Question
I've always wanted to plant Thuga "Green Giant" for a privacy hedge.  Now that we live in Wichita, KS where houses are very close together and our yard has a sprinkler system, I wonder how these trees would survive the dry Summer.  Would there be other fast-growing trees that might be better for this area?

Answer
Green Giant will do find there. They're drought tolerant and have no significant insect or disease problems. This is a tough tree. Resists ice and snow damage. Grows in almost any soil, even sandy loam or heavy clays. Prefers direct sunlight, but also does well in partial shade.


Planting Thuja Green Giant Evergreens is simple!

Step 1 - Dig the Hole
Thuja Green Giant Evergreen trees like full to partial sun. Dig each hole approximately twice the diameter of the root system and not deeper than the root ball. Then loosen the soil on the walls of the planting hole so the roots can easily penetrate the soil.

Step 2 - Place the Tree
Set the tree in the planting hole. Don抰 dig deeper than necessary since the tree needs firm support from below to keep from settling. The top of the root ball of the Thuja Green Giant Evergreen should be slightly above the nearby soil. Next, spread out the roots in the hole. Now make sure the tree is straight up and down.

Step 3 ?Backfill the Hole
Finely loosen the soil and remove any rocks and grass before you start to fill the hole with the dirt. Apply water as you go to remove air pockets in the dirt. Water well again after the planting is complete. Make sure your Thujas get water during drought times during the first year at least.


Adding mulch to your Thuja Green Giant Evergreen trees will help retain moisture and keep grass and weeds down. It is recommended that you place mulch to a depth of 2"-3". Leave a ring around the trunk free of mulch several inches wide ?this allows the trunk to 揵reathe?and helps promote the trees?growth.


Planting a Privacy Screen: When planting Thuja Green Giants as a privacy screen, space your trees between 4 and 8 feet apart for a solid barrier. Your privacy screen will eventually get to a height of 20 to 40 feet high. If you want your trees shorter, plant closer together. If you want them taller, plant further apart.