed up growth; in fact, heavy pruning can slow it down.
Lightly trim the tips in early spring to encourage bushiness, but avoid cutting into old wood.
The growth rate of thuja green giants is naturally fast, so let them do their thing.
So, How Fast Do Thuja Green Giants Grow?
Thuja green giants grow impressively fast, typically 3 to 5 feet per year after the first season.
How fast do thuja green giants grow in your landscape depends on sunlight, soil, water, and care.
With optimal conditions, these green giants can skyrocket to 15 feet in just three years.
They are one of the quickest evergreens for creating privacy, and their dense foliage stays green year-round.
Now you know the growth rate of thuja green giants and how to help them reach their speed potential.
Plant them correctly, give them consistent care, and you’ll be amazed at how fast do thuja green giants grow.