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Arborvitae can take anywhere from 3 to 20 years to reach full maturity, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
If you’ve been wondering how long does arborvitae take to grow, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Some fast-growing arborvitae varieties can shoot up 3 to 5 feet per year, while others grow just 6 to 12 inches annually.
The specific cultivar, soil quality, sunlight, watering, and climate all influence how long arborvitae take to grow to their full height.
In this post, we’ll break down growth timetables for popular arborvitae types and share tips to help your arborvitae grow strong and healthy.
Let’s dig in.
How Long Does Arborvitae Take to Grow to Full Size
The answer to how long does arborvitae take to grow depends heavily on which variety you plant.
Here’s a closer look at the growth timeline for common arborvitae cultivars.
Emerald Green Arborvitae Growth Rate
Emerald Green arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy hedges.
How long does arborvitae take to grow for this variety?
Emerald Green arborvitae typically grows 12 to 18 inches per year.
At that rate, it takes about 10 to 15 years to reach its full height of 12 to 14 feet.
So if you’re looking for a moderate pace, Emerald Green is a solid choice.
Green Giant Arborvitae Growth Rate
Green Giant arborvitae is a speed demon in the arborvitae world.
This variety can grow 3 to 5 feet per year once established.
How long does arborvitae take to grow for Green Giants?
They can reach 30 to 40 feet in about 10 to 15 years.
If you need a fast screen, this is the arborvitae for you.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
American Arborvitae Growth Rate
American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a native species that grows slowly.
How long does arborvitae take to grow for American types?
Expect 6 to 12 inches per year, with full height of 40 to 60 feet reached in 30 or more years.
This is a long-lived tree but not a quick privacy solution.
Little Giant Dwarf Arborvitae Growth Rate
Dwarf arborvitae varieties, like Little Giant, grow only 2 to 4 inches per year.
How long does arborvitae take to grow for dwarf cultivars?
They reach 3 to 4 feet tall in roughly 10 to 15 years.
Great for small spaces but patience is required.
Factors That Affect How Long Arborvitae Take to Grow
Several environmental and care-related factors influence how long arborvitae take to grow to maturity.
Here’s what matters most.
Soil Quality and Drainage
Arborvitae prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Poor soil or heavy clay can slow how long arborvitae take to grow by stressing the roots.
Amending soil with compost before planting gives your arborvitae a strong start.
Good drainage prevents root rot, which can stop growth entirely.
Sunlight Exposure
Arborvitae need full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How long arborvitae take to grow depends on getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
In too much shade, arborvitae grow thin and leggy, with much slower height gain.
Full sun encourages dense foliage and faster vertical growth.
Watering Consistency
During the first couple of years, arborvitae need regular deep watering.
How long arborvitae take to grow is heavily influenced by moisture availability.
Dry spells can stunt growth and cause browning.
Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
Overwatering is just as harmful, so keep soil moist but not soggy.
Spacing Between Plants
Crowding creates competition for water and nutrients.
How long arborvitae take to grow can double if plants are too close together.
Follow spacing guidelines: 3 to 4 feet apart for Emerald Green, 5 to 6 feet for Green Giants.
Proper spacing allows roots to spread and the arborvitae to grow at its best pace.
Tips to Help Arborvitae Grow Faster
Want to speed up how long arborvitae take to grow?
These practices can help your arborvitae reach maturity sooner.
Plant at the Right Time
Early spring or early fall is ideal for planting arborvitae.
How long arborvitae take to grow is reduced when they’re planted in mild temperatures.
Avoid planting during summer heat or frozen ground.
Establishment is quicker when the roots have time to settle before extreme weather.
Use a Balanced Fertilizer
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
How long arborvitae take to grow can be shortened by giving them proper nutrients.
Don’t over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can burn roots and slow growth.
A light feeding once a year is usually enough.
Mulch Around the Base
A 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
How long arborvitae take to grow improves when roots stay cool in summer and insulated in winter.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
This simple step can make a noticeable difference.
Prune Strategically
Arborvitae rarely need heavy pruning, but light shaping encourages bushier growth.
How long arborvitae take to grow is not directly sped up by pruning, but it does improve density.
Remove dead or damaged branches in early spring.
Never cut into old wood without green growth, as it may not regrow.
So, How Long Does Arborvitae Take to Grow?
Arborvitae can take anywhere from 3 to 20 years to reach full size, but it varies by variety and care.
Fast-growing types like Green Giant can tower in under a decade, while slower arborvitae like American arborvitae take decades.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
How long arborvitae take to grow ultimately depends on choosing the right cultivar for your landscape and giving it the best possible conditions.
With good soil, full sun, consistent water, and proper spacing, your arborvitae will grow as quickly as its genetics allow.
Now you know the timeline, so pick your favorite arborvitae and start planting with confidence.