Arborvitae are popular evergreen shrubs that are prized for their dense, pyramidal growth habit and tolerance of harsh environmental conditions. Their versatility and hardy nature make them ideal for use as privacy screens, windbreaks, and ornamental plantings. When selecting arborvitae for your landscape, it is important to understand their growth characteristics and drought tolerance to ensure you choose varieties suited to your climate and growing conditions.

How Fast Do Arborvitae Grow?

Arborvitae growth rates can vary depending on the particular cultivar, but generally they are relatively fast growers compared to other evergreens. Here is an overview of the factors that influence arborvitae growth:

Climate and Growing Zone

Arborvitae thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7. Growth will be maximized in zones 5-6.
Cool summer climates produce the densest foliage and fastest growth. Hot, humid summers can cause weaker growth.
Warmer regions in zones 7-9 may stunt growth. Select heat-tolerant cultivars in these areas.

Sun Exposure

Full sun is ideal, with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is better than hot afternoon sun.
Light shade is tolerated, but may result in looser growth.
Heavily shaded arborvitae will have sparse, open foliage and very slow growth.

Soil and Water

Moist, well-draining soil is optimal. Avoid soggy, clay soils.
Supplemental irrigation during dry periods improves growth rate.
Nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil yields the fastest growth. Poor soils stunt development.
Salt exposure causes browning foliage and stunted growth.

Cultivar Differences

Dwarf varieties have slower growth rates, only 6-12″ per year.
Full-size arborvitae average 1-2′ of growth annually when young.
Fast-growing cultivars can reach 3’+ per year at maturity.

With the proper growing conditions and cultivar selection, you can expect your arborvitae to fill out at a rate of 1-2 feet per year until it reaches its mature size. The fastest growth occurs on younger plants, gradually slowing down as they mature. Trimming and pruning practices also affect growth rate.

Arborvitae Growth Rate By Age

The growth rate of arborvitae will vary depending on the age and maturity of the plant. Here are some general guidelines:

1-2 Years After Planting

During the first couple years after planting, a young arborvitae will focus its energy on getting established and developing its root system.
Growth rate will be slower, averaging 1-1.5 feet per year. Developing a sturdy trunk and branches is the priority.
With proper care, you can expect a 2-3 feet increase in height during this juvenile stage.

3-5 Years After Planting

An established arborvitae will enter its most vigorous growth period, adding as much as 2-3 feet in height each year.
Ideal growing conditions can result in up to 4 feet of new growth annually.
Feed with a balanced fertilizer to maximize growth rate.
Plan for potential pruning to maintain desired shape and size.

6-10 Years After Planting

Growth begins to slow as the arborvitae reaches its mature size, averaging 1-2 feet per year.
More regular pruning and trimming will be needed to restrain growth and enforce shape.
Growth slows even further as it approaches its maximum height, at about 1 foot per year.

10+ Years After Planting

A mature arborvitae will have reached its maximum size and enters a maintenance growth phase.
Expect less than 12 inches of growth per year. The plant is more focused on preserving its health and form.
Minor tip growth replaces pruning as the primary way to manage size and shape.

Factors Affecting Arborvitae Growth Rate

To help your arborvitae reach its growth potential, optimize these key factors:

Planting

Choose a cultivar suited to your climate and space.
Give it adequate root space; don’t plant too closely.
Dig a wide planting hole but avoid planting too deep.
Water well after planting and apply mulch.

Sunlight

Ensure arborvitae gets full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
Morning sun is ideal; afternoon shade helps in hot climates.
Supplement with grow lights if insufficient sunlight.

Water

Maintain evenly moist soil; avoid prolonged dryness or sogginess.
Drought causes stunted shoots and thin foliage.
Improve drainage in overly wet soils.

Soil

Prefers slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
Lightly fertilize in early spring to support new growth.
Replenish nutrients by top-dressing with compost.
Test and amend soil pH every 2-3 years.

Pruning and Trimming

Lightly trim candles in early summer to encourage dense growth.
Prune as needed to shape or restrain size, but avoid over-pruning.
Never remove more than 1/3 of total foliage when pruning arborvitae.

Pests and Disease

Monitor for common pests like mites, bagworms, and root rot.
Treat infestations promptly to avoid lasting damage.
Improve air flow and drainage to prevent disease.

What is The Maximum Height of Arborvitae?

Arborvitae heights at maturity can range widely from 2 feet tall for dwarf cultivars up to 40-60 feet for giant varieties. Here are some typical maximum heights:

Dwarf Arborvitae

‘Little Giant’ – 4-5 feet tall.
‘Holmstrup’ – 5-6 feet tall.
‘Rheingold’ – 3-4 feet tall.
‘Wareana’ – 2-3 feet tall.

Small to Mid-Size Arborvitae

‘Emerald’ – 12-15 feet tall.
‘Green Giant’ – 20-25 feet tall.
‘Nigra’ – 15-20 feet tall.
‘Degroot’s Spire’ – 15-20 feet tall.

Large and Giant Arborvitae

‘Green Arrow’ – 20-25 feet tall.
‘Pyramidalis’ – 40-60 feet tall.
‘Smaragd’ – 20-40 feet tall.
‘Techny’ – 30-40 feet tall.

When estimating the maximum size, allow 5-10 feet beyond the stated mature height to account for optimal growing conditions. Careful pruning and trimming is required to restrict most arborvitae to a smaller height.

How Fast Do Emerald Green Arborvitae Grow?

Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’) is one of the faster growing arborvitae varieties, capable of growing up to 3 feet per year in ideal conditions. Here is what to expect:

Years 1-2: Grows 1-2 feet per year, establishing its structure.
Years 3-5: Peak growth period, can grow 2-3 feet annually.
Years 6-10: Growth starts slowing to 1-2 feet per year.
Year 10+: Less than 1 foot of growth per year once mature.
At maturity: Reaches 12-15 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.

To maximize growth rate of emerald green arborvitae:

Plant in full sun and well-draining acidic soil.
Water regularly during dry periods.
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Prune lightly in summer to promote dense foliage.

How Fast Do Green Giant Arborvitae Grow?

The green giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’) is renowned for its extremely rapid growth rate, capable of growing up to 3-5 feet per year in ideal conditions. Here is the typical growth pattern:

Years 1-2: Establishes itself and grows 2-3 feet per year.
Years 3-5: Enters fast growth stage, can grow 4-5 feet annually.
Years 6-10: Growth starts slowing to 2-3 feet per year.
Year 10+: Less than 2 feet of growth per year once mature.
At maturity: Reaches heights of 40-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide.

To support the fast growth of green giant arborvitae:

Select warm climate locations like USDA zones 7-8.
Plant in nutrient rich soil, full sun.
Irrigate regularly to maintain moist soil.
Prune as needed to direct shape.
Avoid over-pruning, remove less than 30% of foliage.

The extremely fast growth must be properly managed through pruning and trimming to control size.

The Effect of Pruning on Arborvitae Growth

Thoughtful pruning practices are key to managing the shape and growth rate of arborvitae:

Spring pruning – Trimming candles in spring directs growth outward, creating fullness.
Summer pruning – Light tip pruning in summer enhances density.
Fall or winter pruning – Good time to trim for shaping but avoid heavy pruning.
Over-pruning – Removing too much foliage starves plant and reduces growth rate.
When in doubt, prune minimally. Never remove more than 30% of total foliage in one pruning.
Always prune strategically, with clear goals to create desired shape and direction.
Make pruning cuts just above branch junctions, at a 45 degree angle. Avoid leaving stubs.
Sterilize pruning tools before each cut to prevent disease transmission.
Remove all debris and trimmings promptly after pruning.

How to Maximize Arborvitae Growth Rate

Here are some key tips for getting the fastest growth from your arborvitae:

Start with the most vigorous cultivar suitable for your climate.
Prepare soil thoroughly and replenish nutrients annually.
Allow plenty of space between plants for air circulation.
Water deeply and regularly during first 2 years to strongly establish.
Ensure plants get full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
Prune strategically in spring and summer to direct growth.
Monitor for pests like spider mites and bagworms. Treat promptly.
Avoid excessive pruning and trimming that removes too much foliage.
Fertilize each spring with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer.
Add 2-3” of mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Consider using grow lights to supplement sun if location has shade issues.

How Tolerant Are Arborvitae to Drought?

Arborvitae prefer consistent moisture but most varieties have relatively good drought tolerance once established. Here are some key factors:

New transplants are vulnerable to drought stress and require irrigation. Water deeply 1-2 times per week during dry spells.
Established plants can better withstand short term drought of 2-4 weeks. Supplemental watering helps maintain growth rate.
Foliage will often bronze or brown during severe drought. Most damage is cosmetic and plants rebound after watering.
Repeated, long term drought causes branch dieback. Minimize stress by watering during drought.
Soil type impacts drought tolerance. Well draining loamy soil increases hardiness. Heavy clay soil increases drought stress.
Broadleaf evergreen varieties like Thuja have better drought resistance than needled evergreens.

Best Arborvitae Varieties for Drought Resistance:

Green Giant
Emerald Green
Green Arrow
Holmstrup
Degroot’s Spire
Rheingold
Techny

When planting arborvitae in drought prone areas, select hardy varieties and provide supplemental irrigation during dry periods. Mulching and soil amendments also aid drought tolerance.

Signs of Drought Stress in Arborvitae

Monitor arborvitae closely during drought to spot early signs of water deficiency:

Foliage browning or bronzing
Shoot dieback, especially on lower branches
Lackluster, faded green color
Thin, sparse foliage development
Excess needle drop
Slowed or stunted growth
Increased pest and disease problems

If these drought symptoms occur, improve watering immediately to help recover damaged plants. Severe drought may cause permanent branch loss, but most foliage impacts are temporary if addressed promptly.

Improving Arborvitae Drought Tolerance

Here are some tips to maximize the drought resistance of arborvitae:

Mulch heavily around root zones to retain soil moisture.
Improve water retention with soil conditioners.
Use plastic or clay watering spikes to deliver water directly to roots.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting.
Prune lower branches as needed to reduce foliar surface area.
Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer which increases water needs.
Monitor soil moisture weekly and water when top inches become dry.
Inspect plants regularly and treat pests that may increase drought stress.
Select the most drought tolerant cultivar that matches your environment.

Are Emerald Green Arborvitae Drought Tolerant?

The emerald green arborvitae has good drought resistance once established. Here is an overview:

During first year, requires 1-2” of water per week for establishment.
After transplant shock, can withstand short term dry spells of 2-4 weeks.
Can experience leaf bronzing and minor branch dieback during extended drought.
Should be watered deeply every 2-4 weeks during drought conditions for best health.
Loamy, acidic soils improve moisture retention. Avoid planting in clay.
Apply 2-3” organic mulch around base to maintain soil moisture.
Prune lower branches that lose vitality during drought stress.
Select partially shaded planting sites in hot climates to reduce moisture needs.

With proper siting, soil preparation, and irrigation during establishment, emerald green arborvitae develops into a drought resistant evergreen specimen.

How to Improve Drought Tolerance in Arborvitae

Here are some of the most effective practices for reducing drought stress in arborvitae:

Amend soil with compost or conditioners to improve moisture retention
Mulch heavily around the root zone, up to 3″ deep
Water deeply once per week instead of frequent light watering
Prune lower branches to reduce foliar mass and transpiration
Choose drought-resistant cultivars like Green Giant, Emerald, and Techny
Use antitranspirants to reduce moisture loss from foliage
Provide shade especially in hot afternoon sun
Improve drainage in poorly draining soils to encourage deep roots
Limit nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive, tender new growth
Install irrigation, ideally drip or micro-spray right at root zone
Add hydrogels during planting to boost water absorption and storage

By supporting healthy root zone moisture and growth, arborvitae can better withstand normal drought stresses.

Conclusion

Arborvitae are prized for their versatility, hardiness, and lush evergreen beauty. By choosing an appropriate cultivar for your climate, providing optimal growing conditions, and using careful pruning practices, you can achieve excellent arborvitae growth rates. Monitor plants for signs of drought stress during dry spells, and irrigate when needed to support healthy expansion. With proper care, arborvitae will quickly establish and fill their spaces to become long-lived garden specimens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arborvitae Growth Rate and Drought Tolerance

What is the best fertilizer for arborvitae growth?

The best fertilizer for optimal arborvitae growth is a balanced granular fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied in early spring. Organic options like compost and fish emulsion also provide nutrients for growth.

How can I get my arborvitae to grow thicker?

To encourage thicker, denser growth in arborvitae, prune back new candle growth by 1/3 in the spring. Provide full sun exposure and keep plants well-watered. Proper spacing, soil nutrition, and selective pruning will also promote fullness.

Should you prune arborvitae in summer or winter?

Light tip pruning in summer helps enforce dense foliage but avoid heavy pruning. Dormant winter pruning shapes plants without stimulating excessive new growth that could get damaged by frost.

Do arborvitae grow back after pruning?

Yes, arborvitae will grow back after pruning. Avoid taking off more than 1/3 of foliage at once. Make cuts at branch junctions. New growth may take 1-2 seasons to fill back in after heavy pruning.

How close can arborvitae be planted together?

Arborvitae planted too close together have restricted air flow and more disease issues. Allow at least 3 feet between young plants, increasing to 6 feet between large arborvitae. Adjust spacing for expected mature spread of cultivar.

Do arborvitae lose their leaves in winter?

No, arborvitae keep their foliage year-round as evergreens. Some seasonal needle drop is normal. Significant winter foliage loss indicates environmental stresses like drought, pests, or extreme cold.

How much water does an established arborvitae need?

Established arborvitae need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water deeply once a week during drought rather

Arborvitae Growth Rate and Drought-Tolerance