6 Foot Emerald Green Arborvitae For Sale Near Me: The Complete Buyer's Guide

What Is a 6 Foot Emerald Green Arborvitae?

The emerald green arborvitae is a cultivar of American arborvitae native to the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Unlike the broader, looser American arborvitae, 'Smaragd' grows in a tight, conical column with glossy, emerald-green foliage that holds its color through winter—making it far superior to older varieties that tend to bronze in cold weather.

A 6 foot emerald green arborvitae is typically sold as a field-grown or container-grown specimen that has already spent several years in cultivation. At this height, the tree is usually 12 to 18 inches wide at the base and comes in a root ball or a large nursery container. Because it is already established, it will begin growing and filling out immediately after planting—unlike bare-root whips or small starter plants.

These trees are most commonly used as:

• Privacy hedges and screens between neighboring properties
• Windbreaks around patios and decks
• Property line markers and natural fencing
• Foundation plantings and landscape accents
• Container specimens for patios and entryways (with proper care)

If you are considering pairing your arborvitae with other evergreens for a layered screen, you might also explore 6 foot white pine trees for sale near me or 6 foot blue spruce trees for sale near me as complementary species.

Where to Find 6 Foot Emerald Green Arborvitae For Sale Near You

When searching for "6 foot emerald green arborvitae for sale near me," you have several options. Each has trade-offs in selection, quality, convenience, and how much control you have over the tree you actually receive. Here is a breakdown of the most common sources:

1. Local Independent Nurseries

Independent garden centers and nurseries that specialize in trees and evergreens are generally your best bet for healthy, well-cared-for 6 foot arborvitae. Staff at these businesses can tell you how long the trees have been in stock, where they were grown, and how they have been watered and fertilized. You can inspect the root flare, check for disease or pest damage, and pick the specific tree you want. Many independent nurseries also offer delivery and planting services for larger specimens.

2. Big-Box Home Improvement Stores

Large retailers often carry 6 foot arborvitae in season, usually in early spring through early summer. Selection may be smaller, and staff expertise can vary, but the convenience and broad availability make them a reasonable fallback—especially if you only need a few trees. Inspect carefully: big-box stock can dry out quickly or sit in hot parking lots before being placed on display.

3. Online Nurseries and Tree Farms

Online nurseries that specialize in evergreens can ship 6 foot arborvitae directly to your door, often with a guarantee. This is a strong option if you live in an area with limited local selection or if you want a specific cultivar with documented provenance. Shipping a 6 foot tree is not cheap, so compare total delivered cost—not just the sticker tier—before committing. Always check the nursery's replacement policy and reviews from other customers.

4. Specialty Tree Farms and Wholesale Growers

If you need a larger quantity—say, 10 or more trees for a long privacy hedge—local tree farms may sell to the public or refer you to a landscape contractor. Wholesale growers often have the healthiest stock and the best selection of sizes, but they may require a minimum purchase or only sell through landscapers. If you are planning a larger planting, it is worth calling around to ask.

No matter where you buy, avoid trees that are root-bound, have yellowing or browning interior foliage, show signs of bagworms or spider mites, or are sitting in standing water. Healthy 6 foot arborvitae should have dense, deep green foliage from the base to the top and a firm root ball with no circling roots visible at the surface.

Comparing Buying Sources: What to Expect

The table below summarizes the typical characteristics of each buying source. Use the tier descriptors to gauge relative quality and service level—not to compare specific prices, which vary widely by region and season.

What to Look For in a 6 Foot Emerald Green Arborvitae

Not all 6 foot arborvitae are equal. Before you hand over payment, run through this checklist to make sure you are buying a tree that will establish quickly and live for decades:

If you are buying in person, gently squeeze the root ball—it should feel firm and heavy, not loose or crumbling. Ask how long the tree has been in its current container; trees that have been potted for more than two seasons are more likely to be root-bound. If you are buying online, read the nursery's size guarantee and replacement policy carefully, and check customer reviews for complaints about shipping damage or tree health on arrival.

How to Plant a 6 Foot Emerald Green Arborvitae

Planting a 6 foot tree is more involved than planting a small starter, but it is still very doable for a homeowner with basic tools. The goal is to minimize transplant shock and give the root system the best possible start.

Step-by-Step Planting

1. Choose the right spot. Pick a location with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) and well-drained soil. Avoid low spots where water pools after rain.
2. Dig a hole wider than the root ball. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
3. Loosen the root ball. Gently loosen circling roots with your fingers or a soil knife. Do not break up the root ball aggressively—just tease out the outer roots.
4. Set the tree. Place the tree in the hole and check that the root flare is visible and level with the soil surface. Adjust the hole depth if needed.
5. Backfill. Fill the hole with native soil (amended with compost if your soil is poor), firming gently to remove air pockets. Do not mound soil against the trunk.
6. Water deeply. Water slowly and thoroughly until the soil is saturated and settles around the root ball. Add more soil if needed to fill any voids.
7. Mulch. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature.
8. Stake if needed. On windy sites, stake the tree loosely for the first year. Remove stakes after one growing season.

Spacing for Privacy

For a dense privacy hedge, space 6 foot emerald green arborvitae 2 to 3 feet apart on center. If you want a more natural, specimen look, space them 4 to 5 feet apart. The closer spacing creates a faster visual screen but requires more trees. If you are building a larger privacy planting, consider pairing arborvitae with 7 ft x 100 ft black polypropylene deer fence to protect young trees from browsing deer while they establish.

Caring for Your 6 Foot Emerald Green Arborvitae

Once planted, emerald green arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance—but the first year is critical. Here is what to focus on:

Watering

Water newly planted arborvitae deeply once a week for the first growing season, providing about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a week. Once established (after about two years), arborvitae are moderately drought-tolerant but still benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overhead watering in the evening, which can promote fungal disease.

Fertilizing

Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can push excessive soft growth that is vulnerable to winter damage. If your soil is rich and the tree is growing well, you may not need to fertilize at all.

Pruning

Emerald green arborvitae naturally maintain a tidy conical shape, so heavy pruning is rarely needed. Lightly shear in late spring or early summer to tidy stray branches, but avoid cutting into old wood—arborvitae does not regenerate well from bare wood. Remove any dead or damaged branches as they appear.

Pest and Disease Watch

Watch for bagworms, spider mites, and root rot in poorly drained soils. Bagworms can defoliate a tree quickly; handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and cause stippled, bronzed foliage. Keeping trees well-watered and mulched helps them resist pests naturally.

For broader lawn and landscape maintenance around your new planting, see our guides on best organic fertilizer and weed killer for lawn and best product to get rid of weeds in lawn.

Understanding Value: What Tier Should You Buy?

6 foot emerald green arborvitae are generally sold at three broad quality tiers. Rather than quoting prices—which vary significantly by region, season, and supplier—use these tier descriptors to compare options:

• Entry-level: Typically big-box stock or bare-root/container trees from mass producers. May be smaller than advertised, less dense, or less carefully grown. Acceptable for budget-conscious buyers who can inspect carefully.
• Mid-range: Independent nurseries and reputable online growers. Healthy, well-formed trees with good root systems and reliable guarantees. The best balance of quality and value for most homeowners.
• Premium: Specialty tree farms and high-end nurseries. Dense, perfectly shaped specimens, often field-grown with meticulous care. The best choice for high-visibility privacy screens or formal landscapes.

When comparing options, focus on health and root quality rather than height alone. A slightly shorter but healthier tree will usually establish faster and outgrow a taller but stressed specimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

Explore more of our guides to build a complete, thriving landscape around your new arborvitae:

• 8 foot emerald green arborvitae for sale near me — if you need a taller instant screen
• 10 foot emerald green arborvitae for sale near me — for maximum privacy right away
• Best shrubs for full sun in front of house — complementary foundation plantings
• Best small bushes to plant in front of house — low-growing accents
• Best plants to purify the air in your home — indoor greenery ideas
• Best soil for raised bed vegetable garden — if you are also planning edibles