How Long Does It Take An Arborvitae Tree To Grow

How long it takes an arborvitae tree to grow depends on the species, growing conditions, and the care you provide.
 
Generally, an arborvitae tree can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years to reach its mature height.
 
But the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all because certain varieties like the Green Giant grow much faster than others.
 
For example, a fast-growing arborvitae tree might add 3 to 4 feet per year under ideal conditions.
 
On the other hand, smaller or slower cultivars may only grow 6 to 12 inches annually.
 
In this post, we’ll explore how long does it take an arborvitae tree to grow under different circumstances.
 
We’ll also share tips to speed up your arborvitae tree’s growth and get the best results.
 
Let’s dig into the timeline.
 

How Long Does It Take an Arborvitae Tree to Grow?

The specific timeframe for an arborvitae tree to grow varies by the type you choose.
 
Here’s a breakdown of common arborvitae varieties and their typical growth rates.
 

1. Green Giant Arborvitae

This is one of the fastest-growing arborvitae trees around.
 
It can shoot up 3 to 5 feet per year when planted in full sun with good soil.
 
A Green Giant arborvitae tree can reach 30 to 40 feet tall in about 10 to 15 years.
 
So if you’re asking how long does it take an arborvitae tree to grow to privacy height, this species is your best bet.
 

2. Emerald Green Arborvitae

This popular pyramidal variety grows more slowly.
 
An Emerald Green arborvitae tree typically adds 6 to 12 inches of height each year.
 
It takes about 10 to 15 years for this arborvitae tree to reach its mature size of 10 to 15 feet.
 
That means you’ll wait longer for it to fill in as a screen.
 

3. Techny Arborvitae

Techny is a medium-speed grower.
 
You can expect an arborvitae tree of this type to grow 12 to 24 inches annually.
 
After 15 to 20 years, a Techny arborvitae tree stands about 15 to 20 feet tall.
 
It’s a reliable choice if you want moderate growth and dense foliage.
 

4. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Native to North America, this species grows at a modest pace.
 
An American arborvitae tree adds roughly 12 to 18 inches per year.
 
It can take 20 years or more to reach its full height of 40 to 60 feet.
 
So for a truly tall specimen, patience is key.
 

Factors That Affect How Long Arborvitae Trees Take to Grow

While genetics set the baseline, your environment greatly influences the time an arborvitae tree takes to grow.
 
Here are the most impactful factors.
 

1. Sunlight

Arborvitae trees thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily.
 
In partial shade, an arborvitae tree will grow slower and become sparse.
 
A shaded arborvitae tree may take twice as long to reach maturity.
 

2. Soil Quality

Rich, well-draining soil gives the roots the moisture and nutrients they need.
 
An arborvitae tree growing in sandy or clay-heavy soil will struggle and add less height each year.
 
Amending the soil with compost can improve growth speed.
 

3. Watering Consistency

During the first few years, regular water is essential.
 
An established arborvitae tree can tolerate some drought, but dry spells slow its growth.
 
Consistent moisture (about 1 inch of water per week) helps the arborvitae tree grow at its best rate.
 

4. Spacing

Crowded roots compete for resources.
 
When arborvitae trees are planted too close, each individual arborvitae tree takes longer to grow.
 
Proper space (2 to 4 feet apart for hedges) allows full development.
 

5. Fertilization

A balanced fertilizer applied in early spring can boost annual growth.
 
Over-fertilizing, however, forces weak, leggy growth on your arborvitae tree.
 
Follow package instructions for best results.
 

Tips to Help Your Arborvitae Tree Grow Faster

If you want to minimize how long it takes an arborvitae tree to grow, you can act now.
 
Try these proven strategies to speed up the process.
 

1. Choose a Fast-Growing Variety

If speed matters most, pick the Green Giant or a similar cultivar.
 
This reduces the total years your arborvitae tree takes to grow into a screen.
 

2. Plant in Spring or Early Fall

Planting during cool weather lets roots establish before heat or frost.
 
A strong root system means your arborvitae tree can grow faster in subsequent seasons.
 

3. Mulch Generously

A 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature.
 
This keeps the arborvitae tree’s roots happy, especially during hot summers.
 

4. Prune Lightly and Correctly

Avoid heavy pruning on an arborvitae tree because it removes growth points.
 
Instead, lightly trim only dead or broken branches to encourage bushy growth over time.
 

5. Control Weeds

Weeds steal water and nutrients from your arborvitae tree.
 
Keeping the planting area weed-free helps the arborvitae tree grow at its full potential.
 

So, How Long Does It Take an Arborvitae Tree to Grow?

How long it takes an arborvitae tree to grow ranges from 10 to 20 years for most species.
 
Fast varieties like Green Giant can achieve screen height in just 5 to 7 years.
 
Slower types such as Emerald Green require more patience.
 
Your care, location, and soil all influence the final timeline.
 
By choosing the right species and providing optimal conditions, you can shorten how long your arborvitae tree takes to grow.
 
Now you have the knowledge to plan your landscape with confidence.