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Arborvitae trees grow at an average rate of 1 to 2 feet per year for most common varieties.
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That’s the simple answer when you ask how fast does an arborvitae tree grow.
But the exact speed depends heavily on which species you plant.
Some arborvitae trees like the Green Giant can grow 3 feet or more each year.
Others like the Emerald Green stay closer to the slow end of the scale.
In this post we’ll break down how fast does an arborvitae tree grow by variety.
We’ll also look at what you can do to help your arborvitae tree grow faster.
Let’s dig into the growth rate of arborvitae trees.
How Fast Does an Arborvitae Tree Grow by Variety
When gardeners ask how fast does an arborvitae tree grow the variety is the biggest factor.
Different species have vastly different speeds.
Here’s a look at the most popular options and their annual growth rates.
Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate
The Emerald Green arborvitae tree grows about 1 foot per year.
That’s on the slower side for an arborvitae.
It will reach 10 to 15 feet tall in about 10 to 15 years.
If you need a privacy screen quickly this isn’t the fastest pick.
But the dense narrow shape makes it a favorite for tight spaces.
Green Giant Arborvitae Growth Rate
The Green Giant arborvitae tree grows fast at 3 to 5 feet per year once established.
That’s one of the quickest rates you can get from an evergreen.
In just a few years it can reach 15 to 20 feet tall.
So when people want to know how fast does an arborvitae tree grow for instant screening.
The Green Giant is usually the answer.
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American Arborvitae Growth Rate
The American arborvitae tree grows at a moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year.
It’s also called eastern arborvitae or northern white cedar.
Under ideal conditions it can add 2 feet annually.
But in colder or drier spots it might only manage 1 foot per year.
That’s still respectable for a long‑lived native tree.
Other Arborvitae Varieties
Smaller types like the Golden Globe arborvitae grow only 3 to 6 inches per year.
Dwarf arborvitae are bred for compact form not speed.
On the other hand the Techny arborvitae grows about 2 feet per year.
So when you ask how fast does an arborvitae tree grow it really varies.
Choosing the right variety is the first step to matching your timeline.
What Affects How Fast an Arborvitae Tree Grows
Even within the same variety growth isn’t automatic.
Several factors determine if your arborvitae tree grows at its maximum speed.
Let’s look at the most important ones.
Sunlight Exposure
Arborvitae trees grow best in full sun.
At least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal.
If they’re planted in shade the growth rate slows dramatically.
A shaded arborvitae tree grows only half as fast as one in full sun.
So for the fastest growth give your arborvitae plenty of light.
Soil Quality and Drainage
Rich well‑draining soil helps an arborvitae tree grow faster.
Sandy or compacted clay soils can limit root development.
When roots struggle the above‑ground growth slows down.
Amending the planting area with compost gives the tree a strong start.
That directly influences how fast does an arborvitae tree grow in your yard.
Watering Consistency
Regular deep watering during the first few years is critical.
Arborvitae trees grow faster when they never go bone dry.
But overwatering can cause root rot and stunt growth.
The goal is moist but not soggy soil.
Once established they become fairly drought tolerant.
Still consistent moisture keeps the growth rate steady.
Spacing and Competition
Crowded arborvitae trees grow slower because they compete for resources.
Proper spacing lets each tree access sun water and nutrients.
Check the mature width of your chosen variety before planting.
Wide spacing encourages each arborvitae to grow at its full potential.
How to Encourage Your Arborvitae Tree to Grow Faster
You might want to know how to speed up how fast does an arborvitae tree grow.
Here are practical tips to boost growth without harming the tree.
Fertilize Lightly in Spring
A balanced slow‑release fertilizer in early spring gives a gentle boost.
Avoid heavy nitrogen because it can cause weak leggy growth.
Follow the product directions to not overdo it.
A little food helps an arborvitae tree grow at its best rate.
Mulch Around the Base
A 2‑to‑3 inch layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool and moist.
That reduces stress and helps the arborvitae grow faster.
Keep the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
This simple step can improve the overall growth rate noticeably.
Prune Strategically
Light pruning in spring removes dead or crowded branches.
This lets energy go to new healthy growth.
Heavy pruning will slow a tree down so don’t overdo it.
Proper shaping helps your arborvitae tree grow in a dense uniform way.
Choose the Right Variety for Your Zone
Make sure the arborvitae is suited to your climate.
A stressed tree won’t reach its maximum growth speed.
For example Green Giant thrives in zones 5‑7.
Emerald Green does well in zones 2‑7.
Matching the tree to your zone ensures the fastest growth possible.
So How Fast Does an Arborvitae Tree Grow Overall
Arborvitae trees grow at a speed that ranges from 1 foot per year to over 3 feet per year.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
That’s the honest answer to how fast does an arborvitae tree grow.
The variety you choose plus sun soil water and spacing all play a role.
A Green Giant in perfect conditions will rocket up.
An Emerald Green in partial shade will creep along.
So when you ask how fast does an arborvitae tree grow remember it’s not one‑size‑fits‑all.
But with proper care you can expect steady reliable growth.
Now you have the details to pick the right arborvitae for your yard.
And you know exactly how to help that tree reach its full speed.