For most buyers seeking shrubs for privacy, I’d start with Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack: its taller starting size and evergreen habit offer a practical path toward a year-round screen. Emerald Green Arborvitae suits tighter spaces with a narrower form, while Green Wall Willow cuttings appeal to gardeners willing to trade evergreen coverage for a fast-growing living fence. The main tradeoffs are how quickly you need coverage, how much room you can give each plant, and whether you want a low-maintenance evergreen or a more hands-on alternative. Smaller plants and liners can cover a longer stretch, but take more time to create a visual barrier. Read on for the full comparison and guidance on matching a planting to your site.
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Key Takeaways
- The 2 ft Thuja Green Giant 8-pack is my best overall pick because its starting size and evergreen growth offer a balanced route to a privacy screen.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae fits narrower spaces better than Green Giant types, though its slower, more restrained growth can mean waiting longer for full coverage.
- Willow cuttings are the unconventional choice: they may suit a living fence project, but they do not provide the same evergreen screening as arborvitae.
- Pack size alone does not tell you how much privacy you will get. The 6–12 inch Emerald Green trees and 18-pack liners need more time and careful spacing than larger starts.
- Podocarpus Maki offers a different evergreen option for suitable climates, while cold hardiness and local growing conditions should guide the choice over appearance alone.
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack |  | Best for Fast, Tall Coverage | Plant type: Evergreen tree | Plant height: 2 ft | Pack size: 8 plants | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae, 1 Gallon |  | Best for Narrow Hedges | Plant size: 1 gallon | Mature height: Up to 14 ft | Mature width: Up to 4 ft | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Live Plant, 1–2 Feet |  | Best for Tight Spaces | Plant type: Evergreen tree | Plant height: 1–2 ft | Uses: Privacy screen or landscape accent | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings for Living Fences (10 Cuttings) |  | Best for DIY Living Fences | Plant type: Willow | Quantity: 10 cuttings | Recommended spacing: 2–3 ft apart | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 1-Gallon Pots, 5-Pack |  | Best for Established Planting Starts | Plant type: Evergreen arborvitae | Scientific name: Thuja standishii × plicata | Quantity: 5 plants | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon |  | Best for Narrow Privacy Screens | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Container size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 8–10 feet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack |  | Best for Large-Scale Windbreaks | Pack size: 18 individual liners | Mature height: Up to 60 feet | Mature width: Up to 20 feet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees, 6–12 Inches Tall |  | Best for Budget-Minded Bulk Planting | Quantity: 20 plants | Plant type: Emerald Green Arborvitae | Initial height: Approximately 6–12 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| shrubs for privacy | Plant type | Mature height | Mature width | USDA hardiness zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Evergreen tree | Up to 60 ft | Up to 20 ft | 5–9 |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | — | Up to 14 ft | Up to 4 ft | 2–7 listed; 3–8 also stated |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Live | Evergreen tree | — | — | — |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree | Willow | — | — | — |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Evergreen arborvitae | — | — | — |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki | Evergreen shrub | 8–10 feet | 3–4 feet | 7–11 |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Thuja Green Giant arborvitae | Up to 60 feet | Up to 20 feet | 5–9 |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Tr | Emerald Green Arborvitae | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack
For a long boundary where height matters, this eight-pack of 2-foot Green Giants offers a path to a tall evergreen screen: established trees can reach up to 60 feet and spread about 20 feet. Their wide-bottomed shape helps foliage fill in near the ground, unlike a narrow, sparsely planted row. Compared with the slower-growing Emerald Green Arborvitae, this variety is the better fit when you want a larger eventual barrier and have room to accommodate it. That scale is also the main tradeoff: eight young plants need time and care to establish, and mature trees can overwhelm a small yard if left unmanaged. I’d choose this pack for a spacious property in zones 5–9, not a tight lot or a hedge that must stay compact.
Pros:- Fast-growing evergreen foliage can build a substantial privacy screen
- Eight plants provide a coordinated starting point for a longer row
- Hardy across USDA zones 5–9
- Wide-bottomed pyramidal growth can help screen lower sightlines
Cons:- Can reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide without size management
- Two-foot plants need time to establish and fill in
- Large mature spread requires generous spacing
Best for: Homeowners with a long, sunny property line who want a tall evergreen screen and have room for large trees.
Not ideal for: Small-yard owners or buyers who need immediate screening from young 2-foot plants or cannot manage the mature size.
- Plant type:Evergreen tree
- Plant height:2 ft
- Pack size:8 plants
- 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
Our verdict“Choose this pack for a spacious property where fast-growing, tall evergreen coverage matters more than keeping the hedge compact.”
Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae, 1 Gallon
This upright, compact arborvitae suits privacy plans where a Green Giant’s eventual 20-foot spread would crowd paths, fences, or neighboring beds. At up to 14 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it can form a more restrained screen, though its stated growth rate of about one foot per year means patience is part of the plan. Compared with the 2-foot Green Giant eight-pack, this single 1-gallon plant is a smaller commitment and better suited to a narrow space, but it will not cover a long boundary by itself. Regular watering is called for, particularly during establishment. The supplied hardiness descriptions conflict—one says zones 2–7 and another 3–8—so I would verify local suitability before buying rather than rely on either range alone.
Pros:- Compact 4-foot mature width fits narrower screening areas
- Evergreen foliage stays green year-round
- Upright growth is more contained than the Green Giant options
- Listed as deer resistant and drought tolerant
Cons:- About one foot of growth per year means coverage takes time
- Regular watering is needed, especially during establishment
- The product information gives conflicting hardiness-zone ranges
Best for: Gardeners with a narrow planting strip who want a manageable evergreen hedge plant and can water it regularly as it establishes.
Not ideal for: Buyers screening a long property line quickly, or gardeners who need a clear hardiness-zone match without checking the conflicting listings.
- Plant size:1 gallon
- Mature height:Up to 14 ft
- Mature width:Up to 4 ft
- Growth rate:About 1 ft per year
- USDA hardiness zones:2–7 listed; 3–8 also stated
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Watering:Regular watering
- Uses:Privacy hedge or screen
Our verdict“Pick this Emerald Green for a narrow, slower-growing hedge if you can confirm its hardiness range and keep up with watering.”
Emerald Green Arborvitae Live Plant, 1–2 Feet
This 1–2-foot Emerald Green arborvitae is pitched for medium-sized screens and tight landscape spots, including beside foundations. Its neat form is described as needing no pruning, a useful contrast with the Green Wall Willow cuttings, which must be planted in a row for coverage. The available details do not give a mature height, width, growth rate, or hardiness range, so I can’t judge how quickly it will block a view or whether it fits a particular climate. That makes it a more cautious choice for a small accent or a modest screen than for a buyer planning a tall, dependable boundary hedge. Shipping is also unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon. I’d favor a better-specified arborvitae if the screen’s final dimensions or climate fit are central to the decision.
Pros:- Small starting size is suited to tight planting areas
- Described as maintaining a neat appearance without pruning
- Can serve as either a landscape accent or part of a privacy screen
- Product description says it adapts to varied soil and weather conditions
Cons:- No mature size or growth rate is provided to plan screen coverage
- No hardiness-zone range is specified
- Cannot ship to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon
Best for: Gardeners seeking a small evergreen accent or a modest privacy screen in a tight foundation-side space.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need documented mature dimensions, a stated hardiness range, or delivery to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon.
- Plant type:Evergreen tree
- Plant height:1–2 ft
- Uses:Privacy screen or landscape accent
- Pruning:Described as not requiring pruning for a neat appearance
- Adaptability:Described as adapting to different soil types and weather conditions
- Shipping restrictions:Unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon
Our verdict“Consider this plant for a compact accent or modest screen, but choose a better-specified option when mature coverage and climate fit must be predictable.”
Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings for Living Fences (10 Cuttings)
These 10 willow cuttings offer a different route to privacy: plant them directly in soil, spaced 2–3 feet apart, to build a living fence or windbreak. That row-based approach may appeal to buyers who want a natural boundary and are willing to establish several plants together. Compared with the five potted Green Giant arborvitae, the cuttings have less predictable coverage from the supplied information: no growth rate, mature height, or mature spread is given. The simple planting method is a plus, but a handful of cuttings will not create an instant screen, and success depends on rooting and filling in along the row. I’d pick these for a hands-on boundary project, not when a buyer needs a clearly sized, year-round evergreen screen.
Pros:- Ten cuttings provide material for a planted row
- Direct-to-soil planting is a simple stated method
- Can be used for privacy screens, windbreaks, borders, or natural fencing
- Described as quick to root and low maintenance once established
Cons:- Coverage requires planting multiple cuttings in rows
- No growth rate or mature size is provided
- The supplied details do not specify evergreen foliage or year-round screening
Best for: Hands-on gardeners planning a row-based natural fence or windbreak who can wait for cuttings to root and fill in.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need immediate screening, specified mature dimensions, or the defined evergreen form of an arborvitae hedge.
- Plant type:Willow
- Quantity:10 cuttings
- Recommended spacing:2–3 ft apart
- Planting method:Plant cuttings directly in soil
- Uses:Privacy screens, windbreaks, borders, and natural fencing
- Growth rate:Not provided
- Mature size:Not provided
Our verdict“Choose these willow cuttings for a DIY living fence project if you can accept uncertain fill-in time and unspecified mature dimensions.”
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 1-Gallon Pots, 5-Pack
For buyers who prefer rooted nursery plants over cuttings, this five-pack of potted Green Giants comes with a planting guide and is described for screens, windbreaks, and sound barriers. The shared Green Giant profile—dense foliage, a wide-bottomed pyramidal shape, and mature size up to 60 feet tall by 20 feet wide—makes it better suited to spacious boundaries than the narrower Emerald Green Arborvitae. Compared with the eight-pack of 2-foot Green Giants, this option supplies fewer plants but arrives in 1-gallon nursery pots rather than at a stated 2-foot height. It still needs watering after planting, and yearly fertilizing is recommended. Its scale calls for careful placement, and shipping is restricted in California, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Pros:- Five nursery-potted plants come with a planting guide
- Dense evergreen foliage can form a screen, windbreak, or sound barrier
- Suitable for USDA zones 5–9
- Potted format offers an alternative to planting willow cuttings
Cons:- Mature trees can reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
- Needs watering after planting, with yearly fertilizing recommended
- Unavailable for shipping to California, Arizona, and Hawaii
Best for: Homeowners in zones 5–9 who want five potted evergreen starts for a spacious boundary and value an included planting guide.
Not ideal for: Gardeners with small yards, those seeking compact mature plants, or buyers in California, Arizona, or Hawaii.
- Plant type:Evergreen arborvitae
- Scientific name:Thuja standishii × plicata
- Quantity:5 plants
- Pot size:1 gallon
- Mature size:Up to 60 ft tall × 20 ft wide
- Hardiness zones:USDA zones 5–9
- Light:Full sun
- Growth habit:Wide-bottomed pyramidal
- Shipping restrictions:California, Arizona, and Hawaii
Our verdict“Choose this potted Green Giant pack for a roomy property where five rooted starts and a planting guide suit your planting plan.”
Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon
Podocarpus Maki suits gardeners who need an evergreen screen without giving up much yard width. Its mature form reaches 8–10 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, making it easier to fit along a boundary than the much larger Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, which can spread up to 20 feet. The glossy foliage stays on the shrub year-round, and the upright shape needs little pruning, so it can provide a tidy screen with less shaping work. It also tolerates full sun to partial shade and becomes drought-tolerant once established. The tradeoff is reach: it will not create the towering windbreak that Green Giant can. It also needs well-draining soil, and shipping is unavailable to California and Arizona.
Pros:- Evergreen foliage provides screening through winter
- Mature width of 3–4 feet fits narrower planting areas
- Tolerates full sun to partial shade
- Drought-tolerant once established and needs little pruning
Cons:- Does not ship to California or Arizona
- Needs well-draining soil
- Its 8–10-foot mature height is less suited to very tall windbreaks
Best for: Gardeners in zones 7–11 who want a slim, year-round screen beside a fence, walkway, or foundation
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a tall windbreak or planting in California or Arizona, where this plant cannot ship
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Container size:1 gallon
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Mature width:3–4 feet
- USDA hardiness zones:7–11
- Light:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil:Well-draining
- Shipping restrictions:Does not ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose Podocarpus Maki for a narrow, low-maintenance evergreen screen in a suitable climate, but pick Green Giant for a much taller barrier.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack
For a long boundary or exposed property edge, this 18-pack of Thuja Green Giant liners offers more planting material than the five-plant Green Giant pack elsewhere in the roundup. Its dense evergreen foliage and pyramidal habit can build a substantial screen, while pruning gives gardeners some control over its outline. The scale is also the main commitment: plants can reach up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, far exceeding the compact columnar Emerald Green Arborvitae options. That makes these liners a better fit for spacious sites than tight residential borders. Expect to plan carefully for mature spacing and ongoing size management if needed. The pack cannot ship to California or Arizona, and the supplied description does not state the liners’ starting height.
Pros:- 18 individual liners support a longer planting run
- Dense evergreen foliage can screen a boundary year-round
- Pyramidal growth creates a naturally full screen
- Can be pruned to manage its size
Cons:- Can grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
- Large mature size requires careful site and spacing plans
- Does not ship to California or Arizona
Best for: Owners of spacious properties in zones 5–9 who want to establish a long evergreen screen or windbreak
Not ideal for: Gardeners with narrow lots, small yards, or planting sites in California or Arizona
- Pack size:18 individual liners
- Mature height:Up to 60 feet
- Mature width:Up to 20 feet
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Growth habit:Pyramidal
- Foliage:Dense, dark green
- Plant type:Thuja Green Giant arborvitae
- Shipping restrictions:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Pick this 18-pack for a broad, long-term screen on ample land, and choose Emerald Green Arborvitae for a more compact space.”
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees, 6–12 Inches Tall
This set of 20 bareroot Emerald Green Arborvitae is aimed at buyers who value planting quantity and a naturally narrow form over an instant screen. At just 6–12 inches tall on arrival, the plants need time and care before they can provide meaningful privacy. In return, their compact, columnar shape is easier to place along borders and foundations than the broad, towering Thuja Green Giant Liners. Evergreen foliage also suits a year-round hedge plan, while the plants can serve as accents or border markers if a continuous screen is not the goal. The key tradeoff is the bareroot format: these small plants are less ready-made than the 1-gallon Podocarpus Maki and require patience while they establish and grow.
Pros:- Set includes 20 plants for a substantial planting run
- Naturally columnar shape suits narrow borders and hedges
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round color
- Can also be used for foundation plantings or accents
Cons:- Initial height of 6–12 inches means privacy coverage takes time
- Bareroot shipping requires establishment after planting
- Product data does not specify mature height, width, or hardiness zones
Best for: Patient homeowners who want to plant a compact evergreen hedge or border in quantity and can wait for coverage
Not ideal for: Buyers who need immediate screening or prefer established container-grown shrubs over small bareroot plants
- Quantity:20 plants
- Plant type:Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Initial height:Approximately 6–12 inches
- Shipping form:Bareroot
- Foliage:Evergreen
- Growth shape:Compact and columnar
- Uses:Privacy screens, hedges, borders, foundation plantings, or accents
Our verdict“Choose this set if you can wait for a compact evergreen screen to grow, and choose Podocarpus Maki for a taller, container-grown starting point.”
How We Picked
I compared these options by how well their plant type, starting size, and quantity serve the actual goal of a privacy screen. I gave more weight to evergreen coverage, practical planting scale, and the likely wait before a row begins to feel private than to pack count by itself. I also considered whether a plant’s form suits a compact yard or needs more space, and whether the option asks the buyer to take on extra establishment or maintenance work.
The ranking puts the 2 ft Green Giant pack first as a balanced choice for buyers seeking a substantial evergreen row. Emerald Green selections rank well for narrower sites, while smaller trees and liners offer a larger count at the cost of a longer wait for screening. Willow cuttings and Podocarpus Maki serve more specific preferences and growing conditions, so they rank below the broadly useful arborvitae choices. Plant performance depends on climate, soil, spacing, and care; buyers should check local suitability before ordering.
| shrubs for privacy | Plant type | Uses | Shipping restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Evergreen tree | — | — |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | — | Privacy hedge or screen | — |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Live | Evergreen tree | Privacy screen or landscape accent | Unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree | Willow | Privacy screens, windbreaks, borders, and natural fencing | — |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Evergreen arborvitae | — | California, Arizona, and Hawaii |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki | Evergreen shrub | — | Does not ship to California or Arizona |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Thuja Green Giant arborvitae | — | Cannot ship to California or Arizona |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Tr | Emerald Green Arborvitae | Privacy screens, hedges, borders, foundation plantings, or accents | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shrubs For Privacy
A privacy planting is a long-term layout decision: plant size, spacing, climate, and the time you can wait all shape the result. I’d settle those points before choosing a pack, since the biggest count or fastest advertised growth does not automatically produce the best screen for your yard.
Decide When You Need the Screen
Set a realistic deadline for privacy before selecting plant size. A larger starting plant can give the row more presence from day one, but it still needs time to establish and fill out. Small trees and liners can make a longer row possible, yet buyers should expect a more open look at first. If you need immediate screening, a young shrub row may not meet that need on its own. Plan for temporary screening or staggered planting if waiting several growing seasons would be a problem. Treat growth claims as estimates, since site conditions and care affect the pace.
Measure the Mature Width, Not Just the Gap
Measure the planting strip and nearby features before settling on a species. A narrow evergreen may fit between a fence and path where a broad, vigorous tree would eventually crowd both. Planting too close can seem like a shortcut to faster coverage, but it may limit airflow and make future maintenance harder. Leaving too much space can create visible gaps that take years to close. Check the expected mature width and recommended spacing for the exact plant and your local growing conditions. Account for overhead wires, foundations, and access for pruning as well as the boundary line.
Check Climate and Site Conditions
Regional climate can determine whether an evergreen screen thrives or struggles. Compare hardiness guidance with your location, then check whether the planting spot gets the light and drainage the chosen shrub needs. Wet soil, prolonged drought, and exposed winter winds can all affect establishment. Podocarpus Maki and arborvitae do not suit every climate equally, so confirm local recommendations before choosing between them. A plant that grows well nearby is a safer bet than one selected from a photo alone. Local extension services or a knowledgeable nursery can help assess a difficult site.
Choose Evergreen Coverage or Seasonal Growth
Decide whether the screen needs to block views in every season. Evergreen shrubs keep foliage through winter in suitable climates, while a deciduous living fence can lose its leaves and provide less visual cover during colder months. Seasonal plants may still work well for a boundary where summer privacy matters most. Consider what the screen needs to block: sightlines, wind, noise, or simply an unattractive view. Dense foliage may help with sightlines, but it does not make a planting a soundproof barrier. Matching the plant’s year-round habit to the real purpose avoids disappointment.
Plan for Establishment and Maintenance
New plants need consistent establishment care, even if the mature planting is relatively easy to maintain. Work out how you will water the row during dry spells and whether the site can drain well after heavy rain. A long line of plants can take more time to water and monitor than a small garden bed. Ask whether the chosen species needs regular shaping or can keep a natural form. Pruning a screen too hard can expose gaps or remove foliage that does not quickly return. Include ongoing care in the decision, especially if you are planting many small starts at once.
Compare Planting Scale With the Real Cost of Waiting
Pack counts can make small starts look like an easy way to cover a broad boundary, but each plant still needs enough room and attention to establish. Larger starts cost more to plant out in total when you need a long row, while smaller stock may leave the yard exposed for longer. Compare the number of plants with the boundary length and the spacing guidance rather than choosing by count alone. Also account for replacement plants if some fail to establish. Buying a modest section first can help you judge how the variety performs on your site before committing to the entire fence line. This approach is especially useful when the soil or exposure varies along the boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose Green Giant or Emerald Green Arborvitae for a narrow boundary?
I’d lean toward Emerald Green when the planting strip is tight, because its more compact form generally suits narrower spaces. Green Giant types can make more sense where there is room for a larger, faster-growing screen. Either choice still needs enough space at maturity, so check the expected width and local spacing guidance before planting. Avoid forcing a broad plant into a narrow strip simply to get a taller screen sooner. If the boundary is very constrained, ask a local nursery about varieties suited to that exact site.
How many small arborvitae should I buy for a fence line?
Start with the boundary length and the spacing recommended for the specific variety and plant size. Dividing the length by spacing gives a rough count, but allow for end gaps, corners, and access points. Do not pack plants tightly just to get a solid-looking row right away; overcrowding can create maintenance and health problems later. Smaller stock can make a long row easier to phase, but it will take time to fill in. If the line has different light or soil conditions, plan each section separately.
Will a willow cutting fence provide privacy all year?
Not in the same way as an evergreen shrub screen. Willow can lose its foliage seasonally, so the degree of winter privacy depends on the variety and the structure of the mature planting. Cuttings also need suitable moisture and care while establishing, and their growth can require regular management. I’d choose them when a living fence and seasonal coverage suit the garden’s needs. If blocking views in every season is the priority, compare evergreen options instead.
Is it sensible to mix arborvitae and Podocarpus in one privacy row?
Mixing species can add visual variety, but it may make a uniform screen harder to maintain. Different plants can grow at different rates and need different pruning, water, or climate conditions. Before combining them, confirm that both suit the site and that their mature shapes can form a compatible row. A mixed planting may work better as a designed hedge with deliberate spacing than as a quick way to fill gaps. For a consistent boundary, a single well-suited species is usually simpler to manage.
How can I reduce the chance that a new privacy row fails?
Match the plant to the site first: check hardiness, light, drainage, and available root space. Plant at an appropriate season for your region and follow the supplier’s instructions for handling and watering. Keep newly planted roots from drying out, while avoiding persistently soggy soil. Mulch can help manage moisture, but keep it away from direct contact with trunks or stems. Check the row regularly during establishment so you can spot stress early and adjust care before problems spread.
Conclusion
For the best overall balance, I’d choose the 2 ft Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-pack; it starts larger than the liners and small Emerald Green trees while retaining the year-round appeal of an evergreen screen. The best value for covering a longer row may be the 18-pack Green Giant liners or 20 small Emerald Green trees, provided you can wait for them to fill in and give them careful establishment care. For beginners with a narrow planting area, Emerald Green Arborvitae offers a more restrained fit, though site suitability and spacing still matter. Choose Podocarpus Maki for a specific climate and style preference, and willow cuttings when a seasonal living fence fits the goal. If you need dependable winter screening, prioritize a locally suitable evergreen and allow enough room for its mature size.
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