The North Pole arborvitae and Emerald Green arborvitae are two popular cultivars of the species Thuja occidentalis. Both cultivars are known for their dense, pyramidal growth habit and their ability to thrive in a variety of climates. However, there are some key differences between the two cultivars.
The North Pole arborvitae is a smaller cultivar, typically reaching a height of 10-15 feet. It has a dense, pyramidal growth habit with deep green foliage. The Emerald Green arborvitae is a larger cultivar, typically reaching a height of 15-20 feet. It has a more open, pyramidal growth habit with bright green foliage.
Both cultivars are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in a variety of soils. They are both tolerant of drought and can withstand some shade. However, the North Pole arborvitae is more tolerant of cold temperatures than the Emerald Green arborvitae.
North Pole Arborvitae vs Emerald Green
When choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae, consider these key aspects:
- Size: North Pole is smaller (10-15 ft) than Emerald Green (15-20 ft).
- Foliage color: North Pole has deep green foliage, while Emerald Green has bright green foliage.
- Growth habit: North Pole has a dense, pyramidal growth habit, while Emerald Green has a more open, pyramidal growth habit.
- Cold tolerance: North Pole is more tolerant of cold temperatures than Emerald Green.
- Drought tolerance: Both cultivars are tolerant of drought.
- Soil adaptability: Both cultivars can be grown in a variety of soils.
- Maintenance: Both cultivars are relatively low-maintenance.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a smaller, more cold-tolerant arborvitae with deep green foliage, then North Pole is a good choice. If you need a larger, more open arborvitae with bright green foliage, then Emerald Green is a good choice.
Size
The difference in size between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae is an important consideration when choosing the right cultivar for your needs. North Pole is a smaller cultivar, typically reaching a height of 10-15 feet, while Emerald Green is a larger cultivar, typically reaching a height of 15-20 feet.
The size of an arborvitae can affect its suitability for different landscaping purposes. For example, North Pole arborvitae is a good choice for smaller spaces, such as foundation plantings or hedges. Emerald Green arborvitae is a better choice for larger spaces, such as privacy screens or windbreaks.
In addition to size, other factors to consider when choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae include foliage color, growth habit, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, soil adaptability, and maintenance requirements. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right cultivar for your specific needs and preferences.
Foliage color
The foliage color of North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae is one of the most obvious differences between the two cultivars. North Pole arborvitae has deep green foliage, while Emerald Green arborvitae has bright green foliage. This difference in foliage color is due to the different genetics of the two cultivars.
The foliage color of an arborvitae can affect its overall appearance and suitability for different landscaping purposes. For example, North Pole arborvitae with its deep green foliage is a good choice for creating a formal or traditional look. Emerald Green arborvitae with its bright green foliage is a good choice for creating a more modern or informal look.
In addition to foliage color, other factors to consider when choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae include size, growth habit, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, soil adaptability, and maintenance requirements. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right cultivar for your specific needs and preferences.
Growth habit
The growth habit of an arborvitae is the way in which it grows and develops. North Pole arborvitae has a dense, pyramidal growth habit, which means that it grows in a compact, cone-shaped form. Emerald Green arborvitae has a more open, pyramidal growth habit, which means that it grows in a less dense, more spreading form.
- Density: North Pole arborvitae has a denser growth habit than Emerald Green arborvitae. This means that North Pole arborvitae has more foliage per square foot than Emerald Green arborvitae. This difference in density can affect the overall appearance of the two cultivars, with North Pole arborvitae appearing more formal and Emerald Green arborvitae appearing more informal.
- Shape: North Pole arborvitae has a more pyramidal growth habit than Emerald Green arborvitae. This means that North Pole arborvitae has a more distinct cone-shaped form than Emerald Green arborvitae. This difference in shape can affect the suitability of the two cultivars for different landscaping purposes, with North Pole arborvitae being better suited for formal settings and Emerald Green arborvitae being better suited for informal settings.
In addition to growth habit, other factors to consider when choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae include size, foliage color, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, soil adaptability, and maintenance requirements. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right cultivar for your specific needs and preferences.
Cold tolerance
When choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae, cold tolerance is an important factor to consider, especially if you live in a region with cold winters. North Pole arborvitae is more tolerant of cold temperatures than Emerald Green arborvitae, making it a better choice for colder climates.
- USDA hardiness zones: North Pole arborvitae is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, while Emerald Green arborvitae is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This means that North Pole arborvitae can withstand colder temperatures than Emerald Green arborvitae.
- Winter burn: Emerald Green arborvitae is more susceptible to winter burn than North Pole arborvitae. Winter burn is a condition that occurs when the foliage of an evergreen plant is damaged by cold temperatures and strong winds. This damage can cause the foliage to turn brown or red and can eventually lead to the death of the plant.
In addition to cold tolerance, other factors to consider when choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae include size, foliage color, growth habit, drought tolerance, soil adaptability, and maintenance requirements. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right cultivar for your specific needs and preferences.
Drought tolerance
Drought tolerance is an important factor to consider when choosing any plant for your landscape, especially if you live in an area with limited rainfall. Both North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae are tolerant of drought, making them a good choice for low-water landscapes.
- Water requirements: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae both have low water requirements. They can survive on as little as 1 inch of water per week, although they will perform best if they receive more. During periods of drought, you can reduce watering to once every two or three weeks.
- Drought symptoms: When North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae are drought-stressed, they will show some common symptoms, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, and browning needles. If you see these symptoms, increase watering immediately.
- Recovery from drought: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae are both relatively resilient trees and can recover from drought stress with proper care. Once the drought has ended, resume regular watering and fertilize the trees to help them recover.
In addition to drought tolerance, other factors to consider when choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae include size, foliage color, growth habit, cold tolerance, soil adaptability, and maintenance requirements. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right cultivar for your specific needs and preferences.
Soil adaptability
The soil adaptability of North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae is an important factor to consider when choosing the right cultivar for your landscape. Both cultivars can be grown in a variety of soils, including:
- Well-drained soils: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae prefer well-drained soils that do not hold water. These soils allow the roots of the trees to breathe and prevent them from rotting.
- Moist soils: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae can also tolerate moist soils, but they should not be planted in soils that are constantly wet or waterlogged. These conditions can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Acidic soils: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae can tolerate acidic soils, but they prefer soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. These soils provide the trees with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
- Clay soils: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae can be grown in clay soils, but these soils should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.
In addition to soil adaptability, other factors to consider when choosing between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae include size, foliage color, growth habit, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, and maintenance requirements. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right cultivar for your specific needs and preferences.
Maintenance
When comparing North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae, their low maintenance requirements are a key similarity. Both cultivars are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for busy homeowners or those new to landscaping.
- Watering: Both North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae have low water requirements and can survive on as little as 1 inch of water per week. During periods of drought, you can reduce watering to once every two or three weeks.
- Fertilizing: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae only need to be fertilized once a year, in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, and follow the directions on the package.
- Pruning: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae can be pruned to shape or size, but they do not require regular pruning. If you do need to prune your arborvitae, do so in the spring or summer.
In addition to their low maintenance requirements, North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae are also relatively pest- and disease-resistant. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, attractive tree for their landscape.
FAQs on North Pole vs. Emerald Green Arborvitae
When selecting the ideal arborvitae cultivar for your landscaping needs, it’s essential to understand the key differences between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae. Here we address frequently asked questions to clarify their distinct characteristics and help you make an informed decision:
Question 1: What are the primary differences between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae?
Answer: Primarily, their size and foliage color distinguish these cultivars. North Pole is smaller, reaching 10-15 feet tall, with deep green foliage. Emerald Green, on the other hand, grows larger, reaching 15-20 feet tall, with brighter green foliage.
Question 2: Which cultivar is more suitable for colder climates?
Answer: North Pole arborvitae exhibits greater cold tolerance than Emerald Green arborvitae. Its hardiness extends to USDA zone 3, making it a more resilient choice for regions with harsh winters.
Question 3: How do their growth habits differ?
Answer: North Pole arborvitae showcases a dense, pyramidal growth habit, resulting in a compact, cone-shaped form. In contrast, Emerald Green arborvitae displays a more open, pyramidal growth habit, creating a less dense and broader shape.
Question 4: Which cultivar requires more maintenance?
Answer: Both North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance. They share similar watering and fertilizing needs, requiring occasional pruning to maintain their desired shape.
Question 5: Can these arborvitae tolerate drought conditions?
Answer: Yes, both North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae are drought-tolerant. They can withstand periods of limited water availability, making them suitable for water-wise landscaping.
Question 6: What soil conditions are ideal for these cultivars?
Answer: North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae can thrive in well-drained soils. They adapt well to various soil types, including acidic soils and clay soils amended with organic matter.
Summary: Understanding the differences between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae empowers you to select the most appropriate cultivar for your specific landscaping requirements. Consider factors such as size, foliage color, cold tolerance, and maintenance needs to make an informed decision that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come.
Transition to the next article section: Delve deeper into the unique attributes and applications of North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae in various landscaping designs.
Tips for Choosing Between North Pole and Emerald Green Arborvitae
When selecting between North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae for your landscaping, consider these expert tips:
Tip 1: Evaluate Your Landscape’s Size and Scale: Determine the available space in your yard. North Pole arborvitae is ideal for smaller areas, while Emerald Green arborvitae suits larger spaces.
Tip 2: Consider Climate Conditions: North Pole arborvitae exhibits exceptional cold tolerance, making it suitable for colder regions (USDA zone 3). Emerald Green arborvitae, hardy to zone 4, is better suited for milder climates.
Tip 3: Choose Foliage Color for Visual Impact: North Pole arborvitae’s deep green foliage creates a formal, traditional look. Emerald Green arborvitae’s brighter green foliage adds a modern, vibrant touch to your landscape.
Tip 4: Select Growth Habit for Desired Shape: North Pole arborvitae’s dense, pyramidal growth habit provides a compact, conical form. Emerald Green arborvitae’s more open, pyramidal growth habit creates a broader, less dense shape.
Tip 5: Assess Maintenance Needs: Both cultivars are low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning, watering, and fertilizing. However, Emerald Green arborvitae may require slightly more pruning to maintain its desired shape.
Summary: By carefully considering these tips, you can select the North Pole or Emerald Green arborvitae cultivar that best aligns with your specific landscaping needs and preferences, ensuring a thriving, visually appealing addition to your outdoor space.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Explore the diverse applications and benefits of North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae, unlocking their potential to enhance your landscaping design.
Conclusion
The exploration of North Pole and Emerald Green arborvitae unveils their unique characteristics and applications in landscaping design. By understanding their differences in size, foliage color, cold tolerance, growth habit, and maintenance needs, you can make informed choices to enhance your outdoor space.
From creating privacy screens and windbreaks to adding visual interest and texture, these versatile arborvitae cultivars offer a range of benefits. Whether you prefer the compact, formal look of North Pole or the larger, more open shape of Emerald Green, incorporating these plants into your landscape will bring lasting beauty and functionality.
As you plan your landscaping, consider the tips provided to select the most suitable cultivar for your specific needs and preferences. By choosing North Pole or Emerald Green arborvitae, you invest in a low-maintenance, visually stunning addition that will thrive for years to come.
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