The biggest mistake people make is planting arborvitaes that demand full sun when their yard only offers shade. You must align your light requirements with the specific tree variety or your greenery will thin out and struggle within a single season.
Finding the Best Arborvitaes for Shade requires careful attention to growth habits and mature size. I have organized the top contenders to help you match the right plant to your specific garden corner.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize trees labeled as shade tolerant if your location receives fewer than six hours of direct sun daily.
- Check the expected mature width to ensure you have enough space for the plant to reach its full potential without overcrowding nearby structures.
- Consider starting with smaller, younger plants if you want to save money and do not mind waiting a few extra years for height.
- Verify the soil drainage requirements, as even shade-loving evergreens will rot in standing water during the winter months.
- Purchase extra plants or seeds if you plan to create a privacy screen, as accounting for natural attrition is a smart gardening habit.
| Best Compact Globe |  |
Proven Winners Tater Tot Arborvitae | Naturally rounded shape | Needs minimal pruning | Fits small spaces | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Privacy Bulk |  |
Thuja Green Giant Starter Trees | Great value per plant | Fast growth rate | Excellent privacy potential | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Evergreen Classic |  |
Emerald Green Arborvitae Container Plant | Iconic narrow shape | Vibrant green color | Stays dense naturally | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Single Specimen Starter |  |
Green Giant Privacy Tree Sapling | Aggressive growth rate | Highly adaptable | Strong privacy barrier | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Propagation |  |
American Arborvitae Seed Pack | Extremely economical | Natural growth experience | Large quantity provided | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mid-Sized Hedge Starter |  |
Three Emerald Green Bare Root Trees | Lightweight shipping | Quick root establishment | Uniform size consistency | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Unique Architectural Accent |  |
Proven Winners Sting Arborvitae Shrub | Unique texture | Compact vertical growth | High quality genetics | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Rapid Privacy Solution |  |
Perfect Plants Green Giant Tree | Very fast growth | Established root system | Large container size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Extensive Boundary Builder |  |
Ten Green Giant Hedge Saplings | Consistent growth results | Large quantity for hedges | Cost effective volume | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Protection Tool |  |
Garden Plant Shade Cover | Breathable fabric material | Protects against scorching | Easy to install | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Proven Winners Tater Tot Arborvitae
If your garden is more of a postage stamp than an estate, this globe-shaped shrub is your new best friend. It stays naturally small without requiring a constant haircut, making it a perfect fit for foundation plantings or tight corners that don't get heavy sun.
Because it reaches only about two feet tall, you won't spend your weekends wrestling with hedge trimmers. Just keep in mind that its slow growth means it won't provide an instant privacy screen for a large yard.
- Brand:Proven Winners
- Container Size:2 Gallon
- Type:Shrub
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Disease resistant foliage
- Additional Feature:Low maintenance habit
- Additional Feature:Evergreen year round
-
Thuja Green Giant Starter Trees
Starting with ten small trees is a smart financial move if you have a long property line to cover and plenty of patience. These saplings represent a long-term investment in your landscape, eventually turning into a tall, dense wall of green.
You need to be prepared for the time commitment involved with growing from such a small size. These will require extra care and protection during their first few years to ensure they thrive in your soil.
- Variety:Thuja Green Giant
- Plant Count:10
- Type:Tree
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Rapid height gain
- Additional Feature:Deer resistant foliage
- Additional Feature:Uniform growth habit
-
Emerald Green Arborvitae Container Plant
This is the standard-bearer for residential privacy hedges across the country. The emerald green color stays bright even during the winter months, providing a consistent look that anchors your garden design throughout the year.
The pyramidal shape is naturally tight and narrow, so it works well where you need height without taking up too much ground width. It performs well in partial shade but prefers consistent moisture to stay its most vibrant.
- Brand:Green Promise Farms
- Variety:Emerald Green
- Container Size:3 Gallon
- Type:Evergreen
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Narrow growth habit
- Additional Feature:Drought tolerant once established
- Additional Feature:Winter hardy
-
Green Giant Privacy Tree Sapling
If you want to fill one specific gap in your fence line, a single quart-sized Green Giant is a low-pressure way to start. These are vigorous growers that can add several feet of height every year once they get comfortable in their new home.
While they are hardy, remember that starting with a smaller container means you have to be vigilant about watering during the first growing season. They are like hungry teenagers, so give them plenty of room and nutrients to reach their potential.
- Variety:Green Giant
- Container Size:1 Quart
- Type:Privacy Tree
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Dense branching structure
- Additional Feature:Pest resistant
- Additional Feature:Hardy in various climates
-
American Arborvitae Seed Pack
Growing trees from raw seeds is an exercise in patience and reward that most gardeners never attempt. This option is ideal if you are a hands-on enthusiast who wants to cultivate an entire forest of privacy trees from the very beginning.
Understand that success rates for seeds can vary, and you will need a controlled environment to get these to sprout reliably. This isn't a quick fix for a bare fence, but it is a deeply satisfying project.
- Variety:American Arborvitae
- Plant Count:150 seeds
- Type:Evergreen
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Native species
- Additional Feature:Cold hardy
- Additional Feature:Windbreak potential
-
Three Emerald Green Bare Root Trees
Buying bare root plants is a efficient way to get a jump start on your hedge without paying for the weight of heavy nursery pots. These trees arrive ready to be tucked into the soil, and they generally establish roots quite quickly when planted in the right season.
Because they aren't in containers, you must be careful to keep the roots moist during the planting process. Once they are in the ground, they will grow into a clean, uniform wall that provides year-round screening.
- Variety:Emerald Green
- Plant Count:3
- Type:Privacy Tree
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Fast growing hedge
- Additional Feature:Dense foliage cover
- Additional Feature:Winter color retention
-
Proven Winners Sting Arborvitae Shrub
If you are tired of the same old rounded shrubs, this variety offers a distinct, upright texture that adds interest to a shady border. It has a finer, more delicate look than the heavy, wide-bodied hedges and works beautifully as an accent piece.
It brings a touch of elegance to narrow spaces where you don't want a massive tree blocking your view. Just keep it watered during dry spells, as this finer foliage can be sensitive to extreme moisture loss.
- Brand:Proven Winners
- Container Size:2 Gallon
- Type:Shrub
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Low maintenance
- Additional Feature:Disease resistant
- Additional Feature:Neat, tidy habit
-
Perfect Plants Green Giant Tree
When you need a fast-growing shield to hide an unsightly view, the Green Giant is essentially a sprinter in the plant world. This three-gallon size gives you a substantial head start over smaller saplings, letting you enjoy a privacy screen much sooner.
These trees can get quite large, so be sure to give them enough room to spread out over the next few years. They are remarkably sturdy and can handle a variety of soil conditions, including those slightly shady spots.
- Variety:Green Giant
- Container Size:3 Gallon
- Type:Evergreen Tree
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Drought tolerant
- Additional Feature:Deer resistant
- Additional Feature:Broad, sturdy growth
-
Ten Green Giant Hedge Saplings
This pack of ten is the ideal bulk choice for someone looking to plant a long, continuous hedge across a backyard perimeter. By planting these in a row, you create a synchronized growth pattern that eventually closes the gaps to form a solid wall.
Since these are younger plants, you have the advantage of training them to your specific spacing needs right from the start. Just keep them well-mulched to retain moisture, as young trees are always more vulnerable to heat stress than mature ones.
- Variety:Green Giant
- Plant Count:10
- Type:Privacy Screen
- Sun Exposure:Partial to full sun
- Additional Feature:Fast growth rate
- Additional Feature:Dense evergreen foliage
- Additional Feature:Hardy in multiple zones
-
Garden Plant Shade Cover
Sometimes, the best way to help a plant in the shade is to manage the intense heat it receives when the sun does hit. This cover is a lifesaver for younger or more sensitive arborvitae that might be struggling with harsh, direct afternoon rays.
It acts like a light, breathable veil that filters the light without smothering the plant. If you find your evergreens are scorching or turning brown during the height of summer, this simple accessory can be the difference between survival and failure.
- Type:Sunshade Cloth
- Additional Feature:Adjustable drawstring
- Additional Feature:Light refraction technology
- Additional Feature:Reusable garden protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can arborvitaes grow in total shade?
No, arborvitaes generally struggle in deep shade. They need at least partial sunlight to maintain their dense, green color and healthy structure.
Do these trees need frequent watering?
Young trees require regular watering until their roots establish. Once mature, you should provide a deep soak during dry spells to keep the foliage from browning.
How far apart should I plant them?
Space them based on their mature width to ensure proper airflow. If you want a solid wall of green, place them slightly closer than their total spread, usually three to five feet apart.
Will deer eat my new arborvitae?
Deer find arborvitaes quite delicious, especially during a harsh winter. You may need to use repellent sprays or physical fencing to keep the local wildlife from pruning your hedge for you.
Do I need to fertilize my arborvitaes?
A light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring provides a helpful boost. Avoid fertilizing late in the summer, as this encourages new growth that could be damaged by the first frost.
Jamesmathew is an expert Amazon affiliate writer, helping readers discover top products, smart deals, and practical buying guides through honest reviews and insightful content.