Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja standishii x Thuja plicata
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x Thuja plicata) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40 to 60 ft tall and 12 to 18 ft wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Needs protected area.
medium to high water40 to 60 ft tall and 12 to 18 ft wide
Photos
(c) J Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by J Brew
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2 to 8
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40 to 60 ft tall and 12 to 18 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~18 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Watch: Leaf ScorchIts leaf edges brown in hot, dry wind, so give it steady summer water and some shelter from the worst afternoon blast.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Green Giant Arborvitae good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Green Giant Arborvitae is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Green Giant Arborvitae get?
- It matures to about 40 to 60 ft tall and 12 to 18 ft wide.
- How much room does Green Giant Arborvitae need?
- Give Green Giant Arborvitae about 18 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Green Giant Arborvitae grow into?
- Green Giant Arborvitae typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Green Giant Arborvitae hardy on the Front Range?
- Green Giant Arborvitae is hardy in USDA 2 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Green Giant Arborvitae need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Green Giant Arborvitae grow?
- Green Giant Arborvitae is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Green Giant Arborvitae live?
- Green Giant Arborvitae is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Green Giant Arborvitae native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
