Thuja arborvitae is one of the most popular fast-growing evergreen trees for landscaping, sold here in a large #15 (15-gallon) nursery container. At this container size, plants typically stand 5 to 6 feet tall at purchase, giving you a significant head start on establishing a mature privacy screen or windbreak. Costco carries both Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata) and Emerald Green (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') varieties in this container size at different times throughout the season.

Thuja arborvitae are prized for their dense, pyramidal form and rich, year-round green foliage. Green Giant varieties can grow 3 to 5 feet per year once established, reaching mature heights of 20 to 30 feet, while Emerald Green varieties grow more slowly at 6 to 9 inches per year and top out at 10 to 15 feet tall with a 3 to 4 foot spread. Both varieties thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and perform best in full sun to partial shade with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant in moist, well-draining soil and water regularly, especially during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

These container-grown trees are ideal for planting in rows to create a living privacy fence, noise barrier, or windscreen. Space plants 3 to 6 feet apart center-to-center for a dense hedge effect, or stagger rows for faster privacy coverage. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots, and fertilize at planting time and each spring thereafter. Thuja arborvitae are low-maintenance, tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, and largely resistant to most common pests and diseases.