The Cheapest Hybrid Thuja Green Giant Trees

Seedlings

• Thuja "Green Giant" trees can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on how large they are. One way to get cheaper plants is to propagate them. One method of propagation includes planting seeds, and these seeds can be either collected or purchased for from a few cents to a couple dollars. Thujas generally put on their seeds in the autumn months, and the Green Giant variety is no exception. The seeds come in cones and the need to be stratified before planting. Stratification involves putting the seeds through a false winter by placing them in a cold situation, like a refrigerator. After stratification, plant the seeds, then select the biggest -- and when they’ve grown, select the healthiest seedlings and plant. It will take a few years before they become as large as trees.

Rooted Cuttings

• Rooting cuttings is another cheap way to get Thuja “Green Giant." These can either be propagated at home or purchased. If you want to purchase liners -- small plants that are intended to be grown in a pot or field -- keep in mind that most nurseries dealing in liners sell only to other nurseries. To take a cutting, snip about 4 to 6 inches off the tip of a branch, and clear foliage from the bottom 2 inches. Dip the cut edge into a rooting hormone -- found at most garden centers -- and place the cut edge into the soil about 1 to 2 inches. When strong roots develop, choose the healthiest and strongest plants and plant in the desired location. It may take some time before they become trees.

End of Season Clearance

• Some nurseries will offer great deals on plants at the end of the growing season, and the seasons vary according to climate. People waiting for the end of the season take a big chance that they won’t get what they want, however, since the nurseries are selling only what customers didn’t buy throughout the gardening season. Procrastinators might be in luck if the garden center over-purchased Thuja “Green Giant," or there was little demand. However, you shouldn't count on getting plants this way, because you're likely to be disappointed.

Wholesale to the Public

• There are nurseries that offer plants wholesale to the public for a limited amount of time. For example, a nursery may have just one weekend a year where the public can come in to purchase what would normally be restricted to other businesses. Some nurseries have outlet stores where they send their overstock, and you're allowed to purchase plants at wholesale prices. Once again, though, whether or not Thuja “Green Giant” will be available is highly dependent on economic conditions, the nursery's estimation of its needs and cancelled wholesale orders.