Marianne's Response

debbieowens’s Question

We have purchased a pallet of 6 gallon Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ to block our mosey neighbors next door in back. The tag says to space them 30-36 inches apart to make a hedge. What is your recommendation for a tight spacing but not crowded? Also, do you recommend trimming with an electric trimmer up the sides to keep away from our wood fence? Thank you!

Posted by Debbie Owens on April 2, 2017

Marianne's Response

I do agree with the recommended spacing on the plant tag. I do not agree with trimming the sides of the Thuja on a regular basis as too much pruning of these evergreens will stress them out. Better to move them away from the fence a bit more so they have better air circulation and room to grow. The good news is the Thuja you have will grow tall but more narrow so they may not require any trimming if you plant them at least 3 feet from the fence. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti