How to grow Green Giant Thuja (Arborvitae) with detailed description

The products I use - kit.com/HortTube
This video is a detailed description of Green Giant Arborvitae. A fast growing screening plant that has become very popular. This evergreen tree can reach 50 feet plus in height with a growth rate of 3 feet per year. Green Giant Thuja is drought tolerant, but needs additional water during abnormally dry conditions. Green Giant is a great replacement for Leyland Cypress.
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'
Jim has over 30 years experience in the green industry and is the current owner of Earthworks Nursery.
Subscribe to Jim's channel- / @jimputnam
www.wholesaleplants.biz
30 Allen Rd. Clayton, NC 27520

[@melissa-ur7kl]

I like when he says not to expect fast growth the first year you plant it. Reminds me of something a a gardening friend told me when I first started gardening. "Sleep, creep, leap" that leap year is always so exciting! 😀

[@TheGeorgiaMediaGroup]

This man knows his stuff. He may be the green giant whisperer

[@MsCmsh]

Haha… I think Jim is more like the ultimate Plant Whisperer!!

[@kellilangvo]

It is now 2020 and Jim you’re right…everyone wants a Green Giant…..

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

I appreciate your comment on the ecological effects of not having enough horticultural biodiversity!

[@keithharmon2056]

I love these plants , I have around 100 of them growing. Awesome. Thanks for the info.

[@honkbob]

2021 and I'm about to plant 21 of these - love them. Planted one 18 years ago, and it is massive now.

[@lifeisgood070]

I just planted 25 of them xD Hope your 18 are doing well. Can't wait for some of the privacy on one side of my yard

[@ljacree5764]

Thank you! I was able to buy several Leyland Cypress at Walmart 2 yrs ago. But this year, they have the Green Giant Arborvitae instead. Now it makes sense after this vid.

[@Pennsylvaniastrong]

You were spot on! They do turn bronze during the winter, and bright green in Spring. I planted 15 going up my driveway and they began at 1 ft. It is 5 yrs and they are 12 ft high and 5ft wide. They are beautiful and I really do minimal care for them, only water in the warmer months here in Pennsylvania.

[@TheRLExperience]

So amazing. Right to the point. Not salesy. Information packed. Thanks

[@carolyncheek5758]

Great video. I'm planting 30 of these tomorrow. Full sun, large open lot, river bottom with great soil drainage. I think they should do well there. I'm using them as a privacy screen so they will be close together to produce an almost solid hedge. Close means 5-7 feet apart.

[@vladorlovsky6623]

Thank you for making this video. It was very informative. I love Green Giants. Planted a bunch around my house.

[@1hillbilly]

You did a great job in your description and tips .

[@JimPutnam]

+Cherokee44 Oklahoma Thanks for watching

[@craigfuhr]

FANTASTIC info, so comprehensive.

[@AGCampagna]

What a great video. I've had mine for about 8 years and you hit EVERY point right on mark. I was especially impressed when you talked about early growth rate. It went down exactly as you stated. I do hope you're wrong about the future and pests :)

[@mauisuzi]

Excellent and environmentally responsible. Thank you.

[@Cornus]

2021 and Green Giant is still most popular screening plant. Unfortunately it also handles our wet clay. The only evergreen we can have other than mounded Norway Spruces. Thank you for great video.

[@brandonevershed5362]

Thanks for the video. I just bought 2 of these today.

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

Love the future forecast😆🤦‍♀️, very informative, thank you.

[@CheeseBae]

*Jim Putnam:* So what are you waiting for... *Me:* Money

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

😅

[@learningasigo1269]

Hi Jim, you hit the nail on the head once again. I have about eight of these green giants that a landscaper planted on my previous property probably around the time that you made this video or it might’ve been a month or two before. Back then I was not watching KZbin videos to get advice on gardening and landscaping. LOL. At the time I told the landscaper that I wanted some arborvitae‘s along my hedges. And that’s what he planted. The only reason I know that’s what he planted is because the tags are still on the trees five years later. And it says “green giant”. But as I said you hit the nail on the head because they were slow growing for the first three years. To the point where I was thinking that there was something wrong. That maybe they had been planted in the wrong soil location. But now they have really taken off growing fast. I am at a new home and today I just picked up one of these green giants to add to my diverse group of hedges. It will go along side some Nellie Holly Stevens, some Ligustrum japonica, and so on. In addition to being informative you’re also entertaining. I loved the look into the future. LOL. I was looking at some Leyland cypress right next to these green giants. I was so tempted to buy them because they were big and tall probably about 7 feet and being sold at Lowe’s for 50 bucks. But in the end your videos about the Leyland cypress convinced me to stay away from the Leylands.

[@spenny9274]

SOO TRUE!! People in my area think they’re so cool cause they’re ALL planting the G2’s. They’ve already becomes played out in my mind. I’ve actually used Junipers in place of wanting to do the Green G’s. But something different makes you unique which my garden DEFINITELY needs to be Love all your vids Jimbo 👍🏻

[@SilverKing-sz9vg]

Cool good instruction ! I can't wait to plant mine this spring.

[@Ae75RHENiUM]

Jim again with a bit of knowledge. This dude knows his plants. Ive been thinking about green giants for a screening at my new house. Educate me Jim

[@manlyfrisk4662]

Wow, what a great tutorial! Thank you so much!!

[@williamwoodward670]

Wow you cover everything .loved this educational.

[@LoriSmithsspro]

Good info, thanks! We tried growing these Green Giants but didn't have good luck. However, it was windy where we lived at the time and they didn't seem to like that.

[@bayleelebron2910]

very very very helpful! Thank you! You gave me every detail I needed!!!

[@mary_land0]

Ha! I love your fast-forward future video. Great advice. Thank you.

[@jimwesselman]

Love the Thuja “green giant “! I have around 25 around my yard, and they all are doing great. I have noticed that the first year they sleep, next year they creep and the 3rd year they LEAP! Thank you for your insight.

[@jasonensley887]

How far apart would you recommend planting these from one another.?

[@craigfuhr]

Jim Wesselman Hi Jim. I live in MD and am evaluating a border plant as a visual barrier to my next door. I have about 100’ from my house to the street. What would you recommend in terms of spacing so that at some point they grow into a thick hedge?

[@josht2136]

@@jasonensley887 read the fucking tag 😑

[@jasonensley887]

@@josht2136 Haha....Do you know how pathetic you have to be to read a comment somebody posted over a year ago and feel the need to have to bash it with no insite to why that person may have asked the question in the first place. Obviously I didn't have the tag in front of me, besides I was getting mixed reviews from different sites on how far to put them so I was asking his personal opinion. Thanks for your Intelligent input into the matter. 🤦‍♂️ From now on why don't you try to not worry about what other people are saying that don't involve you and worry about your own damn life. You will be happier I promise.

[@cannarris]

@@jasonensley887 I’m looking for that info too .

[@BasikVids_4_Life]

I know this is old but thanks for the thorough explanation. I'm glad to hear you say these will do good in zone 4. There are many out there that will swear these are zone 5-8 only. I live in Southern Minnesota and know I've seen these around so pulled the trigger on 10 of these. If they survive the winter I will be planting 20 more. Thanks

[@user-ho6sm6iq6i]

I’m in southern Minnesota in the NW suburbs of Minneapolis. I see a lot of 5-8 zones too. I consider myself in zone 4. I’ve been considering these for a while

[@darksidetraining9815]

great video thank you, I was watering with a drip line almost every day.

[@rcapilli]

Thanks so much. Fantastic video!

[@loristappert9729]

So glad I found this video! We planted around 22 of these as a lot border at our river cabin about 2 years ago and I've been so worried because I hadn't seen the 3'-5' annual growth you hear about, and also with the bronzing I thought they were all dying. Jim alleviated all my fears and explained this tree in depth. I feel like we're right on track and they're doing what they're supposed to. Whew! Can't wait to see what they'll do over the next few years. Thanks for a very informative video!

[@BigJbird827]

You made this comment 2 yrs ago. I just now found this video and I am very interested if your fears came to or if the tree really did bounce back like this video suggested? I just bought 10 of these and I’m planting them so I’m trying to better understand the expectations

[@loristappert9729]

@@BigJbird827 they're all doing well, and are growing strong now! You've heard new plantings will sleep 1st year, creep the 2nd year and leap the 3rd year and that's pretty much what happened. Good luck!

[@BigJbird827]

@@loristappert9729 thank you

[@malenatully]

Great video! Nice root ball

[@riceburner3124]

Well, here it is, end of year 2022 and I'm seeing them everywhere! Even I am kicking the idea of making a highway screen with them! Good "future" call!

[@barbaraadamcik9679]

Thank you for giving an accurate description on realistic mature height and width. I find most tags on growth rate at big box garden centers are very inaccurate.

[@missdeeva2266]

True we planted 3 of these on our lot in 2019 and now after watching this I think these will be too large but they sure do make a good screen and fast..ours are already over the top of neighbor's ugly fence.

[@goldcoastasmr]

"Do everyone else in the neighborhood a favor and don't grow this plant" five seconds later "well what are you waiting for you can a grow green giant arborvitae today!" I thought that was hilarious. But on a serious note after watching this video I've decided I'm going to dig up the green giant arborvitae that I planted on the corner of my house six months ago . I didn't know about the bronzing either but I figured that's what it was with the weather. Thanks for the info my man

[@melindakantner9202]

Excellent video! Very informative! Thank you for posting!

[@JimPutnam]

+Melinda Kantner Thanks for watching

[@johnliberty3647]

I was taking cuttings when this video was being made (give or take 6 months in either direction) I just sold them today(2020)... same size pot you were holding in this video.

[@jeffbauman5447]

Thank you for the informative video. Great job

[@figure8designs]

The look into the future years cracked me up lol!

[@jacobdobry1591]

Incredible video!

[@terrencegibbons3351]

Awesome plant.

[@jamesmatzorkis8526]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@shemwayman1146]

APPRECIATE THE HONEST INFO. THANK YOU

[@JimPutnam]

Thank you

[@ladonnapybus8927]

I just bought some seeds and I’m about to start these in my new greenhouse. First time to have a greenhouse and enough land to do something like this.

[@HousBinPhartiin]

Great advice, thanks!

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Great informational video - thank you thumbs up!

[@KLsuperspeed]

It is really great to hear someone knowledgeable say not to expect the rapid growth in the first few years. I've been trying to figure out what I am doing wrong with my for two seasons where they look healthy but only add a few inches.

[@dawnsmith5002]

Mine has added 6 ft additioner growth in 3 yrs.. beautiful trees...I'm in virginia...I just let them go and do their thing...I never water no matter the weather..they grow in a cone shape ..live them

[@edwinmorales3130]

Awesome advice

[@_o.0_.]

That 2020 advice tho!!!!🤘🏾

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I planted 20 seedlings Sep 2019. I lost one the following year. I watered every three days. The 2nd year, I had no problems. This year I lost 5 immediately. They get 8 hours direct sun. I live in Southeast Michigan and we have been in a drought for 6 weeks. I water every three days. I have fertilized with Ortho slow release for evergreens.

[@paulfernandes5039]

Great video on Green Giants. Very helpful to me. Also enjoyed his honest discussion of what will likely happen to these screen trees as everyone (including myself) have planted these because of their fast growth and hardiness. I've been warned!

[@aaronkennedy5709]

awesome video! thank you!

[@josht2136]

Great advice, I always tell people to chose 2 different confers they like and stagger them. Nothing more frustrating that 20 years of hedges taken out when you can potentially contain it to a single species

[@livingwithlex.]

Thank you for that suggestion ❤️

[@-HughJass-]

I live in Zone 8 and have a privacy fence, followed by a row of Wax Myrtles, then Green Giants to finish. I moved in less than year ago to a new house, but hoping to never see the POS neighbor behind me again. He truly is the WORST person imaginable. He has a 50+ ft radio antenna attached to his house....dont think ill be able to block that out, but at least ill be able to block his raised mobile home so his nosey ass cant stare at me 24/7.

[@RaceDTSynthetics]

@@-HughJass- He may be the survivalists', you may need him in the future. I'd be neighborly. Think about the day the cell towers and the tv's don't work. That radio antenna will.

[@-HughJass-]

@@RaceDTSynthetics well considering he threatens to kill me, and drunkenly harasses all the neighbors, ill take my chances.

[@kimmyj1512]

​@@-HughJass- well that changes everything don't it?

[@barbarah9375]

perfect tutorial!

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

I enjoyed this, subbed and thank you!

[@robs9574]

Four years ago I planted 8 of these 4 ft tall. 12-14’ now Sun/shade.

[@slowjamcdub]

How far apart do you plant them?

[@majikman7355]

Right on about the mulch...I just cleared some out bc it was keeping the soil way too wet..Green Giant ArborvitaeThuja standishii x plicata...I dig that scientific variety...sux when ya buy the wrong one 😆

[@pinhosekbor138]

Good job

[@jwmsvilla]

I listened with rapt attention throughout Jim! Excellent mini class (in time, not information)! I have planted three 20 plus hedges in Eastern Maine many years ago successfully. Now I am in Houston and planted a local variety (some sort of conical shaped arborvitae). I planted three hedges, each with approximately 20-25. The ones in shade or mostly shade are definitely growing at a much slower pace then those in partial or full sun. I have only one question (since watching): when and how is the best time to trim and control the height of these conical trees? Thanks and A+ on the video!

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

I planted 20 baby plants in April. I have loamy soil. I put some topsoil with garden soil. It has rained 3 times in four months, so I water everyday. I have seen 6-8 inches of growth so far. Expect 12 inches by late fall.

[@Hotwash544]

How are they now 3 years later?

[@viviandibrell849]

Thank you for this video. I am planning a landscaping design for my new townhouse (new construction) and everyone around here has Arborvitaes. I have decided not to use this plant because I don't like the bronze color in the winter and it will be too big for my limited back yard space.

[@mteske1]

This dude can read the future!

[@futbol1972]

Thank ubi will look intothoese threes. Hopefully I can get them grow in zone 9

[@kiwiwanderingusa9988]

I have 15 of these next to my driveway in GA. They were planted before we bought our house, around 3-4 feet apart. I essentially have a row of upright dominoes as they are way too close together. The branches that get sun are around 20-25 feet wide at the base. Think carefully about getting the spacing correct for fully shaped plants. Whoever planted them could have saved a lot of money and planted a third of the amount.

[@delmadelatorre]

I am a tree lover n feel they are our lifeline

[@michelew5810]

Great Video Jim. I have a row and, as you have predicted they have grown considerably and are beginning to crowd one and other. Also unfortunately I lost 3. 2 Questions. What would you think about removing every other one? And would it be possible to use the ones removed to fill in the open spaces. I believe the ones I lost were due to being without adequate drainage and not being planted high enough. Thank you for your time and expertise.

[@shinnersplit8816]

I really like your videos !! Keep going and good job. I have a question can i plant the green giant in las vegas ? If i watering them so will in summer ? And thanks for the video !!

[@KB03187]

Very informative video! How often would you recommend watering these plans?

[@nobaker1]

Good video. Any suggestions on wrapping these in winter. Just had a heavy snowfall. All survived, but wondering if I should still wrap them this year.

[@melissa-ur7kl]

Oh my gosh Jim!!! We met you today! I thought you looked familiar! Lmao! I have been watching your videos all week and even watched this video in the morning before we went shopping. My husband and I came in and bought the magnolias at the end of the day today and we really appreciate you staying open for us and being so helpful! lol I can't get over how funny this is! I'm sorry I didn't check the description box when I first subscribed, I would have made your nursery our first stop today! We will absolutely be back soon. Small world! Your channel is amazing and I think it's so funny I even mentioned to you that I watched this great gardening channel!

[@JimPutnam]

+melissa Calcutta That awesome. Nice to meet you guys. Thanks again for coming in.

[@quynhtran2008]

Jim, please do a video on evergreens that will do well in zones 8 and 9. I'm in zone 8b but I'm struggling to find strong evergreen trees that will take some frost and dry arid heat in the summer. Love your videos and I learn so much

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

I believe Junipers work well for dry heat. I have two Taylor Junipers that are doing really well in zone 7A in a very dry hot area.

[@quynhtran2008]

@@gardeningjunkie2267 I will look up Taylor juniper. You're correct, I have a lot of lower growing junipers on my property when I purchased it and they seem to do well in our dry heat. I didn't think of juniper as a tall tree. Thank you

[@truehope287]

Great video, enjoyed the trip to the future! We bought land that we will not be living on for several years and I will not be able to tend to them much so I'm wondering if they would survive. I heard that dear like to eat them so that is a concern as well. Thank you!

[@keith-kalfas]

Very smart

[@JimPutnam]

Hey Keith, I've seen several of your videos. I don't get a lot of time to watch, but you do good work telling guys how hard that landscape business really is. Keep up the good work.

[@johncmoney8394]

Great info, thanks! So maybe I'll go with juniper instead.

[@clints8731]

I've had my giants for 5 years. They started at 5 feet. They are now 12 feet. Very healthy and beautiful. They grow faster every year just like he said. I have had bag worms before. I sprayed it once and the worms never ever came back.

[@robertj992]

How much did they grow in the first year?

[@kimmyj1512]

@clints8731 what did you spray?

[@aptkeyboard3173]

I planted 30 of these and my neighbors have even more. I’m paranoid about that green giant superbug coming to fruition now lol

[@feathersrfine]

I love your informative channel, thank you ! Quick question...have some leyland cypress that I feel strongly have the Seiridium canker , so frustrating. Am going to try to cut out the dead branches and HOPE for the best but not expecting it. What would be a good replacement privacy tree that is very fast growing, disease resistant and has a decent width spread to it...say 10 foot spread or farther ? ( have a long line to plant these in , want to do it as economically as possible ) Thanks again , am subscribing now !

[@gretamorton3427]

We are going to plant 10 of these this weekend & I'm very nervous about the spacing. I want to do 5ft apart, but my husband wants to do them 3ft apart. We're planning to use them as a privacy fence & to trim as hedge like once they fill in.

[@araratqarachatani3806]

Thank you

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I had to replace 9 out of my 20. The one planted in Sep 2019 are 6 feet tall. They started out as 12 inch seedlings. The new plants are growing in pine bark, peat moss and composted manure. I expect the new plants to outgrow the ones planted in the native soil. Will update in October 2023.

[@brandonford7144]

Great video Jim. I'm looking forward to planting these along my gate for privacy and sound buffer. I ordered 32 planting in zig zag. Read something that suggested staggering 8 ft wide, 4 ft. deep. But sounds like this may be too close. Do you have another recommendation for a zig zag formation?

[@ronpassmore7053]

Thank you for taking the time to record this video. Are you still active and available for a question or two?

[@suz567]

Hi Jim, Thanks for your great channel! Why are just 3 of mine that are mature, over 12-15 ft tall, getting yellow tips but not the adjacent ones on either side?

[@MokenaBob]

Great video. I have 2 new green giant to plant,

[@JimPutnam]

Good luck with them.

[@bjones8354]

Really great video with good information! It's July 2022 in Youngsville, NC. None of my neighbors have this species. Do I need to protect from deer while they're young? Thank you!

[@jayzon00]

Jim, you say to fertilize these with Holly Tone. However I’m reading in many other places that arborvitaes are not acid loving plants and that Plant Tone is recommended.

[@nac4965]

Jim, thanks for sharing your knowledge. if you have a moment to answer a question? I ordered 15 Thuja Green Giant trees- arriving tomorrow- about 2' tall. I'm using these to create a privacy barrier between two waterfront lots. the lot is gently sloped (if not flat in some areas) all the way to the water. the trees will sit about 4' above the lake water (1200' elevation, zone 5, southern Nh) in good soil, not prone to drought and in full sun 8-10 hours a day. I don't desire a 30' tree- I'd like to keep them around 15' tall and 5' - 6' diameter, planting them 5' apart up the property line... My question- once my line of trees reach the desired height, can I maintain that height by pruning (lopping the center leader) without killing the tree? I plan on just pruning the exposed sides and allowing the centers of the trees to grow uninhibited. thanks for taking to time to help!

[@autohelix]

People in the comments are killing me. This tree gets very large stop planting them on top of each other they need room to grow. Don't plant them under power lines, don't plant them on your property line. When you plant a tree imagine what it will be in 10 years. If you want instant privacy spend the money and build a fence. People complain when you plant them too close together that the one in the middle died, well of course you smothered it to death. I have 3 of them, with an Arizona blue ice Cypress in the middle.

[@Smokofilomidanek53]

Hi everyone! It's a great video! For a couple of years I'm trying to get those trees to my property and seem to be no one is interested to even contact me. So sad...

[@charlyman699]

I love your videos!, I've a question what is the fastest growing pine with regards to screening plants, is there anyone faster than this one for zones 4 to 5 ? Thank you

[@theresadailey5809]

If you plant pest resistant ground cover , and that goes for gardens , shrubs , bushes, trees, you will be able to deter the pests.

[@janicelyon9033]

Video packed with information. Might it be pertinent to share how deer resistant green giant arborvitaes are?

[@320Green]

Hi Jim. Piedmont Triad here. Quick question for ya... I just noticed that one of my Green Giant Thuja's has two leads of equal height growing at the top. They are about 15 foot now, but I was wondering if I could simply clip one of the two leads to promote the other to keep growing. Make sense? I never knew that could be a problem until I watched this video. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Keep up the great videos!

[@motordar]

No kidding on the growth. I planted 50 of these 8 years ago and they are as tall as the telephone wires now. I have Scotts / True green tree care which has kept them shooting to the sky with the nitrogen injections. Now I'm worried they are going to get to big. I have had them sitting in water and have been fine. Must make sure that they are watered going into winter (yellowed 3rd yr) due to winter dry & burn. These things are monsters. Add: never mulched around base. Used white plastic tree protectors.

[@jjvwguy2489]

MOTORDAR is 8ft 2 shovel lengths is how i measured. Is that to far for a good wall?

[@richardroemer549]

Hi, thanks for a great, no nonsense video. I have a current screen of white pines that are planted staggered. They are roughly 20’ tall and are doing a great job. I would like to add another row of Green Giant to insure a screen. I worry about the pines thinning out over time. Do you think this would be a good addition the white pines are roughly 20 years old? If so what spacing would you recommend the pines are 8 foot with two rows staggered. Thx. Also can I buy the green giants already fairly large and if so what are your planting tips for these?

[@pedrosason1935]

Thank you for the bronze cold climate comment. I thought my greens were dying.

[@Ace-yf3xf]

Nice

[@stonz42]

Thanks Jim. I planted 5 green giants this summer between a neighbor and recently had a buck rub off the top half of branches. Will those branches regrow or should I replace it? Plants are young and only about 3 feet tall. I’m in zone 6a. Thanks for all the helpful info.