How Long Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Take To Grow

Emerald green arborvitae take about 10 to 15 years to reach their full mature height.
 
If you’re wondering how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow, the answer depends on where you plant them and how well you care for them.
 
These popular evergreens typically grow 1 to 2 feet per year once established, so understanding how long do they take to grow helps you plan your landscape.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the growth timeline, what affects how long emerald green arborvitae take to grow, and tips to encourage faster growth.
 

How Long Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Take to Grow to Full Size

The main question is how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow from a small nursery plant to a full privacy screen.
 
These trees usually reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity.
 

1. Year-by-Year Growth Timeline

In the first year after planting, emerald green arborvitae focus on root establishment rather than top growth.
 
So during that first season, you may only see 6 to 12 inches of new height.
 
By year two and three, how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow becomes more obvious as they put on 1 to 2 feet annually.
 
From year four onward, the growth rate holds steady until they near their mature height around year 10 or 15.
 

2. Typical Height Milestones

Here are common size benchmarks so you know what to expect as your emerald green arborvitae take to grow:
 
At 3 years old, expect 3 to 4 feet tall.
 
At 5 years old, they often reach 5 to 7 feet.
 
At 8 years old, many hit 8 to 10 feet.
 
At 10 to 15 years, they achieve full height of 12 to 15 feet.
 
This is the standard answer to how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow to their maximum size.
 

3. Why Patience Matters

Knowing how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow helps you set realistic expectations.
 
They are not fast growers like Leyland cypress, but their dense foliage and tidy shape make them worth the wait.
 
If you want a quick hedge, you might need to plant larger specimens or choose a faster species.
 

Key Factors That Affect How Long Emerald Green Arborvitae Take to Grow

Not all emerald green arborvitae take to grow at the same pace because several variables influence their speed.
 

1. Sunlight Requirements

Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) gives you the best answer to how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow.
 
In partial shade, growth slows down considerably.
 
Too much shade causes thin foliage and slower height gains.
 

2. Soil Conditions

Well-drained, loamy soil speeds up how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow.
 
Heavy clay or sandy soil retains less moisture or drains too fast, which can slow growth.
 
Amending the soil with organic matter at planting time makes a big difference.
 

3. Watering Consistency

Regular deep watering during the first two years directly impacts how long emerald green arborvitae take to grow.
 
Once established, they are somewhat drought-tolerant, but drought stress stunts growth.
 
Avoid overwatering though, as soggy roots can cause root rot and stop growth entirely.
 

4. Spacing and Competition

If you plant them too close together, the roots compete for nutrients and water.
 
This leads to slower growth and a longer time for emerald green arborvitae take to grow to full size.
 
Give them at least 3 to 4 feet of space between each plant.
 

5. Climate and Hardiness Zone

Emerald green arborvitae thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8.
 
In extreme heat or cold, how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow may extend because they prioritize survival over growth.
 

How to Speed Up How Long Emerald Green Arborvitae Take to Grow

You can influence how long emerald green arborvitae take to grow by following a few best practices.
 

1. Start with Quality Plants

Buy healthy, well-rooted specimens from a reputable nursery.
 
Smaller plants often catch up quickly, but larger plants save you time if you want a taller hedge sooner.
 

2. Fertilize Appropriately

Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring.
 
Over-fertilizing can burn roots and actually slow how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow.
 
One application per year is usually enough.
 

3. Mulch and Weed Control

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
 
Weeds compete for water and nutrients, which lengthens how long emerald green arborvitae take to grow.
 

4. Prune Lightly

Pruning is not necessary for growth, but removing dead or damaged branches improves airflow.
 
Heavy pruning can slow how long do emerald green arborvitae take to grow, so only trim to shape if needed.
 

So, How Long Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Take to Grow?

Emerald green arborvitae take about 10 to 15 years to reach their full mature height of 12 to 15 feet.
 
Under ideal conditions, you can expect 1 to 2 feet of growth per year after the first year.
 
How long emerald green arborvitae take to grow also depends on sunlight, soil, water, and spacing.
 
So if you provide proper care, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, dense green screen in about a decade.