Types of Arborvitae Trees: What’s the Difference Between Emerald, Techny, Nigra, and Green Giant?

If you’ve been searching for “types of arborvitae trees” or “what’s the difference between arborvitae varieties,” you’ve probably noticed one thing fast—there are a lot of options, and they all start to sound the same.

On our farm, we’ve narrowed it down to four arborvitaes that consistently perform: Emerald Pyramidal, Techny, Dark Green (Nigra), and Green Giant. Each one fills a different role, and understanding those differences is the key to planting the right tree in the right place.

This guide breaks it down in plain terms so you can decide what actually works for your property.

Quick Answer: What’s the Difference Between Arborvitae Types?

The main differences between arborvitae varieties come down to:

• Mature size (height and width)

• Growth rate (slow vs fast)

• Density (how thick the screen becomes)

• Best use (privacy, windbreak, or decorative)

Some are built for tight, clean privacy rows, while others are meant for large-scale wind protection.

Emerald Pyramidal Arborvitae

Best for: Small spaces and neat privacy lines

Emerald Pyramidal is one of the most popular arborvitaes because of its narrow, upright shape and consistent color.

Key features:

• Grows about 12–15 feet tall

• Stays narrow (3–4 feet wide)

• Moderate growth rate

• Bright green color year-round

How it’s different:Compared to other arborvitaes, Emerald is:

• Smaller and more controlled

• Better for landscaping and tight areas

• Not ideal for large windbreaks

Bottom line:If you’re looking for a clean, uniform hedge near a house, driveway, or fence line, this is the go-to.

Techny Arborvitae

Best for: Cold climates and thicker privacy hedges

Techny arborvitae is a more rugged, dense variety that handles harsh weather better than most.

Key features:

• Grows 10–20 feet tall

• Wider than Emerald (6–10 feet)

• Moderate growth rate

• Dense, dark green foliage

How it’s different:

• More cold-hardy than Emerald

• Thicker and fuller, making it a better natural screen

• A good middle-ground between small and large varieties

Bottom line:Techny is ideal if you want a durable, mid-sized privacy barrier that can handle tough winters.

Dark Green (Nigra) Arborvitae

Best for: Taller privacy screens with a natural look

Nigra arborvitae—often labeled “Dark Green”—is a classic choice that doesn’t get as much attention but performs extremely well.

Key features:

• Grows 20–25 feet tall

• Medium width (6–8 feet)

• Moderate growth rate

• Deep green color that holds well in winter

How it’s different:

• Taller than Techny but not as massive as Green Giant

• Richer color and traditional evergreen look

• Strong choice for long property lines

Bottom line:If you want a taller, natural-looking screen without going oversized, Nigra is a great fit.

Green Giant Arborvitae

Best for: Fast-growing windbreaks and large properties

Green Giant is one of the fastest-growing arborvitaes available—and it shows.

Key features:

• Can reach 40–60 feet tall

• Spreads 12–18 feet wide

• Fast growth (up to 3–5 feet per year)

• Very hardy and adaptable

How it’s different:

• Much larger and faster-growing than all other types

• Best suited for wide-open spaces

• Commonly used for windbreaks and large privacy screens

Bottom line:If your goal is quick coverage on a large property, Green Giant is hard to beat.

Arborvitae Comparison Chart

Variety	Height	Width	Growth Speed	Best Use
Emerald Pyramidal	12–15 ft	3–4 ft	Moderate	Small privacy hedges
Techny	10–20 ft	6–10 ft	Moderate	Cold-hardy privacy screen
Nigra (Dark Green)	20–25 ft	6–8 ft	Moderate	Taller natural hedge
Green Giant	40–60 ft	12–18 ft	Fast	Windbreaks, large areas

Which Arborvitae Should You Choose?

If you’re still deciding, here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Choose Emerald Pyramidal if you need something narrow and decorative

• Choose Techny if you want dense coverage in colder climates

• Choose Nigra if you want a taller, traditional evergreen screen

• Choose Green Giant if you need fast growth and large-scale coverage

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Arborvitae for Your Property

The biggest mistake people make when planting arborvitae is assuming they’re all the same. They’re not.

Some are built for tight, manicured spaces, while others are designed to handle wind, weather, and wide-open land.

If you match the tree to your space and your goal, arborvitae can be one of the most effective—and low-maintenance—plantings you’ll ever make.

Tip: Before planting, map out your spacing based on the tree’s mature width. Giving arborvitae enough room from the start saves years of pruning and prevents overcrowding later on.