Quickly Grow a Natural Privacy Screen or Sound Barrier

The Perfect Fast-Growing Evergreen Screen This week we are featuring an evergreen that is not only fast growing, beautiful and low-maintenance, but provides the perfect privacy screen - 'Thuja 'Steeplechase.' 'Steeplechase' is a branch sport of the popular 'Green Giant' arborvitae. It was discovered in the summer of 1990 in Maryland. Until now 'Green Giant' has been considered the ideal fast-growing privacy hedge, superior to the problem-prone Leyland Cypress, but 'Steeplechase' is even better than 'Green Giant.' In effect, the best just got better.

'Steeplechase' has a pyramidal shape with rich, green fragrant foliage. The foliage is deeper green and has a very fine texture which makes it even neater and denser than 'Green Giant.' Once established, 'Steeplechase' grows at a rate of about 2 feet per year. Fourteen year old trees are approximately 25 feet tall and only 10 feet wide at the base.

'Steeplechase' needs no shearing; but can be trimmed to a smaller size. Thuja 'Green Giant', and therefore Thuja 'Steeplechase', is believed to be a hybrid of the giant western arborvitae and the Japanese arborvitae. They are not to be confused with the much slower growing common Eastern American arborvitaes. Because 'Steeplechase' is so new, the ultimate size is not known; but I suspect about 35 feet tall and 12 feet wide, so 'Steeplechase' doesn't take up a large part of your yard. And unlike 'Green Giant,' it keeps a tight shape and will not stretch and become open. 'Steeplechase' is extremely resistant to snow, ice and wind.

Planting and Care 'Steeplechase' is very low-maintenance; just fertilize every spring and fall and watch it thrive! It is rated as deer-resistant and bag worm resistant. 'Steeplechase' is hardy to Zone 5. If you are in need of a privacy screen or a windbreak in your yard - 'Steeplechase' is the conifer of choice!

  • For best results plant in spring or fall.

  • Space 10 feet apart; 6 feet for a quick screen.

  • Will thrive in any soil from sandy to heavy clay.

  • Fertilize early every spring and in late fall with Cottonseed Meal and Kelp Meal.

  • Prune, if desired, in early spring.

  • Prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade.

  • Water regularly until established; very drought tolerant thereafter.

  • Hardy in Zones 5-8.

    • Our Garden Worthy Certification means that your satisfaction is guaranteed.

    Click here to view Thuja 'Steeplechase' on the Carroll Gardens website.

    Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America