All Species > Thuja occidentalis 'smaragd'

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Columnar arborvitae cultivar with fine scale foliage; slow growing; useful for vertical forms.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Needs full sun to maintain compact form.
  • Winter: Can bronze slightly; shelter from wind to prevent desiccation.
  • Summer: Avoid drought stress; keep evenly moist.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Water regularly but avoid soggy conditions.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Light feeding supports compact growth.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Branches brittle; wire early in development.
  • Pruning: Maintenance throughout growing season; structural in spring
  • Notes: Trim candles and strong verticals to maintain shape.
  • Repotting: Every 3-5 years
  • Notes: Use free-draining soil; compacted roots dislike wet feet.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Cuttings in late summer root slowly but reliably.

Zone 8b Considerations

Avoid repotting in wet winter