Evergreen Tree FAQs

The Green Giant Arborvitae earns its reputation for rapid growth, with an average annual increase in height ranging from 2-2.5 feet in the mid-Atlantic region. This fast growth rate sets it apart and makes it a preferred choice for homeowners seeking quick results in their landscapes.

Absolutely! Green Giant Arborvitaes embrace diversity in soil, adapting to sandy, loamy, or clay grounds—just ensure they offer proper drainage. This tree thrives on nature’s variety.

Think of it as nurturing a friend. Adequate watering, generous sunshine, and a little trimming now and then to shape its growth and remove any tired branches—simple acts of care keep the Green Giant Arborvitae thriving.

Indeed! The Green Giant Arborvitae is the number one choice for natural privacy screens in Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia. Plant them in a row, or stagger them in 2 rows, and they will provide you with a peaceful retreat.

Yes, the Green Giant Arborvitae is suitable for smaller gardens, provided you plan for its growth and periodically trim it to your desired dimensions.

Yes, which is why they are so popular, such as living fence privacy screens.

Ideally, 5-6 feet apart in a row to create a privacy screen or 10-12 feet apart if staggering them in two rows.

Ideally, Green Giant Arborvitates should be 3-4 feet away from a fence to promote faster and fuller growth, but a minimum of 2 feet is also suitable.

Nellie Stevens Holly trees can grow 6″-12″ a year on average for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Plant holly trees 5-6 ft. apart to achieve optimal privacy screening.

The Nellie Stevens Holly can reach heights of 15-25 feet and widths of 5-10 feet; however, you can trim it to maintain a specific height.

Nellie Stevens Holly trees do well in various well-drained soil types and prefer full sun for optimal growth, but they can do well in partial shade.

Yes! They make for great privacy screens and offer a splash of color with their seasonal red berries and white flowers.

Deer do not prefer the sharp, pointed leaves of holly trees. However, they will nibble on them if there is no other foliage or food to eat, such as during an extended drought or hard winter.

Holly trees should be at least 3-4 feet from a fence to facilitate optimal growth and full foliage.

Typically, the Leyland Cypress can grow 2-3 feet or more a year in zones 5-9 in the US.

We do not recommend Leyland Cypress for privacy screening because they easily break under heavy snow, and deer love them. However, Leylands would be a privacy screening option for an enclosed yard that deer cannot access in a climate that does not get snow.

The tallest Leyland Cypress currently on record is a whopping 130 feet tall. Of course, we do not see 130-foot Leylands in the Mid-Atlantic region due to the large deer population and the snow that breaks them up.

Unfortunately, deer love the soft foliage of the Leyland Cypress, which is why you see some that are thin/dead-looking from about 5 feet down. As a result, they are not popular for privacy screening since they are not typically planted in an enclosed area. Hence, we do not recommend Leylands to our clients in the Mid-Atlantic area, where deer is plentiful.