Green Giant Arborvitae Fact Sheet

Giant cedar tree

The green giant arborvitae is both an ornamental and a useful tree. This evergreen tree requires very little maintenance, typically limited to occasional watering and pruning. This tree grows upright, forms a pyramidal shape and features strong horizontal branches that are resistant to breakage.

About

The green giant arborvitae is also known as the giant cedar or western red cedar tree. This tree is a member of the Cupressaceae family and grows in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8. The giant green arborvitae tree is native to North America and is commonly used as a hedge or as a buffer around parking lots and along roadsides.

Growth

Green giant arborvitae trees mature to a height of 50 to 200 feet and a width of 15 to 25 feet. This tree yields simple, evergreen leaves that are oval in shape and less than 2 inches in length. In the spring, this tree produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers. Pruning this tree annually can help achieve a desired shape and promote strong, healthy growth.

Environment

Green giant arborvitae trees thrive in clay, loamy or sandy acidic soils. The oil must be well-drained and in an area where the tree can receive partial sun or full sun. This tree is native to river banks, swamps and bogs and is adaptable to a variety of pH balances. Roots from the giant green arborvitae don't produce surface problems and grow in such a way that these trees can be planted close to one another or close to buildings, even in areas where there is poorly drained alkaline soil.

Uses

This tree is commonly used for commercial landscapes because of its ability to be pruned. This tree is also grown commercially because its strong wood is harvested to create roof shingles, deck boards and siding. Historically, Indians used the wood from the giant green arborvitae tree to carve totem poles or to make canoes.

Problems

This tree is only moderately tolerant of drought conditions and can have stunted growth when planted in overly dry soils. Provide irrigation throughout the summer to promote healthy growth through dryer months. The giant green arborvitae tree is generally healthy and is not typically bothered by diseases or pests. Rarely, the bagworm has been known to cause damage to this tree.

References

• University of Florida: Giant Arborvitae