When most people think of privacy trees, the first thing that comes to mind is a tall evergreen with dense foliage that can obscure the view from prying eyes. Technically, any tree can provide privacy if planted in the right spot and given enough time to grow. However, some trees are better suited for the task than others.
Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is one of the best choices for a living privacy screen. It is an evergreen that can reach heights of 15 feet (or more with proper pruning), and its dense foliage provides excellent year-round privacy.
What Makes Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees Ideal for Privacy Screens?
Not all trees are created equal when it comes to privacy screens. Here are some of the things that make emerald green arborvitae trees an ideal choice:
Fast Growth
The fast growth means you won’t have to wait years (or even decades) for your privacy screen to reach its full height. The key to fast growth is planting the trees in well-drained soil high in organic matter.
Dense Foliage
One of the most important things about choosing trees for your privacy screen is ensuring they have dense foliage. Lush and thick foliage is what will obscure the view from nosy neighbors or passersby.
Evergreen
While there are deciduous trees that can provide privacy, they are not ideal for year-round privacy screens. Evergreens maintain their foliage all year long, so you won’t have to worry about gaps in your privacy screen when the leaves fall off in the autumn.
Low Maintenance
Another important consideration is how much maintenance the trees will require. Emerald green arborvitae trees are relatively low maintenance and can be left to grow without too much intervention. However, a bit of pruning will help keep them looking their best, but it is not essential.
Additionally, once this tree is established, it can tolerate a few periods of drought.
How Close Together Should Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees Be Planted?
Considering all of the above factors, it is no wonder that emerald green arborvitae trees are such a popular choice for privacy screens. But the question is, how close together should they be planted?
For best results, emerald green arborvitae trees should be spaced about three feet apart. Start measuring from the center, not the edge, of each tree. This will ensure they have enough room to grow and fill in without crowding each other out.
Depending on the size of the area you are trying to cover, you may need to plant more or fewer trees. A good rule of thumb is to plan on one tree for every three feet of length (or width) that you want to cover.
For example, if you want to create a privacy screen that is ten feet long, you would need to plant three emerald green arborvitae trees. Moreover, if you want a screen that is fifteen feet wide, you would need to plant five trees. You get the idea.
The 3-feet spacing is applicable if you’d like to achieve a solid and impenetrable privacy screen. Moreover, if you are okay with some gaps in the foliage, then you can space the trees further apart, about 4 feet. Just keep in mind that it will take longer for the trees to fill in and provide the desired level of privacy.
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows relatively fast, up to 9 inches every year, with the right growing conditions. With that being said, in a few short years, you will have a tall and dense privacy screen that will provide you with the privacy you desire.
Does Spacing Matter?
Understanding proper spacing plays a significant role in the success of your privacy screen. If the trees are planted too close together, they will compete for resources and will not reach their full potential. If they are planted too far apart, there will be gaps in your privacy screen.
Emerald Green Arborvitae Spacing for Privacy: Final Thoughts
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is grown for its lush and dense leaves, making it the perfect tree for a privacy screen. Grows best in USDA zones 4 through 8; this tree is fast-growing, low-maintenance, and evergreen.
Proper spacing is essential to the success of your privacy screen. For best results, plant emerald green arborvitae trees about three feet apart. This will allow them enough room to fill in and provide the desired level of privacy. In a matter of just a few short years, you will have a tall and dense privacy screen.