Green Giant vs. Arborvitae for Privacy in Greenwich and Westport

Davida Landscape Designs Team • October 23, 2026

Green Giant vs. Arborvitae for Privacy in Greenwich and Westport

If you're planning a privacy screen in Greenwich or Westport, you've probably narrowed it down to two names: Green Giant and arborvitae. Right now, Green Giant is the most-requested privacy tree we plant. Technically, Green Giant is an arborvitae too, a hybrid in the Thuja family. When most homeowners say "arborvitae," they mean the classic Emerald Green. Here's how the two compare head to head for Fairfield County properties.

Green Giant vs. Emerald Green Arborvitae: Head to Head

Growth rate: Green Giant grows about 3 feet a year once established, so a screen fills in within a few seasons. Emerald Green grows noticeably slower and takes longer to reach full privacy.

Mature size: Left unpruned, Green Giant can reach 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide. Emerald Green stays much smaller, typically about 12 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, which suits narrow side yards.

Deer resistance: This is often the deciding factor. Green Giant shows much better resistance to deer browsing, though no plant is truly deer-proof. Emerald Green is a deer favorite and is frequently damaged.

Disease, light, and shaping: Green Giant resists disease, grows best in full sun while tolerating partial shade, and can be hedged to keep it at a manageable height and width.

What Greenwich and Westport Properties Need

Deer are a constant challenge across lower Fairfield County, which is a big reason Green Giant has become so popular for Greenwich landscaping and Westport landscaping projects. Many lots also call for a tall screen to block neighboring homes or roads, which plays to Green Giant's strengths. Shoreline properties are an exception worth discussing, since Green Giant doesn't handle salty sites well. For a broader look, see our guide to evergreen privacy screening.

When Emerald Green Still Makes Sense

Emerald Green can still be the better pick for tight spaces where a 12-foot-wide tree won't fit, such as a narrow side yard or a spot near the house. In those cases, plan for deer protection and accept a slower path to full privacy. Mixing plant types can also help, as we explain in our post on deer-resistant garden design.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Giant and Arborvitae

  • Is Green Giant better than arborvitae for privacy?

    For most Greenwich and Westport properties, Green Giant is the stronger privacy choice. It grows about 3 feet a year, resists disease, and holds up much better against deer than Emerald Green arborvitae. The main tradeoff is size, since Green Giant gets far taller and wider. If you have the room, it usually delivers privacy faster and with fewer problems.

  • Is Green Giant a type of arborvitae?

    Yes, Green Giant is a hybrid arborvitae in the Thuja family. When people compare "Green Giant vs. arborvitae," they usually mean Green Giant versus Emerald Green, the narrow, slower-growing arborvitae commonly planted in hedges. The two are related, but they differ in growth rate, mature size, and how well they hold up to deer browsing.

  • Do deer eat Green Giant trees?

    Deer are much less likely to eat Green Giant than Emerald Green, but no tree is completely deer-proof. In areas with heavy deer pressure, young trees can still be nibbled, especially in winter. Green Giant's better resistance is a major reason it's so popular in Greenwich and Westport, where deer damage to Emerald Green hedges is a common complaint.

  • Can Green Giant be kept shorter with pruning?

    Yes, Green Giant can be hedged to control its height and width. Regular trimming keeps it at a size that fits your property instead of letting it reach its full 40-plus-foot potential. Because it grows quickly, it does need consistent pruning to stay in shape. Our landscape maintenance services can handle that ongoing care for you.

  • Does Green Giant grow in shade?

    Green Giant grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. In shadier spots, it may grow more slowly and fill in less densely than it would in a sunny location. During a site visit, we look at how much light each part of your property line gets so your screen is planned for even, dense coverage.

Ready for more privacy? Our team will walk your property, check light, space, and deer pressure, and recommend the right screen for your Greenwich or Westport home. Schedule your design consultation or contact Davida Landscape Designs today. You can also explore our recent work across Fairfield County.

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