For a backyard screen that fills space quickly, I’d start with Thuja Green Giant 3–4 ft: it combines a useful planting size with included fertilizer and a guide. If the plan is to cover a longer fence line, the 10-count Thuja set offers a coordinated group, while Emerald Green Arborvitae is the more compact choice for narrower spaces and colder growing zones. These picks differ less by their evergreen purpose than by mature width, planting scale, and climate fit.
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My ranking puts the single Green Giant first for its balance of manageable starting size and stated planting support. The 10- and 18-plant bundles suit larger projects but ask for more installation work and ongoing attention to spacing and watering. Emerald Green is a better fit where a broad Green Giant would crowd the yard, though it is not the best match for every warm-climate location. Before choosing, compare the plants’ hardiness zones with your local conditions and leave room for their mature dimensions.
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Key Takeaways
- Best all-around starting point: The 3–4 ft Thuja Green Giant is a single plant with fertilizer and a planting guide, but it can eventually become very large.
- For a longer screen: The 10-count Green Giant set supplies multiple plants; plan for frequent watering during the first month and suitable spacing.
- For tighter spaces: Emerald Green Arborvitae has a listed mature width of about 4 ft, far narrower than the Green Giant options.
- For bulk planting: The 18-pack can support a larger screen or windbreak, but its liners need room and it cannot ship to California or Arizona.
- Match climate before quantity: Green Giants are listed for zones 5–9, while Emerald Green is listed for zones 2–7; neither range covers every yard.
| Thuja Green Giant – (3-4ft) Live Plant, Includes Fertilizer & Planting Guide |  | Best Overall — a supported single-plant starting point | Botanical name: Thuja ‘Green Giant’ | Plant height on listing: 3–4 ft | Mature height: 20–40 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thuja Green Giant Live Plants, 10 Count |  | Best for a longer hedge — multiple plants in one order | Plant type: Evergreen shrub and hedge | Scientific name: Thuja standishii × plicata | Quantity: 10 plants | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae – 1 Gallon Privacy Hedge |  | Best for compact spaces and colder zones | Plant type: Emerald Green Arborvitae | Container size: 1 gallon | Listed mature height: Up to 14 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack |  | Best for large planting projects — bulk liners for a screen or windbreak | Pack size: 18 individual liners | Plant type: Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Mature height: Up to 60 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| privacy plants for backyard | Sun exposure | Moisture needs | Plant type | Mature height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant | Full sun to partial shade | Moderate watering | — | 20–40 ft |
| Thuja Green Giant Live Plants | Full sun to partial shade | Regular watering | Evergreen shrub and hedge | — |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | Full sun | Regular watering | Emerald Green Arborvitae | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | — | Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Up to 60 ft |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Thuja Green Giant – (3-4ft) Live Plant, Includes Fertilizer & Planting Guide
I rank this 3–4 ft Green Giant first because it is the most approachable choice for a buyer who wants to begin a screen without ordering a bundle. The listed height gives you a plant that is already beyond a tiny starter, and the included fertilizer and planting guide offer more setup support than the other listings spell out. Its evergreen foliage and stated suitability for full sun to partial shade also make it a flexible candidate for a backyard boundary in zones 5–9.
Compared with the 10-count and 18-pack Green Giants, this one is easier to fit into a small planting plan: you can place a single specimen as a screen accent, or add plants over time instead of committing to a long row at once. That does not make it a compact shrub. The listing gives a mature height of 20–40 ft and width of 12–20 ft, so a narrow side yard or a spot close to structures could become a poor fit. It may require pruning where the available space is limited, and pruning cannot make an oversized planting location disappear.
The seller describes it as fast-growing, low-maintenance, winter-hardy, and adaptable to varied soils. Those traits make it more appealing than Emerald Green for a buyer who wants a taller screen and lives within the Green Giant’s zone range. But the supplied soil spec names sandy soil, and the listing does not establish a guaranteed growth rate. I would choose it for screen height and planting support, not on an assumption that it will quickly reach its full size. Buyers outside zones 5–9 or with no room for a broad mature plant should skip it in favor of a better-matched option.
Pros:- Arrives as a listed 3–4 ft plant rather than a small liner.
- Includes fertilizer and a planting guide.
- Evergreen foliage is listed for year-round screening.
- Suitable for full sun to partial shade in zones 5–9.
Cons:- Its stated mature dimensions are too large for many compact backyards.
- The listed warranty is only 15 days, so buyers should review delivery and planting terms promptly.
- The listing does not promise how quickly the plant will reach screening height.
Best for: A homeowner in USDA zones 5–9 who wants one established Green Giant to start a screen and values an included planting guide.
Not ideal for: A gardener in a colder zone, a narrow planting strip, or a yard where a 12–20 ft mature width would crowd paths or structures.
- Botanical name:Thuja ‘Green Giant’
- Plant height on listing:3–4 ft
- Mature height:20–40 ft
- Mature width:12–20 ft
- Growing zones:USDA zones 5–9
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture needs:Moderate watering
- Included items:Live plant, fertilizer, and planting guide
Our verdict“I’d choose this single Green Giant when I want a supported, larger starting plant and have ample room for its eventual spread.”
Thuja Green Giant Live Plants, 10 Count
For a buyer who already knows a single shrub will not cover the boundary, this 10-plant Green Giant set is the most direct route to starting a row. It is more practical for a longer hedge or windbreak than the single 3–4 ft plant, and it avoids the larger commitment of the 18-pack. All ten plants share the same evergreen screening purpose, which can help create a consistent look once they establish.
The tradeoff is that quantity brings real planting work. The listing specifically recommends consistent, frequent watering during the first month, a larger ongoing task than the single-plant listing’s moderate-water description suggests. The supplied specs do not provide a starting height or mature dimensions, so I would confirm what size to expect and plan spacing around reliable local guidance before ordering. A ten-count bundle is not automatically a faster screen if the planting site is cramped or the plants struggle to establish.
Compared with the 18-pack, this set is less ambitious and may be easier to place in an average backyard. Compared with Emerald Green, it is the more suitable direction when the goal is a taller, fuller boundary and the site falls within the Green Giant’s usual listed zone range—but this set’s own provided specifications do not state zones, so I would verify regional suitability before buying. Choose it when you need several matching evergreens and can water them closely during establishment. Skip it if you need just one focal plant, want a narrow hedge, or cannot attend to regular watering after planting.
Pros:- Provides ten evergreen plants for a multi-plant screen.
- Suited to privacy hedges, borders, and windbreaks.
- Listed as adaptable to full sun to partial shade and varied soil types.
- A smaller bulk commitment than the 18-pack.
Cons:- Requires frequent, consistent watering during the first month.
- The supplied specs do not state plant height, mature width, or hardiness zones.
- Ten plants require advance planning for spacing and installation.
Best for: A homeowner planning a medium-length hedge or windbreak who has enough planting space and can water the new plants consistently.
Not ideal for: Someone seeking a single specimen, a clearly specified compact plant, or a bundle with detailed size and hardiness information supplied up front.
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub and hedge
- Scientific name:Thuja standishii × plicata
- Quantity:10 plants
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture needs:Regular watering
- Outdoor use:Yes
- Color:Green
Our verdict“I’d pick this bundle for a planned multi-plant screen when I can confirm local fit and keep up with its first-month watering needs.”
Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae – 1 Gallon Privacy Hedge
Emerald Green Arborvitae takes a different approach to privacy from the broad Green Giants: it is listed at up to 14 ft tall and about 4 ft wide. That slimmer shape makes it the most convincing choice here for a narrower planting bed or a property line where a 12–20 ft Green Giant spread would be unwelcome. It is also listed for USDA zones 2–7, giving it a colder-climate fit that the Green Giant options, listed for zones 5–9 or not specified, cannot match as directly.
This is a one-gallon plant, so buyers should not read the stated mature height as the size at delivery. Compared with the 3–4 ft Green Giant, it starts with a smaller stated container size and may call for more patience before it creates useful screening. Its narrow profile is a meaningful advantage, but a single plant is not a ready-made hedge; a row still means purchasing and planting multiple specimens with suitable spacing. The listing calls it fast-growing, but provides no schedule for reaching 14 ft.
The plant is described as drought tolerant and deer resistant, with dense evergreen foliage and regular watering needs. Those are useful claims, but new plants still need care, and the listing warns that first-year plants may need extra winter protection. Compared with the Green Giant bundles, Emerald Green is the space-conscious, cold-zone pick, not the best option for someone seeking a broad windbreak or planting many plants at once. It is listed for zones 2–7, so gardeners in warmer zones 8–9 should choose a better-matched candidate or verify local suitability before purchase.
Pros:- Listed mature width of about 4 ft suits narrower planting spaces.
- Hardy in the stated USDA zones 2–7.
- Evergreen foliage is described as dense and year-round.
- Listing describes the plant as drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Cons:- One-gallon size means it is not a full-height privacy screen on arrival.
- First-year plants may need extra winter protection.
- The listed zone range does not include warmer zones 8–9.
Best for: A gardener in USDA zones 2–7 who wants an evergreen screen with a narrower listed mature width for a small or constrained planting area.
Not ideal for: A buyer in warmer zones 8–9, someone needing an immediate tall screen, or a yard that needs a bulk pack for a long boundary.
- Plant type:Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Container size:1 gallon
- Listed mature height:Up to 14 ft
- Listed mature width:About 4 ft
- USDA hardiness zones:2–7
- Sun exposure:Full sun
- Moisture needs:Regular watering
- Additional traits:Drought tolerant; deer resistant
Our verdict“I’d choose Emerald Green when a narrow profile and colder-zone suitability matter more than planting a broad, fast-filling Green Giant screen.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack
This 18-pack of Green Giant liners is the largest planting project in the lineup. It may suit a homeowner covering a long property edge or building a windbreak, where buying individual plants one at a time would be inconvenient. The foliage is described as dense and dark green, and the wide-bottomed pyramidal habit is relevant to privacy: a screen that retains fullness low down can block more direct sightlines than a form that leaves a thin base.
Its scale is also the main drawback. These are identified as liners, not established 3–4 ft plants, so I would not select the pack on the assumption that it will deliver immediate privacy. The listed mature size reaches up to 60 ft tall and 20 ft wide if left unpruned. That is a substantial commitment for a backyard, even though the listing says the plants can be pruned to size. Regular pruning, careful spacing, and enough room for roots and canopy all matter more here than they do with one specimen.
Compared with the 10-count set, the 18-pack serves a larger boundary and may leave more plants for a broad screen, but it also calls for a more demanding planting plan. Compared with Emerald Green, it is far less suited to a narrow yard: its potential width and height are in a different class. The listing specifies zones 5–9 and excludes shipment to California and Arizona, which immediately rules it out for some buyers. I would choose it only when bulk planting is the point, the site fits a large Green Giant, and the shipment can be delivered to the destination.
Pros:- Eighteen liners support a large planting plan.
- Evergreen foliage is described as dense and dark green.
- Pyramidal growth habit and pruning flexibility suit a managed screen.
- Listed for USDA zones 5–9.
Cons:- The potential mature size—up to 60 ft tall and 20 ft wide—can overwhelm a backyard.
- Liners require patience and a larger establishment effort than a single larger plant.
- Cannot ship to California or Arizona.
Best for: A buyer creating a substantial hedge or windbreak in zones 5–9 who can plant and maintain a large number of liners.
Not ideal for: A small-yard gardener, anyone wanting a ready-made screen, or residents of California and Arizona where the listing says it cannot ship.
- Pack size:18 individual liners
- Plant type:Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
- Mature height:Up to 60 ft
- Mature width:Up to 20 ft
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Growth habit:Wide-bottomed pyramidal
- Maintenance:Low maintenance once established; can be pruned
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“I’d reserve this 18-pack for a spacious site where a large Green Giant screen is the goal, not for a small yard or an immediate privacy fix.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options around the job implied by backyard privacy: creating a lasting evergreen screen without overlooking the space, climate, and care the plants require. I compared each listing’s stated mature size, growing zones, pack size, included planting support, and watering guidance. A privacy plant is not useful if it outgrows the planting strip or struggles in the local climate, so I gave real weight to those practical limits rather than treating fast growth or a larger bundle as an automatic advantage.
The 3–4 ft Green Giant takes the first spot because it is a straightforward single-plant option and includes fertilizer and a planting guide. I place the 10-count Green Giant second for buyers planning a longer row, but its value depends on having enough room and time to establish ten plants. Emerald Green comes third overall, though it may be the best pick for a narrow planting area or a colder zone where Green Giants are outside the listed range. The 18-pack rounds out the list: its scale is useful for a substantial screen, yet liners require a larger planting project, and the shipping exclusion narrows availability.
I have not treated seller claims such as fast growth, drought tolerance, or pest resistance as guarantees for every yard. Sun exposure, soil, drainage, watering, and regional conditions affect how a live plant establishes. The supplied specifications also vary in detail, so I call out what is listed and avoid inventing mature spacing or a guaranteed time to privacy. My ranking is a guide to choosing the right planting scale and shape, not a promise that any plant will form a screen on a fixed schedule.
| privacy plants for backyard | Sun exposure | Moisture needs | Plant type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant | Full sun to partial shade | Moderate watering | — |
| Thuja Green Giant Live Plants | Full sun to partial shade | Regular watering | Evergreen shrub and hedge |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | Full sun | Regular watering | Emerald Green Arborvitae |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | — | Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Privacy Plants For Backyard
Privacy planting succeeds when the plant fits the site as well as the screening goal. Before choosing among these four, I would check the available width, local hardiness zone, and amount of watering I can provide. Then I would decide whether I need one specimen to start a screen or a bundle for a longer planting run.
Start with the space the mature plant will occupy
Young plants can make a large evergreen feel easy to place, but the listed mature dimensions tell a different story. The single Green Giant is listed at 12–20 ft wide, and the 18-pack’s Green Giants can reach 20 ft in width and 60 ft in height. Those sizes can suit a broad boundary or windbreak, but may crowd a narrow yard, block a path, or compete with nearby structures if planted too close.
Emerald Green is the clear alternative when width is limited: its listed mature width is about 4 ft, with a height up to 14 ft. That narrower form can make it easier to include along a constrained fence line, though a one-gallon plant still needs time to grow. I would measure the planting strip and check mature dimensions before deciding on quantity. Pruning can shape a plant, but it does not change the basic choice between a naturally narrow arborvitae and a much larger Green Giant.
Match the hardiness range to your location
The clearest climate comparison is between Emerald Green’s stated zones 2–7 and the Green Giant options’ stated zones 5–9 or, for the 10-count listing, no zone range in the supplied specs. Emerald Green is the more direct match for colder locations within its listed range. The single Green Giant and 18-pack are better candidates in zones 5–9, while their listed range does not include zones 2–4.
Do not treat a zone range as a guarantee that a plant will thrive in every backyard. Sun, soil drainage, exposure, and the plant’s establishment conditions also affect growth. The 10-count set’s description says it grows in full sun to partial shade, but its specifications do not state hardiness zones. I would verify that detail with the seller or a local nursery before committing to a whole row, especially near the edge of a plant’s listed range.
Choose the amount of planting work you can take on
A single 3–4 ft Green Giant offers a manageable way to begin, with fertilizer and a planting guide included. The 10-count pack is more efficient for covering a longer line, but the seller calls for frequent, consistent watering during the first month. The 18-pack represents a larger installation still, and the plants are liners rather than a specified larger delivery size. More plants mean more holes to prepare, more watering, and more attention to consistent spacing.
Plan the work before placing an order. If you need a uniform screen, find reliable spacing guidance for the chosen plant and measure the full run. If you cannot water reliably during the first month, a large bundle may be a poor fit even if the eventual screen size sounds appealing. A larger count can help cover a longer area, but it does not remove the time needed for plants to root and grow.
Set realistic expectations for privacy timing
The listings describe the Green Giants and Emerald Green as fast-growing, but none supplies a guaranteed timeline for blocking a view. A plant’s starting size matters: the single Green Giant is listed at 3–4 ft, whereas Emerald Green comes in a one-gallon container and the 18-pack consists of liners. Those are not equivalent starting points, even when the intended result is a mature evergreen screen.
If privacy is needed immediately, living plants may not solve the near-term problem on their own. I would select the plant for the long-term yard plan and avoid assuming that a bulk order will create instant coverage. For the best chance of a healthy screen, give each plant appropriate room, follow its watering guidance, and account for the time needed to establish after planting.
Check shipping and purchase details for live plants
Live plants can face different handling and regional limits from ordinary garden supplies. The 18-pack listing explicitly says it cannot ship to California or Arizona, while the single Green Giant lists a 15-day warranty. I would read the current shipping, arrival, and replacement terms before ordering, then inspect the shipment promptly and follow the seller’s directions for planting and care.
For the 10-count set, the supplied information does not list plant height or hardiness zones. For the 18-pack, it identifies the plants as liners, so I would confirm the expected size and planting guidance if those details will affect the project. Clear details matter more when ordering many live plants: one mismatch in size, climate fit, or availability can affect an entire row rather than one isolated plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these plants is best for a narrow backyard?
Emerald Green Arborvitae is the strongest match in this comparison because its listed mature width is about 4 ft, much narrower than the Green Giant options’ listed dimensions. It is sold as a one-gallon plant, though, so it will not provide an instant full-height hedge. I would still measure the planting strip and check local conditions before planting a row.
Which option makes the most sense for a long privacy hedge?
The 10-count Green Giant set is a practical middle ground for a longer line, while the 18-pack is aimed at a more substantial screen or windbreak. The larger pack requires more installation work and space, and the 10-count set calls for frequent watering during its first month. I would decide based on the length of the boundary, the mature width each plant needs, and the care time available.
Can these plants create privacy right away?
None of the listings promises an immediate solid screen. The 3–4 ft Green Giant has the clearest stated starting height, while Emerald Green is supplied in a one-gallon container and the 18-pack consists of liners. Even plants described as fast-growing need time to establish and fill in, so I would treat these as long-term screening choices rather than instant barriers.
Which plant is better for a colder climate?
Emerald Green is listed for USDA zones 2–7, making it the more direct option for colder areas within that range. The single Green Giant and 18-pack are listed for zones 5–9, which excludes zones 2–4. The 10-count listing does not provide a zone range in the supplied specifications, so I would confirm regional suitability before ordering it.
How much watering should I expect after planting?
The 10-count Green Giant listing specifically recommends consistent, frequent watering during the first month. The single Green Giant is listed as needing moderate watering, and Emerald Green as needing regular watering; the 18-pack description says the plants need little maintenance once established but gives no first-month schedule. I would follow the seller’s care directions and check soil moisture rather than assuming an established plant’s needs apply to a new one.
Conclusion
For most buyers who want a clear starting point, I recommend the 3–4 ft Thuja Green Giant: it is a single plant with fertilizer and a planting guide, provided the yard can accommodate its substantial mature size. Choose the 10-count set if the project is a longer hedge and you can handle frequent early watering. For a narrow planting bed or a colder location within zones 2–7, Emerald Green Arborvitae is the better-shaped and better-ranged candidate, with patience required while a one-gallon plant grows.
I’d reserve the 18-pack of Green Giant liners for a large boundary or windbreak where its mature scale is welcome and the destination is eligible for shipping. The deciding questions are simple: how wide can the screen grow, what zone is the yard in, and how many plants can be watered and maintained during establishment? Match those answers before choosing a quantity, and the best privacy plant is the one that can grow into the yard you actually have.
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