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The Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is a type of arborvitae hybrid cultivar. It’s an extremely popular landscaping plant valued for its fast growth and attractive shape. Thuja ‘Green Giants’ are low maintenance, disease-resistant evergreens that can quickly grow to 60 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, though they will require the appropriate spacing. Here are some other interesting facts about Thuja ‘Green Giant’ evergreens:
Can grow three to five feet in a single year.
Adapt easily to most soil types but require good drainage.
Feature dark green foliage that sometimes darkens to a reddish brown color during the winter.
Needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
During the growing season, water young plants weekly. Mature plants only need water in hot, dry conditions.
Fertilizing
Fertilize in early spring with a high-nitrogen formula such as 10-8-6. Prefers acidic soil.
Planting and Care
by Mary Van Keuren | Gardener (30+ Years Experience) – last update on December 2, 2021
Planting instructions
Thuja ‘Green Giants’ are an attractive tree that can be planted as a solitary plant, but are most commonly used to form a screen between property lines, or to create a barrier against wind, ice, or drifting snow. Although the need often dictates site selection, it is important that the trees be planted in well-draining soil, and ideally in a spot that gets a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight. It is most appropriate for planting in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. If planted in warmer climates, the tree will require more shade to survive.
The tree’s rapid growth requires spacing of at least 10 feet apart from one another and a minimum of six to eight feet away from any structure or driveway. Trees can be planted year round, though it is best done in spring to allow the roots an entire growing season to establish themselves before winter. Soil around the root ball should be moistened before removing a new tree from its container for placement into a hole. The hole should be twice as wide as that of the plant’s pot and a few inches deeper, with a small mound of dirt at the center on which the root ball should be placed. Fill with loose soil to allow drainage, making sure to tamp down to ensure a solid fill around the roots.
To guarantee that the new planting’s roots get adequate water in its first days, build a five-inch mound encircling its root zone to hold water in and allow it to sink straight down rather than running off. A layer of mulch over this zone will also help to ensure the health of a new planting.
Watering and nutrients
The Thuja ‘Green Giant’ requires a significant amount of water, especially during the hot months of summer. Placing a thick layer of mulch around the tree’s base will help to retain moisture and insulate against extreme temperatures. Water young Thuja trees weekly unless it rains, giving the trees about an inch of water a week. Mature trees only need supplemental watering when you are experiencing very dry conditions. Watering can be cut back to twice a month during the winter. Both underwatering and overwatering can easily kill a Thuja ‘Green Giant’. Indications of insufficient water include needle tips turning brown and yellow foliage, while overwatering results in discolored, drooping branches.
Like most evergreens, the Thuja ‘Green Giant’ prefers an acidic soil. Though the Thuja ‘Green Giant’ does not require fertilizer, its growth and greenery will benefit from a slow-release formula once or twice a year, especially one that contains a high percentage of nitrogen (10-8-6). The best time to feed the plant is in early spring after the last frost or in early fall.
Propagation
Home gardeners that are interested in propagating their Thuja ‘Green Giant’ will find it surprisingly easy. Propagation is best done in the summer. Start by preparing a six-inch pot with moistened horticultural sand, then take a six- to nine-inch cutting from the tip of a healthy branch that has new growth at the tip and mature bark at its base. Make sure that you cut with clean, sharp sheers at a 45-degree angle, then clear off any foliage growing at the bottom half of the clipping and paint the base with rooting powder. Poke a hole into the moistened sand in the six-inch pot and insert the powder-coated end into the hole, pressing the sand to ensure that the cutting is supported and able to stand up straight.
Place the pot in an area with direct sun and protected from wind and provide it with plenty of humidity and moisture. In about six weeks the plant will have begun rooting, at which point it can be transplanted into a one-gallon container filled with potting soil. Keep partially shaded until ready to plant in the spring.
Pruning
Thuja ‘Green Giants’ require no pruning other than for aesthetic reasons. The plant will grow three to five feet in height every year if left alone, though you can encourage it to grow wider and thicker with light pruning.
Pests, diseases, and animals
Though the Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is easy to grow and considered largely disease-free, it can be attacked by bagworms, which will eat the foliage and slow the tree’s growth. The best way to address these pests on a Thuja is simply to remove them and clip away any foliage that has been impacted by their presence. If you can’t reach the cocoons, spray with insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad. Be sure to review and follow instructions carefully on the product label.
Thuja ‘Green Giants’ are also vulnerable to scale insects, which are tiny white bugs that leave a liquid that causes mold and mildew to form. Scale will require treatment with an insecticide.
Although Thuja ‘Green Giants’ are disease-resistant, they’re prone to rot problems if overwatered or planted in an area with poor drainage. Root rot appears in two ways: either as mildew on leaves or branches, or as dropping leaves as though it is thirsty even though it has been well watered. You can remove impacted leaves and branches at the mildew point, and the tree should be provided less water. If the leaves are dropping off, it is a sign that the roots have rotted to the point that they are unable to absorb moisture, and the plant is likely unsalvageable.
FAQs
Have a row of Thuja ‘Green Giants’ and one has turned brown. What do I do?
If a single Thuja ‘Green Giant’ in a row of healthy plants dies, it is generally a sign of root rot. This sometimes happens in just one section of the tree, which is an indication that only one root has died, but eventually they all will. Unfortunately, the soil in the area can retain the fungus that causes the rot, and that can impact a replacement plant. You can try to plant a new tree, which will grow quickly if it remains healthy.
Is the Thuja Green Giant a good tree for areas with heavy deer populations?
Unlike many other evergreens and arborvitae, deer do not appear to graze on the Thuja Green Giant, though younger trees may still be appealing to them. If you find that deer are nibbling on your new plantings, apply a deer repellant spray or erect temporary fencing to protect your trees.
Bought 4 of the 5' to 6' trees about two weeks ago, so far so good, planning to buy more if these take off.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 28, 2021 at 4:05pm
Thuja
I planted my 29 shrubs 2 days after receiving. They arrived well & intact, 2 are very small & Im hoping they all survive. Planted as per instructions, mulched & current schedule is every other day 20 sec water for each. So far, I am happy but is too soon to tell if will root & grow.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 2, 2021 at 3:39pm
So far, so good
Like most reviewers, I'll let you know after a year, if this product meets my expectations. The plants are all still alive and showed no signs of harboring any disease.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 30, 2021 at 4:16pm
Thuja Green Giant
Ordering was easy and fast delivery. Planted them immediately, a few have a brown to them but that could be a little shock to them. Overall, pretty happy so far
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 26, 2021 at 1:38pm
thuja green giant
Trees came as described and in pots. Easy to plant. They are growing well. Customer service representatives on phone were friendly and helpful. However I did not receive emails about shipping as promised.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 14, 2021 at 8:11pm
Reasonable prices
Trees arrived on time and packaged well. I ordered 1-2 foot trees and they must be measured from the longest root cause they are small. However all trees were in good shape and are growing. Should've bought taller trees
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 8, 2021 at 10:54pm
Green Giants
Excellent trees, exceed my expectations.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 30, 2021 at 4:53pm
Green giant
excellent
the tree was well packed and looks healthy with no damage!
Only one concern is Shipping it takes a lot of time since purchasing to delivering but product is great!
Thank you
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 29, 2021 at 5:02pm
Baby Giants
I'm extremely satisfied thus far.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 29, 2021 at 3:15pm
Thuja Green Giants
My 20 Thuja Green Giant Trees are doing great after 17 days. I will be needing 20 more soon. Thanks for the mailing service provided.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 21, 2021 at 10:53pm
I bought 12 and I'm not satisfied with 2 of them
2 out of 12 were in bad shape but I'm satisfied with 10 thankyou.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 19, 2021 at 10:11pm
Green Giants
Packed very good, shipped on time, plants are healthy and thriving
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 14, 2021 at 12:31pm
Fast shipping.
The trees were a bit skimpy in width for the price paid but they were as tall as they advertised. The shipping was lightning fast. If you need a tree that you can't get in your area, then I definitely recommend.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer March 24, 2021 at 4:53pm
healthy plants
So far so good. They are healthy, arrived in good time, beautifully packed, and are in the ground. Thanks for a great product. I hope they like where they are planted!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer February 9, 2021 at 5:49pm
Thuja
Love these, all but 5 of the 40 we bought were well packed. The 5, when taken out barely had a rootball and barely any dirt surrounding the roots. Hopefully they will take hold in the ground and establish.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer December 31, 2020 at 6:06pm
Great customer service and product!
My shipment was delayed, due to Fed Ex. I called customer service twice, concerned about what to do, and what condition my plants may arrive in. They assured me that the plants should be fine, but also reminded me of the warranty. When the trees did show up, they were beautiful and vibrant, packed neatly. They were small 1' trees, and weren't all standing straight, but I used Velcro ties to prop them up with stakes. I'm excited and hopeful that these trees will work to provide a screen for me.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer December 30, 2020 at 4:34pm
Thank you !
The trees arrived in great shape. Thank you
Anonymous
Verified Buyer December 7, 2020 at 3:00pm
Thuja giant trees were great!!!
Very Good. Very Fast
Anonymous
Verified Buyer November 23, 2020 at 2:38am
review
good as can be expected since you want fifteen characters
Anonymous
Verified Buyer November 16, 2020 at 3:50pm
Healthy trees
The trees were shipped and here in 2 days. They came in their own individual pots and were very healthy looking. We planted them the same day and water them like advised. They are still looking good and we hope to have good growth next year.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer November 9, 2020 at 9:29pm
Love these trees & this company
The trees came in two days and they were all in good shape, about 2 ft. tall and are looking really good.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 29, 2020 at 8:44pm
Fast shipping healthy trees
Trees arrived quickly and well packed for travel! Very pleased.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 7, 2020 at 12:09pm
Great little trees except one....
Our trees arrived on time and in good condition except one. We still planted it according to the directions that said trees could look a little weak due to shipping. However after a week or so it's looking like this tree won't make it. Other than that we're happy with our purchase.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 3, 2020 at 7:54pm
Thuja green giant
The shipping took extremely long, longer than the 11-14 business days described, however, they arrived in excellent condition with plenty of healthy roots. Leaves are beautiful and very green. Easy to plant and can't wait for them to begin growing!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 1, 2020 at 5:35am
Great trees
They arrived alive and well
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 27, 2020 at 6:56pm
To early to tell
So far the item has been great, the leaves are browning a little but I believe shock, and the temp will have an affect on that
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 24, 2020 at 11:36am
Eight out of 10 isn't too bad .
Overall experience was good. Packing was good except for the fact that two of the Seedlings when Packed were bent at about a 70 degree angle .
When I planted these two I put a stick next to them to hold them up straight, but they look as if they are not going to make it. They have turned brown at the bottom and it seems to be working it's way up. The other eight are a bright green, standing straight, and looking good.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 22, 2020 at 7:25pm
Hoping for fast growing cedar
These arrived healthy and easy to plant, some of the containers were broken, some of the plants seems to be mostly root as the dirt had broken free - however, they seemed quite happy and I watered them promptly. About a week in the ground now and they show no signs of stress.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 16, 2020 at 4:01pm
Look good so far
Would give 5 starts but when they say 1-2ft expect more of just 1ft. I guess I was just expecting a little taller but overall the condition of the trees were great and easy to plant
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 27, 2020 at 11:29pm
The trees are doing great
Great, the trees arrived healthily and are thriving.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 27, 2020 at 9:29pm
Perfect! Came in great condition.
Great condition and support from Pam on planting directions
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 26, 2020 at 4:28pm
thuja
They looked healthy in the box. I planted them and water at least 1 X/day. Ask me next year.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 24, 2020 at 11:27am
Great value
Great value!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 23, 2020 at 4:42pm
Thuja Green Giant
Great trees. Even taller than what l expected. Very green and healthy looking. Thanks
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 23, 2020 at 1:31pm
Thuja Green Giant trees from FastGrowingTrees.com
Overall very satisfied with the online ordering process, delivery time, packaging and quality of the trees. All are doing well now after 1 month since planting, except for 1 tree, as is turning brown and not sure will make it
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 17, 2020 at 9:27pm
A little short
I ordered the 5-6 ft Thujas. They where healthy upon arrival but barely came in at 5ft.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 17, 2020 at 4:05pm
Good experience
I ordered three green giants. Two were not in good shape so I wrote to them. They sent me beautiful replacements immediately. I am really happy, great customer service
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 20, 2020 at 6:42pm
Excellent condition, lack of directions
The trees came in packaged beautifully and safely, however, I am disappointed that there weren't further instructions with the purchase.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 19, 2020 at 4:40pm
Fantastic
Ordering was easy and the trees are healthy and beautiful. We were missing 2 trees and they promptly fixed the issue with no question. Will use again and again
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 19, 2020 at 4:59am
Love them
So happy so far with these little guys. They were starting to turn yellow so we cut back on watering & hoping they will be good to go. Excited to watch them grow
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 16, 2020 at 5:12pm
Healthy plants
Getting the plants were delayed a week but that has not been typical. I usually get them within the time they estimate. Covid slowed the shipping. They were still in great condition and planted wonderfully.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 11, 2020 at 4:38pm
Too soon to tell
Trees were packaged with care. A couple of them had pretty severe bends in the trunks so i braces them to develop a more upright pattern. They are beginning to show a little bit of yellow but hopefully they catch o quick!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer November 11, 2019 at 9:28pm
Thuja Green Giant One out of eight is not looking good
7 of 8 still looking good
I think one is dying
Anonymous
Verified Buyer October 2, 2019 at 5:04pm
Great little trees!
Only bought the small ones, but so far they seem very hearty - even in the hot Texas sun!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer September 24, 2019 at 12:25am
Thuja Green Giants-13 trees
Delivery was perfect as You said Shipped Wed arrived Fri and put
in ground Sat. Planted by the book perfectly and irrigated Sat also
Not as even as the first 8 but OK the way I arranged them
Some trees were fuller and some had canes in them to keep them straight I assume. Will call tomorrow
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 17, 2019 at 12:02am
Thuja Green Giant
So far so good! We purchased (3) 3-4' thuja green giants and they came quickly and packaged nicely. Two were barely over 4 ft and one just below. We planted them about a week after they came. We followed the directions keeping them shaded and watered until we planted them. It's now been nearly a month or so and all are doing quite well. We are very pleased. We just wished the price would have been much less. Kind of spendy because we needed 18 more trees to do a solid hedge in our backyard. We ended up purchasing those 18 else where for nearly half the price.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 21, 2019 at 7:32pm
healthy trees
they are shipped potted
Deer Resistant
Fast Growing
Mature height
30-50 ft.
Mature width
12-15 ft. (standalone width)
Sunlight requirement
Full-Partial
Growth rate
Fast
Botanical name
Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant'
Shipping exclusions
AZ
Grows Well In Zones
5-8
Growing Zones: 5-8 i
Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
We Like Them
Thuja Green Giant
