Best Arborvitae Nigra Dark Green and Similar Arborvitae for Privacy
The best choice for buyers seeking dense, dark-green evergreen screening are arborvitae varieties, including the Nigra Dark Green and popular Green Giant types. This guide highlights five accessible options, explains who each is best for, and shows how to compare growth, height, and maintenance. Perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and busy gardeners aiming for fast privacy or year-round structure. The selected products span compact shrubs to large privacy trees, with notes on ideal sun, soil, and spacing to help you plan a reliable hedge or screen.
| Product | Best For | Approx. Mature Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigra Dark Green Arborvitae Shrub (Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra Dark Green’) | Small to medium screens, low-maintenance yards | 20-30 ft | Distinct dark green needles; Zones 3-7 |
| Thuja Green Giant (10 Trees) | Fast privacy screens, large yards | 60 ft+ | Very hardy, rapid growth |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant, 2-3 ft | Quick privacy, easy care | 60 ft+ | No pruning needed for straight line screens |
| Sandys Nursery Green Giant Arborvitae (~Lot of 30) | Privacy screens in rows, value planting | 30-50 ft | Grows 2-3 ft per year when established |
| Perfect Plants Green Giant 2ft Tall 8-Pack | Compact hedges, beginner-friendly | Up to 60 ft | Dense, dark green foliage; easy to prune |
‘Nigra Dark Green’ Arborvitae Shrub – Thuja – Evergreen
Best for smaller spaces and mid-size properties, this Nigra Dark Green cultivar offers a compact profile with a deep, rich green color. It’s suited for zones 3-7 and tolerates full sun to partial shade. The mature height of 20-30 feet makes it a solid choice for a single-screen statement or a staggered privacy row. Best for homeowners who want a low-fuss evergreen with classic conifer appeal. Beware that in extremely cold or windy sites, windburn or slower growth may occur if moisture is limited.
10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 inches Tall Trees
Best for ambitious privacy projects in medium to large spaces, these Green Giant saplings ship as potted plants and promise fast growth—potentially several feet per year. They’re hardy in zones 5-9 and evergreen year-round. Choose this option if you want a rapid, straight-line screen with minimal pruning. A limitation is the longer establishment period required in drought-prone sites; ensure consistent watering during the first growing seasons.
Brighter Blooms – Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2-3 ft. – No Shipping to AK, AZ, HI, OR
Best for rapid privacy in busy landscapes, this Brighter Blooms option emphasizes speed and uniformity. With growth at a rapid 3-5 feet per year after establishment, it’s ideal for creating a dense hedge quickly. It’s well-suited for straight-line plantings or staggered rows that look natural with minimal pruning. A potential limitation is shipping restrictions to certain states, so confirm delivery to your area before ordering.
Sandys Nursery Online Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae ~Lot of 30~3 inch
Best for bulk privacy screens or large landscape projects, this lot provides multiple Green Giants in one purchase. The described habit is pyramidal with medium-to-dark green foliage and a mature height of 30-50 feet. It’s suitable for rows to form solid screens with spacing of 4-8 feet. Growth is typically 2-3 feet per year after establishment. Consider soil preparation and consistent watering in the first seasons to encourage a healthy root system. Avoid if you need a compact hedge right away due to initial spacing growth.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
Best for beginners or small yards, this 8-pack of 2-foot Green Giants offers ready-to-plant coverage to begin a privacy screen quickly. The plants typically reach up to 60 feet tall when mature and can be pruned to maintain desired size. They are suitable for regions with long growing seasons and can form a dense barrier with proper spacing. A note: early establishment and consistent moisture support better growth; drought stress can limit early height gains.
Buying Guide
What should I consider before buying?
- Site conditions: Sun exposure, soil type, and drainage determine which arborvitae will thrive.
- Purpose: Shorter, tighter screens suit Nigra Dark Green, while Green Giant varieties are best for rapid privacy in larger spaces.
- Growth rate and mature size: Plan the final width and height to avoid overcrowding or gaps in your screen.
- Hardiness: Match the plant to your USDA zone to minimize winter injury and ensure year-round screening.
- Maintenance: Consider pruning needs; some varieties need little pruning, while others may benefit from light shaping.
How should I plant and care for these trees?
- Space plants according to mature width; for privacy screens, space 4-8 feet apart depending on the cultivar.
- Water deeply after planting and during extended dry periods until roots establish.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature; avoid piling mulch against trunks to prevent rot.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula if soil tests indicate a deficiency.
- Monitor for drought stress and pests; early intervention helps maintain dense, lush growth.
FAQ
- Q: Which arborvitae is best for a fast privacy screen? A: Green Giant varieties are known for rapid growth and tall mature heights.
- Q: Can Nigra Dark Green be grown in full sun? A: Yes, it tolerates full sun to partial shade in zones 3-7.
- Q: Do these plants require a lot of pruning? A: Most can maintain a natural shape with minimal pruning; some benefit from light shaping to keep a straight line.
- Q: Are these plants deer-resistant? A: Many arborvitae show some resistance, but local deer behavior can vary; plan accordingly in high-pressure areas.
- Q: What is the best spacing for a privacy row? A: Space plants at 4-8 feet apart depending on the cultivar and desired density.
- Q: Do I need to water heavily after planting? A: Yes, provide deep, thorough watering during establishment and during prolonged dry spells.