The difference between Emerald Green and Techny arborvitae lies primarily in their size and growth habits. While both varieties are shorter than other arborvitae trees, they differ in their spreading capabilities and overall appearance.
Emerald Green, as the name suggests, is known for its vibrant green foliage. It typically reaches a height of around 15 feet and spreads over approximately 7 feet. This compact and narrow growth habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or areas where space is limited. The dense foliage of Emerald Green provides privacy and acts as a natural screen, making it a popular choice for hedges or borders.
On the other hand, Techny arborvitae shares the same height as Emerald Green, reaching around 15 feet. However, Techny has a wider spread, extending up to 10 feet. Unlike Emerald Green, Techny has a more rounded and open growth habit, with branches that gracefully arch outwards. This spreading growth habit makes Techny ideal for filling larger spaces in the landscape, creating a more substantial presence.
One notable difference between these two varieties is the way they skirt the ground. While Emerald Green maintains a more upright and compact form, Techny tends to spread out and touch the ground with its lower branches. This characteristic can be advantageous if you are looking to create a dense hedge or if you want to add more visual interest to the lower portion of your landscape.
In terms of care and maintenance, both Emerald Green and Techny arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance plants. They are both tolerant of a variety of soil types and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Regular watering during the establishment period is essential, but once established, they are quite drought-tolerant. Pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape and size, although it is not always necessary.
Having personally worked with both Emerald Green and Techny arborvitae in various landscaping projects, I have found that they each have their unique charm. Emerald Green’s compact and upright form creates a sense of neatness and structure, making it perfect for formal gardens or when a more tailored look is desired. Techny, on the other hand, brings a sense of softness and natural beauty to the landscape with its graceful arching branches and ground-skirting habit.
The difference between Emerald Green and Techny arborvitae lies in their spread and growth habits. While Emerald Green remains more compact and upright, Techny has a wider spread and gracefully skirts the ground. Both varieties offer their own distinct advantages and can be chosen based on the specific requirements of your landscape.
