Arborvitae Privacy Tree FAQs
Everything Michigan homeowners ask us about choosing, installing, and caring for arborvitae privacy screens. For detailed watering and feeding instructions, see our arborvitae care guide. Don't see your question? Get in touch and we'll answer it.
Choosing Arborvitae
Which arborvitae is best for privacy in Michigan?
It depends on your space. Emerald Green is the most popular for standard residential lots: compact, formal, and green year-round. Green Giant is best for large properties needing fast, tall screening. American Pillar suits tight spaces, reaching full height in a narrow 3–4 ft. column. We help you match the variety to your lot during a free estimate.
How far apart should arborvitae be planted?
Spacing depends on the variety: Emerald Green goes about 28–30 in. on center and American Pillar about 3 ft. on center for a solid screen, while the larger Green Giant needs 4–5 ft. Planting too close crowds the roots and invites disease, so correct spacing matters for a healthy, lasting hedge.
How tall do arborvitae grow?
Emerald Green matures around 12–15 ft., while Green Giant and American Pillar can reach 25–30 ft. or more. Green Giant also spreads widest (5–7 ft.), whereas American Pillar stays narrow even as it climbs.
Are arborvitae deer resistant?
It varies. Emerald Green is readily browsed by deer, especially in winter. American Pillar and Green Giant hold up notably better. In high deer-pressure areas we'll steer you toward the more resistant varieties and can advise on protection.
Installation & Process
Do you deliver and install the trees, or just sell them?
We handle everything. Every order includes delivery and professional installation of premium nursery stock. We order Miss Dig to mark underground utilities, then do the digging, planting, and placement so you get a finished privacy screen without the heavy labor.
How does the process work, from quote to installation?
It starts with a free on-site or Google Earth estimate where we assess your space, sun, and soil and recommend a variety and layout. Once you approve, we schedule delivery and installation, plant the trees to proper depth and spacing, and walk you through aftercare.
What size trees do you install?
Sizes vary by variety: Emerald Green in 5, 6, 7, and 8 ft., Green Giant in 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 ft., and American Pillar in 4 and 5 ft. Starting with larger stock gives you a meaningful, finished-looking screen right away.
When is the best time to plant arborvitae in Michigan?
Spring and fall are ideal: cooler temperatures and reliable moisture help roots establish before summer heat or winter cold. That said, with proper watering, arborvitae can be planted through much of the growing season.
Care & Maintenance
How do I care for newly planted arborvitae?
Water is the priority in year one: about 1 in. or 10 gallons per week, split over 2–3 waterings through the first growing season. A 2–3 in. mulch ring (kept off the trunk) holds moisture and protects the roots. After establishment, arborvitae are low-maintenance and need little more than the occasional shaping.
Do arborvitae need to be pruned?
For privacy screening, very little. A light annual trim keeps the form tidy and encourages density, but arborvitae naturally hold their shape, especially the columnar varieties, which need almost no pruning.
Why are my arborvitae turning brown?
The most common causes are drought stress (too little water, especially in the first year), winter burn from cold wind, or deer browsing. Consistent watering and proper variety selection prevent most browning, and we're glad to advise if you're seeing problems.
Service Area & Company
What areas do you serve?
We install arborvitae throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties in Southeast Michigan, including Troy, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Oxford, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and many surrounding communities.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Lee's Lawn Maintenance is fully licensed and insured, and operates under Michigan Nursery #201954, with over 30 years of local landscaping experience.
How do I get a quote?
Call us at (248) 622-8788 or request a free quote through our contact page. We'll set up a no-pressure on-site estimate and recommend the right privacy trees for your property.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to talk through your property and recommend the right privacy trees, with a free, no-pressure estimate.