Description

Thuja Occ. Emerald Squeeze is a slender, columnar selection of American arborvitae prized for its tight, upright habit and rich emerald-green foliage that holds color through winter. A superb choice where space is at a premium, it forms a dense, living pillar that needs little shaping. Use it to flank entries, create modern, low-footprint hedges, or add vertical punctuation to mixed borders and containers.

Suggested Uses

Hedges & Screens

Tight, formal hedge with minimal pruning; space 24–36 in. apart for a solid screen.

Foundation & Entry

Elegant vertical accents for porches, gateways, and narrow side yards.

Containers

Thrives in large, well-drained containers; ideal for symmetrical pairings.

Mixed Borders

Adds four-season structure among flowering shrubs and perennials.

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Squeeze’

Common Name

Thuja Occ. Emerald Squeeze (Arborvitae)

Size & Growth

Typically 8–12 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide in 10 years; very narrow, columnar habit.

Hardiness Zones

USDA 3–8 (typical for T. occidentalis selections).

Foliage Type

Evergreen, scale-like sprays; holds vibrant emerald color year-round.

Bloom Time

Non-flowering; produces small, inconspicuous cones in late spring.

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate (approx. 6–12 in. per year with good care).

Light Requirements

Full sun to part shade; best density and color in full sun (6–8+ hrs).

Attracts Pollinators

Not a pollinator plant (wind-pollinated); provides shelter for birds and beneficials.

Indoor Friendly

No—outdoor landscape or patio containers only.

Container Friendly

Yes—performant in large planters; protect roots in severe winter cold.

Deer Resistant

No—deer often browse Thuja; use fencing or repellents where pressure is high.

Pet Warning

Generally regarded as low-toxicity; ingestion may cause mild GI upset—discourage chewing.

Fragrant

Foliage is pleasantly resinous and aromatic when brushed or crushed.

Cut Flower

Useful as long-lasting cut greenery in winter arrangements and wreaths.

Grows Well With

Boxwood, dwarf junipers, Hydrangea paniculata, Spiraea, Heuchera, and compact ornamental grasses.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and equal depth. Set root flare level with soil. Backfill with native soil, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in. (keep mulch off trunk).

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist, especially the first 1–2 years. Aim for ~1 in. water/week; avoid waterlogging.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates clay with improved drainage. pH slightly acidic to neutral (≈6.0–7.5).

Humidity

Handles average outdoor humidity; protect from drying winter winds in exposed sites.

Pruning Instructions

Minimal pruning needed. Lightly shear late spring to early summer. Avoid cutting into old brown wood; preserve central leader for best form.

Winter Care

Deep water before ground freeze; apply fresh mulch. In windy/snowy sites, use burlap wrap or tie loosely to prevent splaying. Protect container roots from deep freeze-thaw cycles.

Planting Depth

Set at the same depth as in the pot; root flare at or just above finished grade for proper aeration.

Fertilization

In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release tree/shrub fertilizer or top-dress with compost. Avoid high-N late in the season.

Special Care

Monitor for bagworms and spider mites; ensure drip irrigation in summer heat; use repellents or fencing where deer are present. Space plants for airflow: 24–36 in. for hedges, 3–4 ft for standalone spacing.