Smaragd Thuja 100–125 cm | Emerald Green Arborvitae for Privacy Hedges & Landscaping

Smaragd Thuja, botanically known as Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', is an evergreen conifer valued for its dense green foliage, naturally narrow pyramidal shape and year-round landscape appeal. It is widely known internationally as Emerald Green Arborvitae or Emerald Green Thuja and is commonly used for privacy hedges, living fences, garden borders, screening, villa landscaping, residential gardens and commercial landscape projects.

This page provides practical information about 100–125 cm Smaragd Thuja plants, including hedge spacing, planting, watering, soil requirements, pruning, container growing, landscape applications and hedge quantity calculation.

What Is Smaragd Thuja?

Smaragd Thuja is the cultivar Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', an evergreen member of the Cupressaceae family. Its dense foliage and naturally symmetrical conical habit make it particularly useful where an attractive vertical green structure is required.

The plant is internationally searched under several related terms, including Emerald Green Arborvitae, Emerald Green Thuja, Smaragd Arborvitae and Thuja Smaragd. These terms can refer to the same popular landscape cultivar, although the botanical name remains Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'.

Emerald Green Arborvitae Features

• Evergreen foliage provides year-round green structure.
• Naturally narrow pyramidal growth creates a formal landscape appearance.
• Suitable for privacy screens and living hedge applications.
• Works well in residential gardens, villas, estates and commercial landscapes.
• Can be grown in suitably sized containers with adequate drainage.
• Its upright form makes it useful where horizontal garden space is limited.

Smaragd Thuja for Privacy Hedges

Emerald Green Arborvitae is frequently selected for privacy hedge and screening projects because of its dense evergreen foliage and upright growth habit.

When planted as a hedge, Smaragd Thuja can create a structured green boundary between gardens, properties, terraces, pathways and outdoor living areas. The final hedge density depends on plant size, planting distance, growing conditions and long-term maintenance.

For landscape projects, the planting distance should therefore be determined according to the actual width of the supplied plants and the desired final hedge appearance rather than using one universal spacing for every project.

Smaragd Thuja Hedge Spacing

For 100–125 cm Smaragd Thuja, planting distances around 60–70 cm can be considered when a denser initial hedge effect is desired. A spacing of approximately 75–80 cm provides more room between plants and allows the individual pyramidal form to remain more visible.

These figures are practical planning ranges rather than fixed horticultural rules. The final spacing should consider the actual plant width, root-ball or container size, site conditions and the desired mature hedge appearance.

How Many Emerald Green Arborvitae Plants Do I Need?

The approximate number of Smaragd Thuja plants required for a hedge can be calculated by dividing the total hedge length by the selected planting distance. Corners, gates, entrances and start/end positions may affect the final quantity.

How to Plant Smaragd Thuja

1. Mark the planting line

Use a string line to create a straight planting axis. Maintain sufficient space from walls, paths and other permanent structures for healthy development and maintenance access.

2. Check soil drainage

Smaragd Thuja performs well in moist but well-drained soil. Areas where water remains around the root zone for extended periods should be improved before planting.

3. Position the root ball correctly

Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Avoid planting excessively deep because poor planting depth can contribute to root-zone problems.

4. Water thoroughly after planting

Give the newly planted Thuja sufficient water to moisten the root zone. During the establishment period, regularly check soil moisture and adjust watering according to weather and soil conditions.

5. Support newly planted trees when necessary

In exposed or windy locations, newly planted taller specimens may benefit from flexible support until the root system becomes established.

Smaragd Thuja Soil and Sun Requirements

Emerald Green Arborvitae generally performs well in a sunny position with moist but well-drained soil. Good drainage is particularly important because prolonged waterlogging can negatively affect root health.

Soil preparation should focus on good structure, adequate drainage and consistent moisture availability rather than simply adding large amounts of fertilizer.

How Often Should Smaragd Thuja Be Watered?

There is no single watering schedule suitable for every Smaragd Thuja planting. Water requirements depend on temperature, rainfall, soil type, plant age, container size and root development.

• Newly planted Thuja: Monitor soil moisture regularly during establishment.
• Hot weather: Water requirements can increase during prolonged dry periods.
• Rainy periods: Reduce additional irrigation when natural rainfall is sufficient.
• Hedge planting: Drip irrigation can provide controlled and consistent water distribution.
• Container plants: Check moisture more frequently because containers have limited soil volume.

Fertilizing Emerald Green Arborvitae

Fertilizer requirements depend on soil fertility, plant condition and growing conditions. Excessive fertilizer should not be used as a substitute for proper soil preparation and irrigation.

A suitable slow-release fertilizer may be considered during active growth when required. Soil testing can provide more useful information when a detailed fertilization program is needed.

How to Prune Smaragd Thuja

One of the advantages of Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is its naturally organized pyramidal form. As a result, heavy pruning is usually unnecessary when the plant is grown in its natural shape.

• Use light trimming to maintain hedge form when necessary.
• A slightly wider lower section can help maintain better light exposure throughout the hedge.
• Avoid severe cuts into old, bare woody sections where possible.
• Use clean and properly maintained pruning tools.

Why Is My Smaragd Thuja Turning Brown or Yellow?

Brown or yellow foliage does not automatically indicate one specific disease. Several factors may contribute to foliage discoloration, including water stress, poor drainage, environmental stress, pests and fungal problems.

1. Check whether the soil remains excessively wet.
2. Consider recent drought, heat or transplanting stress.
3. Inspect stems and foliage for visible pest symptoms.
4. Determine whether discoloration affects one branch, several branches or the entire plant.
5. Check whether the plant has adequate light and air circulation.

If the cause cannot be identified from visual symptoms, professional plant-health advice can help determine the appropriate treatment.

Does Emerald Green Arborvitae Turn Brown in Winter?

Smaragd Thuja is an evergreen plant, but evergreen does not mean that foliage color can never change under environmental stress.

Cold exposure, drying winds, insufficient soil moisture and other environmental factors can influence foliage appearance. For this reason, product descriptions should avoid absolute claims such as “the foliage can never change color under any winter conditions.”

Can Smaragd Thuja Be Grown in Containers?

Yes. Emerald Green Thuja can be grown in suitably large containers with adequate drainage. Container-grown plants have a restricted root volume, so watering, drainage and container size require closer attention.

Large pots or planters can make Smaragd Thuja suitable for terraces, entrances, balconies with appropriate structural capacity and commercial outdoor spaces.

Smaragd Thuja Landscaping Uses

• Privacy hedges around residential gardens
• Living fences between properties
• Villa and luxury garden landscaping
• Residential estate and housing projects
• Commercial landscape projects
• Garden borders and property boundaries
• Green screening around outdoor living areas
• Symmetrical planting along paths and entrances
• Large container planting
• Institutional and corporate landscape applications

Smaragd Thuja Price – What Determines the Cost?

The price of Smaragd Thuja 100–125 cm can vary according to plant size, container or root-ball condition, production quality, quantity, availability, transportation distance and delivery requirements.

When comparing Emerald Green Arborvitae prices, it is important to compare plants with similar dimensions, root conditions and quality standards rather than comparing price alone.

• Actual plant height
• Plant width and fullness
• Container or root-ball size
• Root condition
• Foliage density and general plant quality
• Quantity required for the project
• Transportation and delivery requirements

Smaragd Thuja Frequently Asked Questions