When it comes to planting Green Giant Arborvitae, it’s important to consider their ultimate size and growth habits. These trees can reach impressive heights of up to 50 feet and have a spread of about 12 to 20 feet. With such dimensions, it’s crucial to provide them with enough space to thrive. Don’t worry if you have a smaller yard or limited space; you can still enjoy these majestic trees by employing some strategic planting techniques.
To ensure the best outcome for your Green Giant Arborvitae, spacing is key. Give each tree a minimum of 10 to 15 feet of clear space on all sides. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease and pest issues. Keep in mind that the closer you plant these trees together, the longer it will take for them to develop their desired shape and size. So, allow enough room for their full potential to shine.
When planting your Green Giant Arborvitae, it’s also important to consider the location. These trees prefer full sun or partial shade, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They also appreciate well-drained soil, so make sure the planting site is not too boggy or prone to waterlogging. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amending it with organic matter can improve drainage and provide a more favorable environment for your trees to establish themselves.
To promote a healthy root system, dig a hole for your Green Giant Arborvitae that is at least twice as wide as the root ball. This will help loosen the surrounding soil, allowing the roots to spread and establish more easily. Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
To encourage proper growth and establishment, it’s essential to water your newly planted Green Giant Arborvitae regularly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for the first few months. During dry spells, make sure to water deeply, ensuring that the root zone receives ample moisture. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Lastly, don’t forget to monitor the growth of your Green Giant Arborvitae and provide occasional trims as needed. These trees have a naturally pyramidal shape, but if you prefer a more formal appearance, regular pruning will be necessary. Prune in early spring before new growth starts, selectively removing branches to maintain the desired shape and size.
Remember, successful tree planting is all about proper spacing, suitable growing conditions, and ongoing care. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and benefits of Green Giant Arborvitae in your landscape for years to come.
Prepare the planting site
Before you start planting Green Giant Arborvitae, it is important to prepare the planting site properly. Start by selecting a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile. Remove any weeds or grass from the area and loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller. This will help the roots to penetrate easily and establish themselves.
Dig the planting hole
Once the site is prepared, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball of the Arborvitae tree and slightly shallower than its height. This will provide enough room for the roots to expand. Make sure the sides of the hole are straight and not too compacted to allow for proper water drainage.
Add organic matter
To improve soil fertility and drainage, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the bottom of the planting hole. Mix it with the soil to create a nutrient-rich mixture that will benefit the arborvitae tree during its initial growth period.
Place the tree in the hole
Carefully lift the Green Giant Arborvitae tree from its container, taking care not to damage the roots. Place the tree in the center of the planting hole, ensuring that it is planted at the same depth it was previously grown. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole
Fill the hole around the root ball with the soil mixture, gently firming it down as you go. Ensure that there are no air pockets left around the roots. Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any remaining air gaps. Avoid packing the soil too tightly, as it can hinder root growth.
Apply mulch
Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around the base of the tree. This will help conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Make sure the mulch is spread evenly but avoid piling it against the trunk, as it can cause rot.
Water and maintain
After planting, water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first year. This will help the roots establish properly. Once established, Green Giant Arborvitae trees are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering during dry periods. Prune the tree as needed to maintain its desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Monitor and protect
Regularly monitor the health of your Green Giant Arborvitae tree. Be on the lookout for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Promptly address any issues to prevent them from spreading. In winter, protect the tree from heavy snowfall by tying the branches together gently or brushing off accumulated snow to prevent breakage.
Mature care
As your Green Giant Arborvitae tree grows and matures, it will require less care. However, it is important to continue monitoring its health and providing occasional watering during long periods of drought. Avoid excessive pruning as it can cause stress to the tree. With proper care, your Green Giant Arborvitae will become a beautiful and impressive addition to your landscape.
Benefits of Planting Green Giant Arborvitae Close
- Privacy and Visual Barrier: Planting Green Giant Arborvitae close together ensures a dense screen of foliage, providing excellent privacy from neighbors and obstructing unwanted views from outsiders. For instance, when planted 5-6 feet apart along the property’s boundary, a row of Green Giant Arborvitae creates an effective and visually pleasing privacy wall.
- No Gaps or Spaces: By planting Green Giant Arborvitae close, you eliminate any unsightly gaps or spaces between the plants, creating a seamless, uniform appearance. This gives your landscape a polished and well-maintained look, as if it was professionally designed.
- Faster Establishment: When planted closer together, Green Giant Arborvitae can create a microclimate that improves overall growth rate, helping them establish more quickly. The close proximity enhances wind protection, soil moisture retention, and encourages mutual support among the plants, leading to healthier and denser hedges or screens.
- Increase in Property Value: The close planting of Green Giant Arborvitae adds value to your property by enhancing its curb appeal, creating a welcoming and private atmosphere. These attractive and well-maintained living screens act as a natural asset, making your property more desirable to potential buyers or tenants, ultimately increasing its overall market value.
- Reduced Maintenance: Planting Green Giant Arborvitae close together reduces the amount of time and effort required for pruning, as the dense foliage naturally forms a tight hedge. This means less trimming and maintenance to keep the plants in shape, allowing you to enjoy your landscape more and spend less time on upkeep.
Cons of Planting Green Giant Arborvitae Close Together
- Competition for resources: When Green Giant Arborvitae trees are planted too close together, they will compete for essential resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. This can result in stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and overall poor health.
- Poor air circulation: Planting Green Giant Arborvitae trees in close proximity can create a dense canopy, restricting air circulation within the foliage. This can lead to increased susceptibility to fungal diseases, such as blight or rust, which thrive in humid and stagnant conditions.
- Reduced longevity: Dense planting of Green Giant Arborvitae can limit the overall lifespan of the trees. When planted too closely, trees may experience more stress due to restricted root space and limited access to nutrients. This can result in premature decline and death.
- Increased vulnerability to pests: Dense planting can create an ideal environment for pests like spider mites or aphids to thrive. Lack of proper air circulation and reduced access to sunlight weaken the plants, making them more susceptible to pest infestations.
- Difficulty in maintenance: Planting Green Giant Arborvitae trees too closely can make routine maintenance tasks challenging. Trimming or pruning becomes more difficult, as there is limited space to work with. This can lead to uneven or improper pruning, negatively impacting the aesthetics of the trees.
One example of the negative consequences of planting Green Giant Arborvitae trees too closely together is a case study conducted in a residential neighborhood. In this study, several homeowners decided to plant rows of Arborvitae trees within a few feet of each other to create privacy screens. Over time, the trees began to exhibit poor growth and started showing signs of nutrient deficiencies, likely due to increased competition for resources. The lack of air circulation between the dense foliage also led to the spread of fungal diseases, resulting in the decline of the entire row of trees.
In another instance, a landscaper planted Green Giant Arborvitae trees in a tight row along a property boundary. Despite regular maintenance efforts, including pruning, the lack of adequate spacing made it challenging to achieve a uniform and visually appealing row of trees. The overcrowded planting also made it difficult to effectively control pest infestations, resulting in long-term damage to the trees and unsightly foliage.
Overall, planting Green Giant Arborvitae trees too closely together can have detrimental effects on their growth, health, and overall longevity. It is crucial to consider proper spacing to ensure the trees have enough room to thrive and avoid unnecessary issues.