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.
Green giant arborvitae grow quickly, often adding 3 to 5 feet in height each year once they’re established.
If you’ve been wondering how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow, the short answer is: faster than almost any other evergreen hedge.
These trees are famous for their rapid upward growth, making them a top choice for privacy screens and windbreaks.
In fact, a well-cared-for green giant arborvitae can reach 20 feet tall in just 5 to 7 years.
That speed means you won’t have to wait a decade to see real results in your landscape.
But how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow depends on a few key conditions like soil, sunlight, and water.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what affects their growth rate and how you can help them reach their full potential.
Let’s dig into the details so you know what to expect from your green giants.
How Quickly Do Green Giant Arborvitae Grow?
To really understand how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow, you need to look at their yearly increments.
Most green giant arborvitae grow 3 to 5 feet per year after their first season in the ground.
Some even push toward 6 feet in optimal conditions, but that’s less common.
Let’s explore the specifics under a few key points.
1. Yearly Height Increase – The Standard Rate
In the first year, a green giant arborvitae focuses on root development rather than height.
So don’t panic if it only grows 1 to 2 feet that first year.
Once the roots are spread out, how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow really takes off.
By year two and three, you’ll see 2 to 4 feet of new growth annually.
And from year four onward, steady 3 to 5 feet per year is the norm.
That means a 3-gallon potted tree can soar past 15 feet in just a handful of years.
2. Factors That Affect the Speed of Green Giant Arborvitae Growth
Not every green giant arborvitae grows at exactly the same pace.
How quickly do green giant arborvitae grow is heavily influenced by sunlight, soil, and spacing.
Full sun — at least 6 hours of direct light — produces the fastest growth.
Rich, loamy, well-drained soil also accelerates their upward climb.
If your soil is sandy or heavy clay, growth will slow down noticeably.
Proper spacing (6 to 8 feet apart) prevents root competition and lets each tree grow at its best speed.
3. Comparison to Other Arborvitae Varieties
When compared to other arborvitae, green giants are the speed champions.
Emerald green arborvitae, for example, grow only about 1 to 2 feet per year.
So if you’re asking how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow versus other types, the answer is: about twice as fast.
That’s why they’re such a popular choice for creating a tall privacy screen in a short timeframe.
They also tolerate pruning better than many slower-growing evergreens, which is a nice bonus.
Factors That Influence How Quickly Green Giant Arborvitae Grow
Now that you know the baseline speed, let’s zero in on what can make that growth faster or slower.
Getting these factors right means your green giant arborvitae grow as quickly as possible.
Here are the main influences broken down.
1. Sunlight Exposure
Green giant arborvitae thrive in full sun, and they need direct light to fuel rapid growth.
In partial shade, how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow drops to 2 feet or less per year.
Shade also makes the interior of the tree thin out and look less lush.
So plant them where they’ll get morning sun plus afternoon sun for best results.
2. Soil Quality and Drainage
These trees aren’t too picky, but they definitely prefer fertile, slightly acidic soil.
Heavy clay or very sandy soil will slow growth because roots struggle to find nutrients and water.
If your soil is poor, amend it with compost before planting.
Good drainage matters too — standing water around the roots can stunt and even kill a green giant arborvitae.
When soil is ideal, how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow can easily reach the upper end of that 3-to-5-foot range.
3. Watering Consistency
During the first two years, regular deep watering is critical for fast establishment.
Once established, green giants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but they still grow faster with consistent moisture.
Aim for about 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation.
Overwatering can suffocate roots, so let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings.
Proper hydration directly influences how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow by keeping the cells turgid and dividing.
4. Spacing and Competition
If you crowd your green giants too close together, they’ll compete for light, water, and nutrients.
This competition slows overall growth and makes the lower branches thin out.
The recommended spacing is 6 to 8 feet apart for a dense hedge.
When space is tight, consider planting them 5 feet apart but be prepared for more pruning later.
Tips to Maximize How Quickly Green Giant Arborvitae Grow
You already know the factors. Now let’s talk about actionable steps you can take right now.
These tips will help your green giant arborvitae grow at their absolute fastest rate.
1. Prepare the Planting Hole Well
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the surrounding soil so roots can spread easily.
Mix in some compost to give the tree a nutrient boost from day one.
This preparation sets the stage for rapid root expansion, which directly affects how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow above ground.
2. Fertilize at the Right Time
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth starts.
Don’t overdo it — too much nitrogen can lead to lanky, weak growth.
A second light feeding in midsummer can give an extra push during the peak growing season.
Avoid fertilizing after August because that can encourage tender growth that winter damage may kill.
3. Prune for Structure, Not Size
Green giant arborvitae don’t need heavy pruning to grow fast.
But light pruning in early spring can remove damaged or crowded branches and encourage better air circulation.
If you want a taller tree, leave the central leader untouched.
Pruning the top will slow height growth because you’re cutting off the dominant shoot.
4. Water Deeply and Mulch
Water deeply once or twice a week during dry spells, soaking the root zone thoroughly.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base (keeping it away from the trunk) to retain moisture.
Mulch also keeps soil temperature stable, which supports steady root activity.
All of this helps how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow by reducing stress.
So, How Quickly Do Green Giant Arborvitae Grow?
Green giant arborvitae grow quickly, often adding 3 to 5 feet in height each year once established.
If you’ve been wondering how quickly do green giant arborvitae grow, the answer is clear: they’re among the fastest-growing evergreens for privacy screens.
With the right sunlight, soil, water, and spacing, your green giants can shoot up 15 to 20 feet in just half a decade.
Remember that the first year is slower as the tree settles in, but after that the pace really picks up.
By following the care tips above, you’ll give your green giant arborvitae everything they need to reach their full speed.
Now you can plant with confidence, knowing exactly how quickly your landscape will transform.