Emerald Green arborvitae and Western red cedar are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' 2.5 m × 75 cm after 10 years
This narrow, dense evergreen makes a tidy hedge or a slim privacy screen. Plant it in sun or light partial shade with good drainage, and water…
Thuja plicata 5 m × 2 m after 10 years
A fast-growing evergreen with glossy dark green, scale-like foliage that smells of pineapple when crushed. For hedges it is mostly planted as the…
Emerald Green arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Western red cedar grows larger: 5 m × 2 m after ten years, against 2.5 m × 75 cm for Emerald Green arborvitae.
Emerald Green arborvitae is hardier: down to -35 °C, against -29 °C for Western red cedar.
Western red cedar needs less care than Emerald Green arborvitae.
Western red cedar is cheaper: about €4 at the size usually planted, against about €5.40 for Emerald Green arborvitae.
|
Feature
|
Emerald Green arborvitae
|
Western red cedar
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 75 cm | 5 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3.5–5 m × 1–1.5 m | 15–30 m × 4.5–9 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -35 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | High | Medium |
| Planting distance | 80 cm | 70 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €5.40 | approx. €4 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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