About This Plant
Emerald Green (also sold as Smaragd) is the classic narrow, columnar arborvitae for hedges and screens. Arborvitae are dense evergreens that hold their color year-round, making them ideal for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. They grow best in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Deer do browse arborvitae, so protect them in winter where deer are common.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with at least 4 hours of sun. Dig a hole 2–3 times as wide as the pot but no deeper, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Loosen circling roots and backfill with the native soil. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during heat and dry spells. Rarely needs fertilizer; a layer of compost in spring is plenty.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Needs little pruning; shape lightly in late spring and don't cut into old brown wood. Water well in late fall before the ground freezes. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.