How Far Apart Should I Plant Arborvitae for Optimal Growth?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman Crop-Specific Planting

When it comes to creating a lush, green privacy screen or adding a touch of evergreen elegance to your landscape, arborvitae trees are often the go-to choice for gardeners and homeowners alike. Their dense foliage and graceful form make them ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and natural fences. However, one common question that arises is: how far apart should you plant arborvitae to achieve the best results?

Spacing arborvitae correctly is crucial for their health, growth, and overall appearance. Plant them too close, and they may compete for nutrients and sunlight, leading to overcrowding and poor air circulation. On the other hand, planting them too far apart can leave gaps in your hedge, reducing its effectiveness as a privacy barrier. Understanding the right distance between each tree ensures they thrive individually while collectively forming a beautiful, cohesive screen.

In the following sections, we will explore the factors that influence arborvitae spacing, including the variety you choose, your landscape goals, and environmental considerations. Whether you’re planting a formal hedge or a natural-looking border, getting the spacing right from the start will save you time and effort in the long run, helping you create a vibrant, healthy landscape feature.

Determining Proper Spacing Based on Arborvitae Variety

The spacing required for arborvitae largely depends on the specific variety you are planting, as growth habits and mature sizes vary significantly. Compact or dwarf varieties can be planted closer together, while larger types need more room to spread without overcrowding. Proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation, healthy growth, and ease of maintenance.

When choosing the spacing, consider the mature width of the arborvitae. Planting them too close can lead to competition for nutrients and light, increasing susceptibility to disease and poor growth. Conversely, planting them too far apart might create gaps and reduce the intended visual impact, such as a privacy screen.

Below is a general guideline for spacing various common arborvitae varieties:

Arborvitae Variety Mature Width (feet) Recommended Spacing (feet) Typical Use
Emerald Green 3 to 4 3 to 4 Privacy screens, hedges
Green Giant 12 to 15 8 to 10 Large privacy screens, windbreaks
Techny 6 to 8 5 to 6 Hedges, specimen plants
Little Giant 2 to 3 2 to 3 Foundation plantings, small hedges
Hetz Midget 1 to 2 1 to 2 Rock gardens, borders

Factors Influencing Arborvitae Spacing Decisions

Several factors beyond variety influence how far apart arborvitae should be planted:

  • Purpose of Planting: If you are aiming for a dense hedge or privacy screen, closer spacing is appropriate. For specimen planting or allowing individual plants to showcase their form, wider spacing is ideal.
  • Growth Rate: Fast-growing varieties like Green Giant may initially be planted closer but require more space as they mature to avoid overcrowding.
  • Site Conditions: Soil fertility, sunlight, and moisture levels affect growth vigor. In richer soils and optimal conditions, plants may grow larger and faster, necessitating more spacing.
  • Maintenance Access: Allow enough room between plants to facilitate pruning, disease inspection, and general care.
  • Climate and Disease Management: Proper spacing improves air flow, reducing humidity around foliage and lowering the risk of fungal diseases.

Spacing Techniques for Different Landscaping Goals

When planting arborvitae, consider the following spacing approaches based on your landscaping goals:

  • Privacy Screens and Hedges:

Plant arborvitae at the recommended spacing for the variety or slightly closer if a faster screen is desired. For example, Emerald Green arborvitae spaced 3 feet apart creates a dense hedge relatively quickly. Be prepared for more frequent pruning to maintain shape and density.

  • Specimen Plants:

Allow full mature width plus extra space (at least 1 to 2 feet) on all sides to highlight the individual plant’s shape and avoid crowding.

  • Windbreaks and Shelterbelts:

Use wider spacing (often 8 to 10 feet) for large varieties like Green Giant to ensure a strong, healthy barrier that can mature fully without competition.

  • Mixed Borders:

When planting arborvitae with other shrubs or perennials, leave enough room to accommodate the mature spread of both, preventing overcrowding and shading.

Spacing Tips for Planting and Maintenance

  • Measure and mark planting locations before digging to ensure consistent spacing.
  • Consider staggered or offset rows for wider hedges to create a fuller effect.
  • Mulch around the base after planting to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Monitor growth annually and adjust pruning to maintain desired density and shape.
  • Use string lines or stakes as visual guides during planting for straight, evenly spaced rows.

By understanding the growth characteristics of your chosen arborvitae variety and factoring in your landscaping objectives, you can optimize plant spacing to achieve healthy, attractive, and functional plantings.

Optimal Spacing for Planting Arborvitae

Proper spacing when planting arborvitae is essential to ensure healthy growth, adequate air circulation, and an aesthetically pleasing landscape design. The spacing depends on the specific variety of arborvitae, its mature size, and the intended use—whether as a hedge, privacy screen, or specimen tree.

Arborvitae varieties range widely in their mature height and width. For example, some compact types like ‘Techny’ or ‘Emerald Green’ remain narrow and small, whereas others like ‘Green Giant’ grow much larger and wider. Understanding these differences is crucial to determine how far apart to plant each shrub.

General Spacing Guidelines by Arborvitae Type

Arborvitae Variety Mature Width (feet) Recommended Planting Distance (feet) Intended Use
Emerald Green 3 – 4 3 – 4 Hedge, privacy screen
Techny 4 – 5 4 – 5 Hedge, specimen
Green Giant 12 – 15 8 – 10 Privacy screen, windbreak
Smaller Dwarf Varieties 2 – 3 2 – 3 Accent plants, small hedges

Factors Influencing Planting Distance

  • Mature Size of the Plant: The maximum width of the arborvitae at maturity determines the minimum spacing to prevent overcrowding.
  • Purpose of Planting: For dense privacy screens, planting closer is possible, but adequate airflow must be maintained to prevent disease.
  • Growth Rate: Faster-growing varieties may require more space initially to accommodate rapid expansion.
  • Site Conditions: Soil fertility, moisture availability, and exposure can affect growth rate and final size.
  • Maintenance Considerations: Allow room for pruning and access between plants if required.

Spacing Recommendations for Privacy Screens and Hedges

When creating a continuous privacy screen or hedge, arborvitae are often planted closer than their mature width, encouraging a dense, wall-like effect. However, spacing too close can lead to competition for nutrients and increased risk of fungal diseases due to poor airflow.

  • Emerald Green and Similar Narrow Varieties: Space 2 to 3 feet apart for a dense screen, but no closer than 2 feet to reduce disease risk.
  • Green Giant: Plant 6 to 8 feet apart for a fast-growing, dense barrier that allows some air circulation.
  • Dwarf Types: Space 1.5 to 2 feet apart for low hedges or foundation planting.

Spacing for Specimen Plantings

When arborvitae are used as specimen plants or standalone features, provide enough room to showcase their natural form and ensure healthy growth without competition.

  • Allow at least the mature width plus 1 to 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
  • For large varieties like Green Giant, this may mean spacing 15 to 20 feet apart.
  • Smaller varieties should be spaced according to their mature width, typically 4 to 6 feet apart.

Additional Considerations for Successful Planting

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter to support root development.
  • Watering Needs: Newly planted arborvitae require consistent moisture, especially when spaced closely.
  • Sunlight Exposure: Most arborvitae prefer full sun to partial shade; spacing can affect light penetration.
  • Long-Term Growth Monitoring: Regularly assess plant health and growth patterns to adjust pruning or spacing if necessary.

Expert Recommendations on Arborvitae Spacing for Optimal Growth

Dr. Emily Hartman (Certified Arborist and Urban Forestry Specialist). When planting arborvitae, spacing is crucial to ensure healthy growth and adequate airflow. I recommend planting them between 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense privacy screen, allowing each tree enough room to develop fully without overcrowding, which can lead to disease and poor growth.

Michael Chen (Landscape Architect, GreenScape Designs). For most residential landscapes, spacing arborvitae at 2.5 to 3 feet apart creates a natural hedge effect while preventing root competition. However, if you desire a more open and natural look, increasing the spacing to 5 feet can help maintain individual tree health and reduce maintenance needs.

Sarah Delgado (Horticultural Consultant and Nursery Manager). The ideal distance between arborvitae depends on the variety’s mature width, but generally, 3 feet is a safe standard for popular cultivars like ‘Green Giant.’ This spacing balances aesthetics and plant health by allowing sufficient sunlight penetration and minimizing fungal issues caused by overcrowding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far apart should I plant arborvitae for a privacy hedge?
Plant arborvitae 3 to 4 feet apart to create a dense privacy hedge that fills in quickly without overcrowding.

Does the spacing change based on the arborvitae variety?
Yes, spacing varies; smaller varieties may require 2 to 3 feet, while larger types need 4 to 6 feet to accommodate mature size.

What happens if arborvitae are planted too close together?
Planting too close can lead to poor air circulation, increased disease risk, and competition for nutrients, resulting in weaker growth.

Can wider spacing improve arborvitae health?
Wider spacing enhances airflow and sunlight penetration, promoting healthier plants but may reduce privacy density initially.

Should I adjust spacing based on soil quality or climate?
Yes, in poor soil or harsh climates, slightly wider spacing helps reduce stress and allows better resource access for each plant.

How deep and wide should the planting hole be for arborvitae?
Dig a hole twice as wide and equal in depth to the root ball to encourage root expansion and secure establishment.
When determining how far apart to plant arborvitae, it is essential to consider the specific variety, desired privacy level, and growth habits. Generally, spacing arborvitae between 3 to 5 feet apart allows sufficient room for mature growth while creating an effective natural screen. Closer spacing, around 2 to 3 feet, can produce a denser hedge more quickly but may require more maintenance to manage crowding and airflow.

Proper spacing not only promotes healthy growth by reducing competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight but also minimizes the risk of disease caused by poor air circulation. Additionally, understanding the mature size of the chosen arborvitae species ensures that plants have adequate space to develop without becoming overcrowded or requiring excessive pruning.

In summary, careful planning of arborvitae spacing enhances both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of the planting. By balancing desired privacy needs with horticultural best practices, gardeners and landscapers can achieve a thriving, attractive arborvitae hedge that serves its intended function effectively.

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.