A popular, deer-resistant alternative to the common Emerald Green Arborvitae, (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’), Green Giant (Thuja plicata x standishii) is a much larger tree requiring much more space if left to grow in its natural form. For larger and drier gardens, Green Giant Arborvitae may be a better choice than Emerald Greens due to its superb drought tolerance. Additionally, Green Giants typically have only one leader which enables them to take snow loads without splaying.

I planted 4 Green Giants in 2021, 3 of which were only about 3 – 4′ tall. One stood taller and much more open, and I had a slight concern that it was actually a mislabelled Thuja plicata. Three years on, the smaller specimens have caught up with the taller ones. All of them are shooting up quickly. As of this update in 2023, I suspect these trees will start to provide decent screening by the end of this year’s growing season.