For a backyard screen that stays green through winter, these four Thuja arborvitae options offer different ways to get there. I rank the 18-pack Green Giant liners first for buyers planting a longer boundary, while the single 3–4-foot Green Giant is the better fit if you want a larger starting plant and included planting guide. The Emerald Green Arborvitae is my pick for a narrower hedge in cooler climates, and the 10-count Green Giant set offers a straightforward middle ground for a smaller screen.
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The main tradeoffs are screening scale, eventual size, climate fit, and how much watering you can provide after planting. Green Giants can become very large, so a quick-growing screen still needs room and pruning. Emerald Green has a more compact listed mature size, but its stated hardiness range ends at zone 7. I compare these plants as backyard privacy choices rather than treating pack count or speed alone as the deciding factor.
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Key Takeaways
- For a long screen: The 18-pack Green Giant liners provide the largest stated planting quantity, but need careful spacing and room for mature growth.
- For a narrower hedge: Emerald Green is listed at up to 14 feet tall and 4 feet wide, a smaller footprint than the Green Giants.
- For a head start: The 3–4-foot Green Giant arrives as a larger individual plant and includes fertilizer and a planting guide.
- For a modest planting: The 10-count Green Giant set suits buyers who need more than one plant without choosing the largest offered pack.
- Check climate and location limits: Emerald Green is listed for zones 2–7; Green Giant options cover zones 5–9, and the 18-pack cannot ship to California or Arizona.
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack |  | Best Overall for a Longer Backyard Screen | Pack size: 18 individual liners | Mature height: Up to 60 ft | Mature width: Up to 20 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thuja Green Giant – (3-4ft) Live Plant, Includes Fertilizer & Planting Guide |  | Best Larger Starting Plant | Starting height: 3–4 ft | Mature height: 20–40 ft | Mature width: 12–20 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae – 1 Gallon Privacy Hedge |  | Best for a Narrower, Colder-Climate Hedge | Container size: 1 gallon | Listed height: Up to 14 ft | Listed width: Up to 4 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thuja Green Giant Live Plants, 10 Count |  | Best Mid-Size Green Giant Pack | Quantity: 10 plants | Plant type: Evergreen shrub and hedge | Scientific name: Thuja standishii × plicata | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| privacy plants for backyard | Mature height | Mature width | USDA hardiness zones | Sun exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Up to 60 ft | Up to 20 ft | 5–9 | — |
| Thuja Green Giant | 20–40 ft | 12–20 ft | — | Full sun to partial shade |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | — | — | 2–7 | — |
| Thuja Green Giant Live Plants | — | — | — | Full sun to partial shade |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack
I place this 18-pack first for buyers who need to plant a meaningful stretch of boundary rather than add one specimen to an existing bed. Eighteen individual Green Giant liners give a homeowner more plants to work with for a privacy screen or windbreak, and the dense, dark green evergreen foliage addresses the central goal: screening that does not disappear in winter. Compared with the single 3–4-foot Green Giant, this pack prioritizes quantity and coverage potential over a larger listed starting plant.
The important catch is scale. Green Giant is listed with a possible mature height of up to 60 feet and width up to 20 feet if left unpruned. Those figures make this a poor choice for a narrow lot line unless the homeowner is ready to manage size and has enough space for the planting plan. The pyramidal form is described as wide-bottomed, so spacing and the room needed at the base matter as much as the height. Its ability to be pruned offers flexibility, but pruning is ongoing work, not a substitute for choosing a suitable location.
Like the other Green Giant options here, this one is listed for zones 5–9 and is described as low maintenance once established. The product description does not provide a specific starting height for the liners, so I would not choose it on the assumption that a full-height screen will appear immediately. It also cannot ship to California or Arizona, a firm limitation the other listings do not share. For a long, open boundary in an eligible region, the pack gives the most direct route to planting several trees at once; for a confined yard or a buyer who wants fewer plants to care for initially, the Emerald Green or single-plant pick is a better match.
Pros:- Includes 18 individual liners for a multi-plant screen or windbreak.
- Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round visual coverage.
- Pyramidal plants can be pruned to help manage their shape and size.
- Listed as low maintenance once established.
Cons:- Cannot ship to California or Arizona.
- Unpruned plants may reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, demanding substantial space and management.
Best for: Homeowners in zones 5–9 who need multiple plants for a long backyard boundary or windbreak and have room to manage large Green Giants.
Not ideal for: Buyers in California or Arizona, small yards with tight lot lines, or anyone expecting mature-height screening soon from liners.
- Pack size:18 individual liners
- Mature height:Up to 60 ft
- Mature width:Up to 20 ft
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Growth habit:Wide-bottomed pyramidal
- Foliage:Dense, dark green evergreen
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“I recommend this pack for eligible-zone yards that need a long screen and can accommodate large, regularly managed Green Giants.”
Thuja Green Giant – (3-4ft) Live Plant, Includes Fertilizer & Planting Guide
If I wanted a Green Giant already listed at 3–4 feet tall, this single plant would be the most straightforward choice in the group. It arrives as one live plant and includes fertilizer and a planting guide, useful extras for someone who would rather begin with a larger specimen than coordinate a pack of liners. Compared with the 18-pack, it offers less immediate planting coverage; compared with the 10-count set, its advantage is the stated plant height and included guidance, not quantity.
That head start has limits. One plant cannot form a continuous privacy barrier on its own, so it makes the most sense as a gap filler, an accent at a key sightline, or the start of a hedge that will be extended later. The listing gives a mature range of 20–40 feet tall and 12–20 feet wide. Even if those dimensions vary with growing conditions, they flag a major space commitment. A buyer with a compact yard should compare it with the Emerald Green, which is listed at only 4 feet wide, rather than assume any arborvitae will remain hedge-sized.
This Green Giant is listed for zones 5–9, full sun to partial shade, and moderate watering. The description calls it adaptable to various soils and low maintenance, but a young plant still needs appropriate establishment care. A stated 15-day warranty is limited, so I would inspect the plant promptly on arrival and review the seller’s current terms. Choose this option if a single larger plant and planting materials suit the plan. Skip it if your main goal is to cover a long fence in one purchase or if the tree’s potential width would crowd the property.
Pros:- Listed starting height of 3–4 feet gives a larger plant than an unspecified liner.
- Includes fertilizer and a planting guide.
- Suitable for full sun to partial shade.
- Evergreen foliage and a fast-growing description suit screening plans.
Cons:- One plant cannot provide a full hedge or long screen by itself.
- Listed mature width of 12–20 feet may overwhelm smaller yards.
- The stated 15-day warranty is limited.
Best for: A homeowner in zones 5–9 who wants one listed 3–4-foot Green Giant to fill a gap, anchor a landscape, or begin a hedge.
Not ideal for: Anyone needing a continuous screen from one order, a narrow planting strip, or a tree suitable for zones outside 5–9.
- Starting height:3–4 ft
- Mature height:20–40 ft
- Mature width:12–20 ft
- Growing zones:5–9
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture needs:Moderate watering
- Included items:Fertilizer and planting guide
- Unit count:1 live plant
- Warranty:15 days
Our verdict“I would choose this single Green Giant for a larger starting specimen and planting support, not for immediate boundary-length coverage.”
Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae – 1 Gallon Privacy Hedge
Emerald Green is the clearest alternative here when the planting strip cannot accommodate a wide Green Giant. Its listed mature dimensions—up to 14 feet tall and 4 feet wide—make it a better fit for a narrower hedge beside a yard boundary or patio. That footprint is the key difference from the Green Giant listings, which can reach considerably greater widths. Its dense evergreen foliage also matches the year-round screening purpose without requiring the same stated mature scale.
This is not a universal substitute. Emerald Green is listed for USDA zones 2–7, while the Green Giant options are listed for zones 5–9. That makes this one a candidate for colder locations but a poor match for zones 8 and 9 based on the supplied specifications. The product is described as drought tolerant and deer resistant, yet its moisture specification says regular watering, so I would not interpret those traits as permission to neglect new plants. The description also warns that first-year plants may need extra winter protection.
The listing specifies a 1-gallon container, full sun, and sandy soil. It describes the plant as fast-growing, but there is no specific growth rate or starting height to set expectations for how quickly it will block a view. Compared with the Green Giant 10-count, this purchase focuses on a narrower-growing variety rather than a larger quantity of plants. It is my choice for someone who values a contained hedge profile and whose climate falls within the stated zone range. If the yard is in a warmer zone or the aim is a broad windbreak, choose one of the Green Giants instead.
Pros:- Listed mature width of 4 feet is narrower than the Green Giant options.
- Evergreen foliage is described as dense and year-round.
- Hardy in the listed zones 2–7.
- Described as drought tolerant and deer resistant once established.
Cons:- Listed zone range does not include zones 8–9.
- First-year plants may need extra winter protection and regular watering.
- The 1-gallon listing does not specify a starting height or a precise growth rate.
Best for: Homeowners in zones 2–7 who want an evergreen screen with a narrower listed mature width for a smaller backyard or planting strip.
Not ideal for: Buyers in zones 8–9, anyone seeking a wide windbreak, or gardeners who cannot provide regular watering during establishment.
- Container size:1 gallon
- Listed height:Up to 14 ft
- Listed width:Up to 4 ft
- USDA hardiness zones:2–7
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Moisture:Regular watering
- Additional traits:Described as drought tolerant and deer resistant
Our verdict“I recommend Emerald Green for a narrower hedge in zones 2–7, provided you can water it regularly while it establishes.”
Thuja Green Giant Live Plants, 10 Count
The 10-count Green Giant set is the middle ground for someone who wants several plants but does not need the 18 liners in my top pick. Its ten evergreen plants are described for privacy hedges, windbreaks, borders, and general landscaping. That makes it more useful for a modest run of screening than the single 3–4-foot plant, while leaving a smaller planting project than the 18-pack. I rank it below those choices because the supplied specifications do not state a plant height, mature dimensions, or growing zones.
For backyard privacy, missing dimensions matter. Green Giant can become a large tree, as the 18-pack listing illustrates with possible mature dimensions of up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide. This 10-count listing does not give its own mature-size figures, so I would check the seller’s details and local planting advice before deciding on spacing. The set is described as adaptable to full sun to partial shade and a variety of soil types, a useful distinction if the proposed hedge is not in a uniformly sunny spot.
The most explicit care requirement is frequent, consistent watering during the first month after planting. That is a manageable commitment for a prepared gardener, but it is not the best pick for someone who cannot monitor a new hedge. Compared with Emerald Green, this set offers more plants and a Green Giant form, but not Emerald Green’s stated narrow 4-foot mature width or zone range. Choose it when the quantity suits a smaller project and the site can accommodate Green Giant growth; skip it if precise size planning or a clearly stated climate range is essential to your decision.
Pros:- Ten plants support a multi-plant screen without the 18-pack’s larger count.
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round greenery.
- Listed for full sun to partial shade.
- Description says it can grow in varied soil types.
Cons:- The listing does not specify mature dimensions or hardiness zones.
- Requires consistent, frequent watering during the first month after planting.
- No starting plant height is provided in the supplied specifications.
Best for: A homeowner who wants a moderate quantity of Green Giant plants for a hedge, border, or windbreak and can water consistently after planting.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need published mature dimensions or hardiness zones before planning, or who cannot provide frequent watering during the first month.
- Quantity:10 plants
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub and hedge
- Scientific name:Thuja standishii × plicata
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture needs:Regular watering
- Soil:Description states a variety of soil types
- Foliage color:Green
- Outdoor use:Yes
Our verdict“I would choose this set for a moderate Green Giant planting only after confirming its size and climate fit for the yard.”
How We Picked
I ranked these four options around the job a backyard privacy plant needs to do: create a living screen with year-round foliage while fitting the available space and local growing conditions. Since every product here is an arborvitae, the meaningful differences are not broad plant categories. They are Green Giant versus Emerald Green, plant count, stated starting size, mature dimensions, and the support included for planting.
I gave the highest position to the 18-pack Green Giant because its quantity is the clearest fit for planting a longer boundary or windbreak. That scale is useful only when the yard can accommodate a large hedge, so I also weigh its potential mature dimensions and shipping exclusions. The single 3–4-foot plant ranks next for buyers who value a larger listed starting size and practical planting materials more than coverage per order. It is still one plant, not an instant screen.
Emerald Green ranks as the compact-space choice because its stated 4-foot width is narrower than the Green Giant dimensions in this lineup, and its listed zones reach colder climates. Its hardiness range does not fit every region, though, and its description calls for regular watering. The 10-count Green Giant is a flexible count-based option, but it gives less detail on mature dimensions and emphasizes frequent watering during the first month.
I used the supplied product descriptions and specifications, not claims of personal testing. Plant performance depends on climate, soil, watering, spacing, and care. I treat phrases such as “fast-growing” as product claims rather than a promise of a particular timeline, and I recommend checking local guidance before planting a hedge that may grow tall or wide.
| privacy plants for backyard | Moisture needs |
|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — |
| Thuja Green Giant | Moderate watering |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | — |
| Thuja Green Giant Live Plants | Regular watering |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Privacy Plants For Backyard
Privacy planting works best when the plant’s mature shape suits the yard, not just the view you want to block today. I would compare site dimensions, hardiness zone, plant count, and establishment care before choosing among these four arborvitaes. A product description calling a tree fast-growing does not remove the need to plan for its eventual width or give a firm date for when a screen will fill in.
Match mature width to the available space
Start with the width of the planting strip and the amount of room available on both sides of the future hedge. The supplied Green Giant listings indicate potentially large plants: the 18-pack describes up to 60 feet in height and 20 feet in width, while the single 3–4-foot tree lists a mature width of 12–20 feet. These are very different from the Emerald Green listing’s 4-foot mature width. A narrower listed footprint can make Emerald Green more practical beside a patio or boundary, while a Green Giant may suit open ground better.
Do not plan spacing by pack count alone. Ask how wide the plants may grow, how much of the property can be shaded, whether branches can cross a fence, and how much access is needed for maintenance. The 10-count listing does not supply mature dimensions, so I would confirm them before setting planting distances. Local extension resources or a knowledgeable nursery can help adapt spacing to the site and the screening goal.
Use hardiness zones as a first filter
The zone ranges divide this lineup clearly. The Emerald Green listing covers zones 2–7; each Green Giant option gives a range of 5–9. If your area is outside a product’s stated range, do not assume that evergreen foliage or a seller’s broad climate language makes it suitable. Site exposure, wind, winter conditions, and drainage may affect survival even within the stated zones.
The 18-pack also has a separate shipping exclusion: it cannot ship to California or Arizona. That restriction is distinct from the growing-zone question. Check both before planning a purchase, then verify current local planting rules and seller availability for your address.
Choose quantity for the length of screen
The 18-pack is the strongest match for a longer boundary because it supplies the largest number of plants listed here. The 10-count set is a more moderate option for a shorter hedge or mixed planting, while the single 3–4-foot Green Giant is a one-plant choice rather than a complete screen. Emerald Green is offered in a 1-gallon container; the supplied listing does not state a starting height, so compare its actual size with the project before expecting quick coverage.
Quantity does not tell you exactly how much fence will be screened. Final coverage depends on planting distance, plant size, growth conditions, and the desired density. Leave enough space for mature growth instead of crowding plants to create instant coverage; overcrowding can make long-term care harder and may compromise the form of the hedge.
Plan for establishment watering and ongoing care
Newly planted evergreens need attention while roots settle in. The 10-count Green Giant listing specifically calls for consistent, frequent watering during the first month. Emerald Green is also listed with regular watering needs, even though its description calls it drought tolerant. Drought tolerance should not be treated as a reason to leave a new plant dry. Follow the plant supplier’s care instructions and adapt watering to rainfall, soil drainage, and local conditions.
Green Giants are described as low maintenance once established and can be pruned to size, but their potential dimensions mean “low maintenance” does not mean “no planning.” If you need a hedge to stay narrow, choose a plant with a suitable listed mature form rather than relying on frequent pruning to contain a tree that naturally grows much wider. Ask whether the time and tools required for occasional pruning fit your expectations.
Treat growth claims and starting size separately
Several descriptions call their plants fast-growing, but the listings do not supply a shared growth rate or a guaranteed time to privacy. Starting size also varies in how clearly it is reported: the single Green Giant is listed at 3–4 feet tall, while the liners and 10-count set have no supplied starting height. The Emerald Green listing names a 1-gallon container but not a plant height.
If privacy is urgent, a larger listed starting plant may give you a head start, but one tree will cover only a limited sightline. If you can wait while a hedge fills in, a multi-plant pack may suit a longer boundary. For a reliable plan, base expectations on the plant size on arrival, suitable spacing, and local growing conditions—not on the phrase “fast-growing” alone.
Check delivery terms and plant support
Live plants differ from ordinary garden supplies because timing, condition on arrival, and seller policies matter. The 18-pack has a location-based shipping exclusion, while the single 3–4-foot Green Giant lists a 15-day warranty and includes fertilizer and a planting guide. Those additions may be helpful, but I would read the current seller terms for what the warranty covers and how quickly a plant issue must be reported.
For any listing, confirm the number of plants, the size being shipped, delivery conditions, and the seller’s instructions before ordering. Plant availability and policies can change. If a product listing omits a key fact—such as mature width or hardiness zone—ask for clarification rather than filling in the blank from another arborvitae listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these plants is best for a long backyard privacy screen?
I would start with the 18-pack Green Giant liners if the planting site is in zones 5–9, is not in California or Arizona, and has room for large trees. The pack contains the most plants in this comparison and is explicitly positioned for screens and windbreaks. It does not provide instant coverage, and its potential mature size calls for careful spacing. For a shorter project, the 10-count set may be a more suitable quantity; for a narrow strip, compare Emerald Green instead.
Which option takes up the least listed space?
The Emerald Green Arborvitae has the smallest stated mature width in this group: up to 4 feet. The Green Giant listings give much larger possible widths, including up to 20 feet for the 18-pack listing and 12–20 feet for the single 3–4-foot plant. Mature size depends on growing conditions and care, so use the figures as planning guidance and confirm spacing recommendations for your region.
Can I plant these arborvitae for privacy in any climate?
No. The supplied hardiness ranges differ: Emerald Green is listed for zones 2–7, and the Green Giant options are listed for zones 5–9. The 10-count Green Giant listing does not give a hardiness range, so I would verify it with the seller before ordering. A zone match is only a starting point; exposure, soil drainage, water availability, and local weather also affect how a hedge establishes.
How soon will these plants block a view?
The product descriptions use terms such as fast-growing, but they do not give a common growth rate or promise a specific time to screening. The single Green Giant is listed at 3–4 feet tall; the other listings do not give a comparable starting height in the supplied details. Coverage depends on plant size on arrival, spacing, climate, and care. I would choose based on a realistic establishment period rather than assume any of these will create an immediate solid barrier.
Which option is best for someone new to planting a hedge?
The single 3–4-foot Green Giant may be the most approachable if you want to start with one plant, since it includes fertilizer and a planting guide. It will not create a full screen alone, and its potential mature width is substantial. If the project needs many plants, the 10-count set spells out a first-month watering requirement, while the 18-pack makes sense for a larger planting commitment. A beginner should first check zone fit, spacing, and the care instructions for the chosen plant.
Conclusion
For a long boundary in zones 5–9, I would choose the 18-pack Green Giant if the site has room for large trees and the shipping address is eligible. For a single larger starter plant with planting materials, the 3–4-foot Green Giant is the more fitting pick, though it cannot screen a full fence on its own. I would point a homeowner with a narrow planting strip in zones 2–7 toward Emerald Green, while someone who needs a moderate number of Green Giants can consider the 10-count set after confirming its mature size and hardiness details.
My final choice depends less on which listing uses the boldest growth claim and more on how much space the mature plants can occupy, what your climate supports, and how much establishment care you can give. Measure the boundary, check local planting guidance, and verify the seller’s current plant and delivery details before ordering.
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