Planting a privacy screen means choosing a tree that won’t turn brown, won’t spread too wide, and won’t stop growing after year two. The Arborvitae North Pole delivers a narrow, columnar form that stays tight without shearing, hitting 15 feet tall while keeping a 4-foot spread.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve spent countless hours analyzing soil zone compatibility, mature dimensions, growth rates, and root systems to determine which live evergreens actually survive shipping and thrive after planting.
This guide compares seven top contenders to help you find the best arborvitae north pole for your yard based on height, hardiness zone range, and ease of establishment.
How To Choose The Best Arborvitae North Pole
Not all arborvitae varieties share the same growth habit or cold tolerance. Selecting the right one for your landscape means matching the tree’s mature dimensions and zone rating to your specific planting site.
Hardiness Zone and Climate Fit
Each arborvitae variety lists a USDA hardiness zone range. Trees rated for zones 3 through 8 handle deep winter freezes and hot summers. Planting a zone 5-rated tree in a zone 9 area leads to heat stress and browning. Check your local zone before ordering.
Mature Size and Spacing for Privacy
Columnar cultivars like North Pole stay 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity, allowing 2.5- to 3-foot spacing for a solid hedge. Emerald Green varieties spread a bit wider and reach 14 feet tall. Green Giants can hit 30 feet in height with a 10- to 12-foot spread, requiring significantly more room.
Shipping and Establishment Success
Live plants shipped in gallon pots with moist soil survive transplant shock far better than bare-root bundles. Double-boxed packaging and 30-day establishment guarantees reduce the risk of receiving dried-out or damaged stock.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae | Mid-Range | Best Overall | Mature height 14 ft, zone 2-7 | Amazon |
| Greenwood Nursery American Pillar Arborvitae | Premium | Fastest growing hedge | Grows 3 ft per year, zone 3-8 | Amazon |
| DAS Farms Green Giant Arborvitae | Premium | Tallest mature privacy screen | 1-2 ft tall in 1 gal pot, zone 5-8 | Amazon |
| DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae | Mid-Range | Single premium specimen tree | 1-2 ft tall in 1 gal pot, zone 3-8 | Amazon |
| National Tree Company Artificial Arborvitae | Mid-Range | No-maintenance faux greenery | 36 in tall, 497 branch tips | Amazon |
| Daylily Nursery 7 Emerald Green Arborvitae | Budget-Friendly | Best value multi-pack starter | 7 plants, mature 8-12 ft tall | Amazon |
| 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Budget-Friendly | Lowest cost per plant | 5 plants, 6-12 in tall, zone 5 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae
The Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae arrives in a 1-gallon grower pot with moist soil intact, a key advantage for first-year survival. At a mature height of 14 feet and width of 4 feet, its columnar form fits neatly into tight hedge rows without encroaching on neighboring plants or structures.
Rated for hardiness zones 2 through 7, this variety stays vibrant green through winter freezes that kill less cold-tolerant evergreens. Customers consistently report receiving trees that are approximately 2 feet tall upon arrival, exceeding the advertised 1.5-foot estimate. The packaging includes protective cardboard and staking to prevent soil spillage during transit.
Deer resistance and drought tolerance once established make this a low-maintenance pick for rural or arid landscapes. The compact growth habit also means you can space plants 3 feet apart for a solid privacy screen within three growing seasons.
Why it’s great
- Shipped in a 1-gallon pot with moist soil, not bare-root
- Cold hardy down to zone 2, wider tolerance than most
- Upright columnar form reaches 14 feet tall at only 4 feet wide
Good to know
- Single plant pack only unless you buy multiple units
- Occasional reports of missing items or mismatched packaging
2. Greenwood Nursery American Pillar Arborvitae
The Greenwood Nursery American Pillar Arborvitae advertises a growth rate of 3 feet per year after the first season, making it the fastest hedge filler in this lineup. Shipped as two live quarts in protective craft paper sleeves, the plants arrive trimmed, watered, and stabilized in fitted boxes with air pillows.
Recommended spacing is 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a dense hedge in two to three years. Mature height hits between 20 and 30 feet with a narrow spread, outperforming the classic Green Giant in width control. The variety is rated for zones 3 through 8 and performs well in full sun to partial shade.
Customers praise the stock quality, with many reporting healthy saplings that double in size within weeks of planting. A 14-day guarantee covers transit stress, though replacement shipping costs fall on the buyer. One review noted a bare plant arrival, indicating occasional quality variance.
Why it’s great
- Sets the pace at 3 feet of vertical growth per year
- Narrow habit suits tight property lines
- Packaged with hydrated gel and protective craft paper
Good to know
- Only two quarts per order; large hedges need multiple packs
- Customer service responsiveness reported as inconsistent
3. DAS Farms Green Giant Arborvitae
DAS Farms ships a two-pack of Green Giant Arborvitae trees in gallon pots measuring 1 to 2 feet tall, double-boxed for safe transport through extreme temperature swings. The Green Giant variety achieves mature heights of 30 to 50 feet with a 10- to 12-foot spread, making it the tallest privacy screen option in this guide.
The trees thrive in zones 5 through 8 with full to partial sun exposure. DAS Farms advises planting only in the ground, not in containers, and guarantees successful transplant for 30 days if the included instructions are followed. California orders are packaged to meet state agricultural regulations.
Reviewers consistently rate the plants as healthy and cleverly packaged, with many noting that the trees have doubled in size within a few months. A small number of reports mention slower growth or browning, but the majority confirm vigorous establishment.
Why it’s great
- Gallon pot size reduces transplant shock compared to bare-root
- Organic material and double-boxed packaging protect foliage
- 30-day transplant guarantee provides peace of mind
Good to know
- Needs significant space — 10+ foot spread at maturity
- Not recommended for container growing
4. DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae
The DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae ships a single tree in a 1-gallon pot at 1 to 2 feet tall, ideal for a focal planting or filling a gap in an existing hedge. Its organic material feature and deer resistance make it a strong candidate for rural properties where wildlife browsing is a concern.
Rated for zones 3 through 8, this Emerald variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. Like the Green Giant pack from the same grower, these trees must be planted directly in the ground, not repotted. The 30-day establishment guarantee applies when instructions are followed.
Customer feedback highlights excellent packaging and healthy arrival condition, with several buyers praising the trees’ rapid growth after planting. A small minority reported underwhelming initial size, but the overwhelming consensus points to a robust, thriving specimen within weeks.
Why it’s great
- Deer resistant for unfenced yards
- Organic material and well-packed 1-gallon pot
- Broad zone range from 3 to 8
Good to know
- Only one tree per purchase
- Must be planted in ground, not in containers
5. National Tree Company Artificial Arborvitae
Not every situation calls for live plants. The National Tree Company Artificial Arborvitae stands 36 inches tall with 497 branch tips, delivering a full, realistic look without watering, pruning, or sunlight requirements. The dark green round grower pot is included, and the UV-stabilized plastic material resists fading in outdoor use.
Weighing 6.8 pounds with a concrete-weighted base, this faux tree stays stable on patios, porches, and balconies even in windy conditions. Customers report that neighbors often mistake it for a real arborvitae at first glance. One review noted survival in full desert sun at 105°F for eight months with minimal color change.
This is a decorative piece, not a privacy hedge, but it fills bare corners and entryways effortlessly. The bendable wire branches allow shaping, and occasional dusting keeps it fresh. If you’ve struggled to keep potted arborvitae alive, this artificial option removes the guesswork.
Why it’s great
- Zero maintenance — no water, pruning, or seasonal care
- UV-stabilized to resist fading in outdoor sun
- Heavy base and bendable branches for stable shaping
Good to know
- Does not grow or provide full-height privacy screening
- Leaves can detach during handling, though they reattach easily
6. Daylily Nursery 7 Emerald Green Arborvitae
The Daylily Nursery pack delivers seven Emerald Green Arborvitae in 2.5-inch pots, making it the most cost-effective way to start a hedge row. Each plant matures to 8 to 12 feet tall with a 3- to 4-foot spread, offering a compact profile suitable for tight spaces.
Rated for zones 3 through 8 with full sun exposure and moderate watering needs, these starter plants require careful handling during the first growing season. The seller includes a printed growing guide and proactively advises on climate-specific planting tips. Customers regularly praise the healthy arrival condition and the bamboo stakes that keep each stem upright in transit.
A five-day guarantee covers transit damage, though the policy excludes zone-mismatch purchases and severe weather delays. Multiple buyers have placed repeat orders for 42 plants or more, indicating strong satisfaction with the per-plant value.
Why it’s great
- Seven plants in one purchase at a low per-plant cost
- Bamboo stakes keep stems protected during shipping
- Seller provides zone-specific planting guidance
Good to know
- Five-day guarantee is relatively short
- Small 2.5-inch pots need careful watering after arrival
7. 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
For the lowest up-front investment, the generic 5-pack of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae offers five starter plants at 6 to 12 inches tall in 2.5-inch pots. These trees grow into fast, dense privacy screens with dark green foliage that turns bronze in winter, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.
The trees require no pruning to maintain their natural pyramid shape, and they tolerate clay soil, full sun, and partial shade. Rated only for zone 5, this variety has the narrowest climate range in the comparison — buyers in zone 3 or zone 8 should look elsewhere for reliable winter or summer survival.
Customer reviews are split: many report healthy, well-packaged trees that thrive after planting, while a small number report plant death within weeks. The low starting price offsets the risk, but establishing these small starters demands consistent watering and protection from pests.
Why it’s great
- Five plants in one order at the lowest total cost
- Low maintenance with natural pyramid shape, no pruning needed
- Handles clay soil well
Good to know
- Limited to zone 5 hardiness, not suited for extreme cold or heat
- Small starter size (6-12 inches) requires careful first-season care
- Mixed reviews on survival rate
FAQ
What spacing should I use for Arborvitae North Pole varieties?
How fast do Arborvitae North Pole trees actually grow?
Will Arborvitae North Pole survive winter in containers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best arborvitae north pole winner is the Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae because it combines cold hardiness down to zone 2, a compact 14-foot mature height, and a gallon-pot guarantee for high first-year survival. If you need the fastest possible privacy screen, grab the Greenwood Nursery American Pillar Arborvitae. And for a cost-effective hedge starter, nothing beats the Daylily Nursery 7 Emerald Green Arborvitae.