Best 6 Foot Tall Arborvitae for Privacy Screens and Year-Round Greenery
Find the right 6 foot tall arborvitae for your landscape with dependable growth, privacy, and low maintenance. This guide highlights five suitable selections and who they’re best for, from fast-growing privacy screens to compact hedges for tight spaces. Each option is chosen for reliable size, climate adaptability, and ease of care, making them practical for American yards. The buyer-focused summaries below help you compare suitability at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald Green Arborvitae (5-6 ft) – Brighter Blooms | Compact spaces and foundational screening | Low-maintenance, dense evergreen growth |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (6-7 ft) – Brighter Blooms | Fast privacy in larger spaces | Very rapid growth, uniform appearance |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (5-6 ft) – Brighter Blooms | Medium-sized screenings | Steady growth with easy care |
| 7 Gal. Green Giant Arborvitae Shrub – Arborvitae | Versatile hedge in mid-size plots | Large mature size, dense form |
| Blue Cone Arborvitae – Eureka Farms | Colorful accent hedges | Blue-green foliage with low maintenance |
Emerald Green Arborvitae, 5-6 ft. – Brighter Blooms
Best for tight spaces and foundational screens, the Emerald Green Arborvitae creates a neat, trim hedge with little pruning. It adapts well to varying soil types and weather extremes, offering reliable evergreen coverage. Best for gardeners seeking low-maintenance evergreens that still provide dense privacy. Limitations include shipping restrictions to certain states, so plan accordingly for delivery availability.
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 6-7 ft. – Brighter Blooms
Best for fast-growing privacy in larger yards, Green Giants can add 3-5 feet of height per year after establishment. They create a tall, uniform screen with minimal pruning, ideal for busy gardeners seeking rapid results. Caution: very rapid growth may require occasional spacing checks to maintain desired line and spacing in dense planting schemes.
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 5-6 ft. – Brighter Blooms
Choose this size when you want a mid-sized privacy screen that remains manageable yet still provides solid cover. It shares the rapid growth trait and easy care of its larger sibling, making it suitable for mid-sized properties or layered hedges. Better for customers who want ongoing height gains without sacrificing a tidy appearance. Limitation: if you plant in very compact rows, ensure adequate air circulation to prevent crowding.
Arborvitae 7 Gal. Green Giant Arborvitae Shrub
Best for versatile hedging in mid-to-large landscapes, this 7-gallon Green Giant shrub grows to a tall, dense screen with broad reach. It’s suitable for foundation setbacks or property lines where a substantial evergreen wall is desired. Limitation: mature size can be large, so plan spacing and eventual pruning to maintain desired silhouette.
Blue Cone Arborvitae – Eureka Farms
Best for color and texture, the Blue Cone Arborvitae adds blue-green foliage that stands out in hedges and landscapes. It’s relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for busy homeowners seeking visual interest without extra care. Limitation: color intensity may vary with climate and soil conditions, which can affect overall hedge uniformity.
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae – 7gal Pot, 5-6 ft
Best for consistent, dense privacy in larger spaces, this 5-6 ft Giant can serve as a dependable cornerstone for windbreaks and long hedges. It benefits from straightforward care and adaptability to a wide range of soils. Caution: growth rate may outpace smaller landscape features; ensure spacing and eventual pruning plans align with site goals.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Site conditions: Evaluate soil type, drainage, sun exposure, and wind patterns before selecting a variety.
- Growth rate: Decide whether you want rapid privacy or a slower, more controlled hedge. Fast growers require more spacing planning.
- Mature size: Estimate final width and height to avoid crowding structures or neighbors’ yards.
- Maintenance: Consider pruning needs and drought tolerance when choosing a cultivar for busy seasons.
- Climate compatibility: Match the plant to USDA hardiness zones suitable for your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How tall do 6 foot arborvitae typically get in a season? A: Growth depends on variety and conditions; some can add several feet annually after establishment, while others grow more slowly.
- Q: Do these arborvitae require regular pruning? A: Many are low-pruning or no-prune varieties, but occasional shaping helps maintain a tidy, uniform look.
- Q: Are arborvitae suitable for coastal or drought-prone areas? A: Some cultivars are more drought-tolerant or salt-tolerant; check each product’s features for specifics.
- Q: Which variety is best for privacy around a small yard? A: Emerald Green or 5-6 ft Green Giants are good compact and mid-sized options for tight spaces.
- Q: Can I plant multiple varieties together? A: Yes, mixing varieties can create layered textures and colors, but plan spacing to avoid crowding.
- Q: Do these plants have shipping restrictions? A: Some listings indicate shipping limitations to certain states; verify delivery areas before purchase.