About Thuja occidentalis Emerald
Thuja occidentalis Emerald is a cultivar of the western life tree, which in its native form is native to eastern North America, from Canada to the Appalachians. The cultivar ‘Emerald’ - the name refers to the emerald green colour of its leaves - was selected in Denmark in the 1950s and has since become the most widely grown thuja species for hedge and privacy applications in north-western Europe. The growth habit is narrow, upright and conical. The twigs bear flat, closely spaced scales that remain an intense emerald green all year round - even in winter, when many other thuja varieties turn unattractively bronze. The trunk is straight with a reddish-brown, finely grooved bark pattern. The shrub/tree blooms in spring with inconspicuous flowers; the fruits are small, oval cones. Growth rate is moderate, averaging 20 to 30 centimetres per year in height. This makes ‘Emerald’ a lot slower than the leyland cypress, but also much more manageable. The maximum height is usually 4 to 5 metres in our climate zone, although well grown specimens can grow a little taller. In winter, the tree fully retains its fresh, green colour, making it attractive all year round. Smits supplies Emerald in sizes from 200 to 400 centimetres, grown on root ball soil in Molenschot.
Application and location
Thuja occidentalis Emerald is the most established choice for a neat, evergreen hedge or privacy screen in gardens and business premises. It also suits as a solitary accent tree or in avenue context on formal garden designs. Position: full sun to semi-shade. In shade, growth is thinner. Soil type: loam, clay, peat, lime and sand are all suitable; the soil should not be too dry. It is wind-resistant and suitable for urban environments with air pollution. Fully hardy in the Netherlands. Attention: Thuja can be susceptible to leaf mould (Didymascella thujina) if there is poor air circulation in dense plantings; sufficient planting distance helps prevent this. In hedge applications, annual pruning in August is sufficient to keep the tree compact.
Do you already know exactly what you need?
Every garden and every greenery project is different. Therefore, at Smits Arboriculture we do not make standard quotations, but we like to look together at what suits your wishes, planning and the character of the project.
