Pyramidal Arborvitae vs. Emerald Green: What’s the Difference?

You may be wondering, what’s the difference between pyramidal arborvitae and emerald green arborvitae? Both plants are evergreen trees popular for privacy hedges or landscaping. Pyramidal arborvitae and emerald green are also members of the same genus, Thuja, of coniferous trees. Another similarity is that both are cultivars of the arborvitae species. 

However, several key distinctions between the two set them apart. Find out some of the main ways they differ from each other in this comprehensive, debate-ending article. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll know which is better for your garden!

Comparing Pyramidal Arborvitae vs. Emerald Arborvitae

The Key Differences Between Pyramidal Arborvitae and Emerald Green

The differences between pyramidal arborvitae and emerald green are most noticeable in their overall shape, size, and foliage color. However, the two trees are similar and can be easily confused if tiny details aren’t considered. Below you’ll find a detailed overview outlining the key differences between the two. Keep reading to learn more!

Pyramidal Arborvitae vs. Emerald Green: Cultivars

Although the pyramidal arborvitae and the emerald green belong to the same botanical family, genus, and species, they are two distinct cultivars of Thuja Occidentalis. The pyramidal arborvitae cultivar is scientifically called Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis,’ while the emerald green scientific name is Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd.’ 

Pyramidal Arborvitae vs. Emerald Green: Appearance

The appearance of these arborvitae trees is one of the easiest ways to tell them apart. As the name implies, the pyramidal arborvitae is a pyramid-shaped evergreen tree with a mature height of 12 – 25 ft and a mature spread of 3 – 6 ft. On the other hand, the emerald green is a shorter, more compact version of the pyramidal arborvitae. It grows only 12 – 15 ft tall and spreads 3 – 4 ft wide.

If you were to take a closer look at a pyramidal and an emerald green arborvitae, you’d notice they both have scale-like sprays of foliage. However, pyramidal arborvitae trees have fragrant, dense green, and soft-textured foliage. Emerald green trees have bright-emerald green foliage. Another visual difference in the foliage is that pyramidal arborvitae scale-like sprays of foliage turn yellowish-brownish during winter, while emerald green foliage turns green-yellow during fall. 

Pyramidal Arborvitae vs. Emerald Green: Growth Rate

Though both trees are considered slow-growing plants, the maturity growth rate of the pyramidal arborvitae is much faster than that of emerald green. While both trees’ growth rate is 1 – 2 ft per, emerald green’s growth rate slows down once established. That is, emerald green trees grow fast, about 1-2 ft per year when young. They then grow about 0.5 – 1 ft per year once established until they reach a maximum height of 12-15 ft.

Pyramidal Arborvitae vs. Emerald Green: Growth Preferences 

Another difference between these two arborvitaes is their growth preferences and adaptation levels. This means that the two plants have different ideal growing conditions. 

They both grow in a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and thrive on average in moist soil types. They are also adaptable to moist, well-drained soil that is either acidic or alkaline. 

However, pyramidal arborvitae is susceptible to winter burn and requires regular watering, especially during the summer. Conversely, its counterpart is more heat and drought-tolerant. Given these two arborvitae plants’ sunlight and soil preferences, we can conclude that the pyramidal arborvitae is a low to average maintenance tree. On the other hand, emerald green is a low-maintenance plant.

These two cultivars are considered winter-hardy. Pyramidal arborvitae trees best grow in USDA zones 3 to 8. In contrast, emerald green arborvitae plants thrive in  USDA growing zones 2 to 8.

Pyramidal vs. Emerald Green: Which Is Best for Your Garden?

Both trees are excellent choices for a privacy hedge or a windbreak. They are ideal for landscaping, adding to your home’s curb appeal, and creating an inviting entryway.

The best way to decide which one’s best for your garden is to consider what kind of tree you want. If you want that tree to be a little more tolerant of different climates, then the emerald green is the best. But if you’re looking for a taller tree that provides more privacy, then the pyramidal arborvitae will be the better tree.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © AKM Creatives/Shutterstock.com