When I think about how well the Green Giant Arborvitae has done its job as a privacy screen, the poem by Elizabeth Barnett Browning comes to mind. ” How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”
A beautiful green wall of Green Giant Arborvitae evergreen trees really does make me smile! I love their lush green appearance and the privacy they provide. The Green Giant Arborvitae is a hybrid cross created by man to provide us with a stronger alternative screening plant. For many years, the Green Giant was like the comedian Rodney Dangerfield, it just could not get any respect.
Green Giants Hold Up to the Snow and High Winds
When snowmageddon hit the Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas during the winter of 2010, snow damage ruined thousands of Leyland Cypress trees, and the multistemmed Emerald Green Arbotvitaes opened up like a blooming onion at the Outback Restaurant before breaking apart. The Green Giants held up well during the snowmageddon, and people really started to take notice of this evergreen’s survivability.
The Green Giant root mass is compact and close around the base of the tree helping it to withstand winter winds and heavy snow. On the other hand, the Leyland Cypress has what is termed the “wondering root mass.” A few main roots move rapidly out from the Leyland Cypress, promoting its fast growth but ultimately becoming the cause of many big Leylands being blown over. Whereas, the Green Giant’s compact root mass anchors the arborvitaes into the ground so they can withstand the winds. Plus their root system helps control soil erosion.
Cold Tolerant
Many evergreens have some random winter damage on the branches which shows up as a melting away of the foliage in June. We don’t see this problem with the Green Giant Arborvitaes. The reported nursery test from the 1970s show the Green Giant Arborvitae is cold tolerant to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. This is often an overlooked trait of the Green Giant.
Green Giants Can Withstand Dry Periods
Once established, the Green Giant withstands dry weeks really well. It has a waxy-type covering of its’ leaf material which aids in the moisture conservation for this tree. With our hot and dry July/August each year in the Maryland/Virginia/DC region the Green Giant Arborvitae are able to hold up better than other evergreens. However, we advise to continue watering during the dry and hot periods to help keep your plants healthy and lush. This is also why they do well when planted at anytime of the year, except when the ground is frozen.
Insect Resistant
Insects do not seem to prefer the Green Giant. The tree has few insect problems. The only bug issue I have seen is the occasional Bagworm. One time I saw Bagworms on the split rail fence at the MVA in Frederick, Maryland. So they could be on anything that is outside.
Full Lateral Branches
Staying full at the base is another great attribute about the Green Giant. As they grow in a privacy screen, the lower area does not thin out due to it having lots of tips on the lateral branches.
Deer Resistance
While other arborvitaes are a favorite food of deer, the Green Giant Arbotviate is very deer resistant. This hybrid cross created by man, fortunately, turned out to taste bitter to deer. In the Northeast, the deer have really become a problem eating landscape plants. So, the Green Giant has become a favorite with homeowners and commercial properties.
Why the Green Giant Arborvitae is so Popular
In summation “Let me count the ways.”
- Does well in snow.
- Wind resistant.
- Cold tolerant.
- Establishes well as a new planting, even when planted during dry periods.
- Insect resistant.
- Stays full at the base of the tree.
- Deer resistant.
Picture this: a canvas of nature, where the Green Giant Arborvitae stands tall and proud, weaving a tapestry of privacy just for you. As I reflect on this majestic evergreen, I can’t help but channel the poetic spirit of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who once pondered, ‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.’ Now, in the realm of landscaping, my passion – offering property owners the gift of locally nurtured, vibrant evergreens. It’s not just about privacy; it’s about sharing a love story between you and your green sanctuary.
