Green Giant arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’) is a popular evergreen tree used for privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks. It’s also known for its fast growth rate and low-maintenance. If you’re planning to plant Green Giants, one of the essential questions you need to ask is how far apart to plant them.
Spacing for Green Giants
Green Giants can grow up to 3 to 5 feet per year and reach a height of 50 to 60 feet and a width of 12 to 20 feet. Therefore, it’s crucial to space them correctly to allow them to reach their full potential and avoid overcrowding. The recommended spacing for Green Giants is 5 to 7 feet apart for a hedge or screen. If you’re planting them for ornamental purposes, space them 10 to 12 feet apart.
Considerations for Spacing
When deciding how far apart to plant Green Giants, several factors come into play, including:
1. Purpose
If you’re planting Green Giants for privacy or windbreak, you’ll need to space them closer together than if you’re planting them for ornamental reasons. The closer you space them, the quicker they’ll form a dense screen.
2. Soil Type
Green Giants grow well in various soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay soil, you’ll need to space them further apart to avoid root competition.
3. Climate
Green Giants are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7, but they can grow in warmer climates if provided with enough water. If you’re planting them in a hot and dry climate, you’ll need to space them further apart to allow them to access enough water.
4. Maintenance
If you’re planning to prune your Green Giants regularly, you can space them closer together since pruning will keep them in check. However, if you’re not willing to prune them regularly, you’ll need to space them further apart to avoid overgrowth.
5. Growth Rate
Green Giants are known for their fast growth rate, and they can grow up to 5 feet per year. If you’re planting them for a hedge or screen, you’ll need to space them closer together to ensure they form a dense screen quickly.
When spacing your Green Giants, it’s essential to remember that they’ll grow wider than their height. Therefore, you’ll need to consider their width when deciding how far apart to plant them.
People Also Ask
1. Can I plant Green Giants close together?
Yes, you can plant Green Giants close together, especially if you’re planting them for a hedge or screen. The recommended spacing for a Green Giant hedge or screen is 5 to 7 feet apart.
2. How fast do Green Giants grow?
Green Giants are known for their fast growth rate, and they can grow up to 3 to 5 feet per year.
3. How tall do Green Giants get?
Green Giants can grow up to 50 to 60 feet tall.
4. How wide do Green Giants get?
Green Giants can grow up to 12 to 20 feet wide.
5. Can I plant Green Giants in pots?
Green Giants are not suitable for container gardening since they grow into large trees. Therefore, it’s best to plant them in the ground.