Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Latin name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
Other names: Emerald Green Thuja, Smaragd Arborvitae

Description

A narrow, upright evergreen with dense, emerald-green foliage that stays bright through winter without bronzing. Grows to 12–15 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide, naturally forming a neat, formal shape with little pruning required.

Care & Culture

· Light: Full sun to light shade.

· Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay if not waterlogged.

· Water: Consistent moisture, especially first 2–3 years. Avoid drought.

· Fertilizer: Balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring.

· Pruning: Minimal — trim lightly if shaping.

· Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7.

Uses

· Privacy hedges and screens

· Formal landscapes and foundation plantings

· Narrow spaces where height is desired but width is limited

Negatives / Problems

· Deer: Highly preferred browse; protect with fencing or repellents.

· Bagworms:Occasionally infest foliage. Treat in May–June with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) — a natural, safe biological control.

· Drought sensitivity: May brown out in extended dry spells.

Interesting Notes / Trivia

· ‘Smaragd’ means “emerald” in German, reflecting its jewel-like foliage.

· Unlike many arborvitae, this cultivar retains rich green color year-round.

· The parent species, Thuja occidentalis, is called “Tree of Life” by French explorers after Indigenous peoples used its foliage as a scurvy remedy (vitamin C source).