🌲 Front Range Plant FinderPlant finder

Green Giant

Thuja standishii x Thuja plicata

Compiled by · Reviewed against the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List, CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-07-03

Green Giant (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 40–60 ft tall and 12–18 ft wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Needs protected area.

Site fitRecommended for Most Sites
medium to high water40–60 ft tall and 12–18 ft wideDeer-resistant
Online from $8 at 1 retailer

Photos

Plan your garden

Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.

Ready to plant this?

At a glance

Rating
Recommended for Most Sites
Botanical name
Thuja standishii x Thuja plicata
Variety / cultivar
Green Giant
Type
Tree
Mature size
40–60 ft tall and 12–18 ft wide
Mature form
Pyramidal
Spacing / clearance
~18 ft of clearance
Hardiness zones
USDA 2–8
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Water needs
medium to high water
Sun
Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Colorado native
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Soil
clay, loam
Soil pH
6.0–8.2
Hail tolerance
high
Wind tolerance
high
Salt tolerance
moderate
Pollinator value
low

Site factors to consider

Wildlife & ecology

Pollinator value
low
Deer
Generally deer-resistant

Frequently asked questions

Is Green Giant good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes, Green Giant 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 get?
It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 12–18 ft wide.
How much room does Green Giant need?
Give Green Giant about 18 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
What shape does Green Giant grow into?
Green Giant 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 hardy on the Front Range?
Green Giant is hardy in USDA 2–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Green Giant need?
It needs medium to high water once established.
How fast does Green Giant grow?
Green Giant is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
How long does Green Giant live?
Green Giant is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
Is Green Giant native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Green Giant deer-resistant?
Green Giant is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

Track Green Giant prices

See also

Related trees