Expert: Jim Hyland - 7/26/2006

Question
I recently read the Q&A on the life expectancy of Leyland Cypress (~15-20 yrs due to susceptibility to disease).  What is the life expectancy of the Thuja Green Giant?

FYI - I live in central North Carolina and am trying to decide which tree to plant as a privacy shield (to block the view of the road behind my house).  Thanks!

Answer
No one is sure of the life expectancy of Thuja Green Giant since it ahs not been around for to long. I would guess it is about the same as Leland. The main difference to me is Leland will have a wider crown where Thuja has a more narrow crown. I would sugest you call the North Carolina Forest Service , State Agency and ask one of their Foresters fo advice on how these trees do in NC. The NC Forest Service has an Urban Forest Section the specializes in tree selection for homes.