arborvitae green giant

Arborvitae Green Giant: The Rapid-Growth Privacy Barrier for Northern Illinois

Arborvitae green giant (Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'), a needle-bearing evergreen tree in the Cupressaceae family, is a powerhouse for Midwest landscapes available at our Mundelein nursery. This vigorous hybrid is a cross between the Japanese Thuja and the Western Red Cedar, specifically developed for its incredible growth rate and uniform, pyramidal shape. For homeowners in Zion or Beach Park looking to add a reliable year-round windbreak and a sturdy visual presence to their properties, this tree is a practical choice. Its ability to create an immediate impact and its natural resilience to the fluctuating temperatures of Lake County make it a steady performer in any garden where functional screening and massive evergreen structure are the primary goals.

Performance in Northern Illinois Soil

This cultivar is exceptionally hardy in our Zone 5b climate and is a representative selection for residential and acreage landscapes throughout the region. While some evergreens struggle with the heavy, unyielding clay often found in the North Suburbs, the arborvitae green giant grows well in them, provided the site is not prone to standing water. It is successful in the managed landscapes of Winthrop Harbor, where its root system can anchor firmly in rich, mulched soil. In North Chicago, these trees act as a durable landscaping staple, providing a lush, dark green backdrop that remains consistent even during the harshest winter months.

Size, Spacing, and Growth Habit

Planning for the mature dimensions and vigorous nature of this tree ensures it provides the intended visual impact without requiring excessive maintenance or encroaching on structures.

• Mature Height: Under typical Illinois garden conditions, the arborvitae green giant typically reaches 30 to 50 feet tall. Its substantial height makes it a functional tool for blocking large-scale sightlines or providing significant wind protection on larger lots.

• Mature Width: The canopy spread typically spans 12 to 15 feet wide, maintaining a dense, formal, and strictly pyramidal silhouette.

• Growth Rate: This tree is commonly known for its exceptional growth rate, often adding 3 to 5 feet of new height per year once established. This allows it to reach a functional screening size much faster than almost any other evergreen.

• Foliage Habit: The foliage consists of flat, fan-like sprays of scale-like needles. They are a rich, dark green that is commonly noted for resisting the winter bronzing that affects other species.

• Spacing Requirements: To create a seamless living wall or privacy hedge, space individual trees 5 to 8 feet apart from center to center. This distance is commonly utilized to achieve a productive and healthy screen.

Environmental Requirements

Understanding the site-specific needs of the arborvitae green giant is a key step for ensuring its health and longevity in a residential setting.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is a primary requirement for this cultivar. While it can tolerate partial shade, maximum sun exposure is essential for maintaining the dense, bottom-to-top foliage desirable for privacy.

• Moisture Needs: Once established, this tree is commonly noted for its moderate drought tolerance, though it prefers consistent moisture. Providing well-drained but evenly moist soil is a standard requirement for success.

• Winter Resilience: This is a sturdy selection that handles the weight of heavy North Suburb snow well, though its broad base commonly benefits from regular mulching to protect the root zone from deep freezes.

• Soil Chemistry: This tree is commonly adaptable to a wide range of soil pH levels, making it a reliable choice for the varied soil profiles found across Park City.

Landscape Characteristics

In the North Suburbs, this evergreen serves as a source of year-round interest and functional landscape support, addressing several specific gardening requirements:

• Instant Privacy: Because of its rapid growth and dense foliage, the arborvitae green giant is a primary choice for creating tall living fences or blocking unsightly views on larger residential properties.

• Windbreaks: Its size and density make it a functional tool for reducing wind speed and providing a sound buffer in areas like Great Lakes.

• Year-Round Color: The needles maintain a consistent deep green hue through all seasons. It provides a functional visual anchor in the garden when deciduous trees are dormant.

• Texture: The fine-textured sprays of needles provide a sophisticated visual element that contrasts well with the coarse texture of masonry or the broad leaves of shade trees.

• Low Maintenance: This tree is a low-maintenance selection. Its natural habit requires very little manual intervention to remain organized and productive for generations.

Planting and Maintenance Advice

To ensure your tree remains healthy and maintains its dense foliage each year, follow these straightforward care steps:

• Site Preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade is a practical step to ensure healthy root respiration in clay-heavy soil.

• Watering Routine: During the first three years of establishment, providing regular, deep watering—especially during dry spells in July and August—is a functional necessity.

• Mulching: Maintain a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. This is a practical step to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Winter Irrigation: Watering the tree deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes is a practical strategy to ensure it has adequate internal moisture to survive the winter months.

• Sanitation: Removing any dead interior needles in early spring is a practical strategy to improve airflow and keep the plant looking tidy.

Reliable Companion Plants for our Area

To create a functional, multi-layered environment, consider pairing your trees with other durable varieties from The Country Bumpkin:

• Planting Eastern Redbuds or Serviceberries in front of a green giant screen provides a high-impact spring floral display against the green backdrop.

• Red-Osier Dogwood provides a beautiful winter contrast with its red stems against the dark green needles.

• As the tree matures and creates shade, Hostas or Ferns can be used to fill the space around the base.

• Taller grasses like Miscanthus provide a textured foreground that complements the upright structure of the evergreen.

Frequently Asked Questions (Lake County Edition)

Is the arborvitae green giant deer resistant?

This cultivar is commonly cited for having much better deer resistance than the 'Emerald Green' variety. While no plant is entirely immune, deer in Zion and Beach Park typically find the foliage of this hybrid less palatable.

How fast will it grow in my yard?

It is a practical step to expect a tree that grows rapidly. In the rich soils of our region, a healthy arborvitae green giant can easily add 3 feet of height per year once its root system is established.

Can I use this for a small hedge?

Because of its large mature size, it is a practical choice for large screens but is commonly too vigorous for small garden spaces where a more compact variety like 'Emerald Green' would be a better fit.

Visit The Country Bumpkin Garden Center

We are located at the corner of Gilmer Rd & Hawley St in Mundelein. Stop by to see the sturdy structure and experience the potential of an arborvitae green giant for your own garden and find the right fit for your landscape. We are a local resource for gardeners across Zion, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, North Chicago, Park City, Great Lakes, and the surrounding communities.

Call (847) 566-2176 or Send a Message to check current availability.