The Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja) originated in Denmark so you may hear 'Smaragd'  Danish for emerald used in its place many times. Yes, it is the same tree. This evergreen is a trendy privacy tree, and it's easy to grow and maintain. Here are some reasons why:

Appearance

The Emerald Green or "Smaragd" arborvitae trees are narrow, pyramidal cultivars of the Thuja occidentalis tree. They grow about 10–15 feet in height by 3–4 feet in width. That makes them perfect for foundation planting, providing natural privacy screens in smaller yards and narrower spaces. They will grow up to 1–2 feet per year until fully grown and then grow 6–9 inches. Its dense green, scale-shaped leaves fan out in sprays. This thick foliage makes it ideal as a hedge or natural privacy screen around a garden or yard.

Ideal Hardiness Zones

The USDA Hardiness Zones indicate the best regions to plant the different species; 11 such zones describe horizontal bands of climate zones across the U.S. In these, Emerald Green arborvitae grow well within the range from 2 through 8. This is so far one of the evergreen species that does much better in cold regions. The only regions it grows well in are the West Coast, the Deep South, and Florida.

Planting

Fall is the best time to plant an Emerald Green arborvitae because this avoids heat stress and puts it into a position for quick growth. Choose a sunny or partially shaded area with no weeds or other debris; loosen the soil. Set in the hole with the root ball just slightly above grade. Backfill carefully to avoid any suffocation of roots. Add a 2-3" layer of mulch to retain moisture or compost. Water twice a week, then provide ½ to 1 inch of water per week. ( For more details read How to Care and Grow Arborvitae Trees ).

How Far Apart Should Emerald Greens Be Planted?

Plant them according to the rule of thumb. Some want them closer than that so that there are no gaps between the trees; others plant them further apart and are willing to wait for the trees to fill in.  Of course, what decides it is whether there is privacy or not, will be the width of the tree you're starting with. If you purchase narrower trees, you'll have to plant them closer together if you want a solid wall anytime soon. Will I Need to Prune Arborvitae? The short answer is "No". What's nice about Emerald Green Arborvitae is that it gives a beautiful natural screen but doesn't take up a lot of your yard. If you are not sure how to replant your plant then read How to Care and Grow Arborvitae Trees?

Pruning

Other screening trees such as Douglas Fir, various cedars, Leyland Cypress, or English Laurel are wide trees with spaciness in your yard or require an active prune each year. Pruning is an expensive and time-consuming effort that most people don't want to do if they can avoid it.  On the other hand, Arborvitae grow to only 2-3' in diameter and don't get much bigger around, only taller.  So there is nothing you need to do to them.

Watering Tips

Watering is essential for an arborvitae. Water them first with a drip hose, laid at the base of the trees, and turning it on to them once a day for a slow, steady drip. This works very well. Once established, Water less often, depending on weather and rainfall. Prune the branch if it starts to turn brown, making way for new growth, unless it is too badly damaged. Replace a few trees after stopping the drip hose.

When to Plant Arborvitae Trees

It is best to plant emerald green arborvitae trees early in the springtime months of the year. The best way to plant these evergreen trees is when the temperature in the soil has reached 40°F at the very least. This is early enough in spring to ensure that the tree has plenty of time to get established before the cold of winter puts stress on them and their delicate root system. The earlier you get your tree planted in the spring season, the more likely you will be able to help it survive. By fall and wintertime, the tree is ready without much extra maintenance on the end of the homeowner.

Conclusion

Emerald Green Arborvitae, or "Smaragd," is a beautiful, low-maintenance option for natural privacy screens. Done narrow and pyramidal in shape, with dense green foliage, it is the most suitable choice for small yards and tight spaces. These are best planted during the fall or early spring and prefer to grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 8, requiring regular watering, especially when young. Proper spacing and minimal pruning will ensure beautiful, hassle-free hedges. Knowing these key points will help put you well on your way to having a lush, green barrier that landscapes with the best.