When it comes to landscaping in West Michigan, privacy is often at the top of the priority list. Whether you’re trying to block out a noisy road or create a secluded backyard oasis, one plant reigns supreme: the Arborvitae.
Known as Michigan’s favorite “living fence,” these evergreens are prized for their thick foliage, year-round color, and narrow footprint. However, at Everett’s Gardens, one question we hear often from homeowners is: “I have a lot of trees, will an Arborvitae actually survive in my shaded yard?”
Before you start digging, let’s break down the best varieties for your space and the truth about their sunlight needs.
Green Giant vs. Emerald Green: What’s the Difference?
While there are many cultivars, two varieties dominate the Michigan landscape. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your space and your patience.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae: This is the classic privacy hedge. It grows in a narrow, pyramidal shape, reaching about 12–15 feet tall. It stays a bright, shimmering green even through our tough winters and is perfect for tight spaces where you don’t want the tree to take over the yard.
- Green Giant Arborvitae: If you need a massive screen fast, this is your tree. Green Giants are the heavy lifters—they can grow up to 3 feet per year, reaching heights of 30+ feet. They are tougher, more deer-resistant, and have a more feathery look compared to the Emerald Green.
The Big Question: Sun vs. Shade
So, will they grow in the shade? The short answer is: Yes, but with a “but.”
Arborvitae are technically rated for Full Sun to Partial Shade. Here is how that looks in reality:
1. Full Sun (6+ Hours)
In full sun, Arborvitae thrive. They will grow thick, dense foliage from the bottom to the very top. If your goal is a solid wall where you can’t see your neighbors at all, a sunny spot is the way to go.
2. Partial Shade (4–6 Hours)
Arborvitae can survive and grow in partial shade, but they will look different. In lower light, the foliage becomes “loftier” or thinner. The tree won’t be as dense because it’s stretching its branches to find more light.
Pro Tip: If you have a shadier spot, the Green Giant tends to handle lower light slightly better than the Emerald Green, though it will still lose some of its characteristic thickness.
3. Full Shade (Less than 4 Hours)
We generally don’t recommend Arborvitae for deep, full shade (like under a dense canopy of old-growth maples). Without enough Vitamin D from the sun, the inner branches will brown out, growth will stall, and the plant will become susceptible to disease.
Choosing the Right Spot
If you’re worried about sunlight, take a day to track the shadows in your yard. If your “shaded” area still gets a solid 4–5 hours of afternoon sun, you’re in the clear! If it’s dark all day, our team at Everett’s can help you find shade-loving alternatives like Hemlocks or specific Yew varieties.
Build Your Privacy Screen Today
Whether you’re looking for the fast-growing Green Giant or the elegant Emerald Green, we have the perfect specimens waiting for you. Visit Everett’s Gardens in Byron Center to shop our Arborvitae selection and see the difference in person. Have questions about your specific yard? Call our team today to ask about our expert delivery and professional installation services!