he Green Giant arborvitae is an especially fast-growing hybrid between the Western redcedar and Japanese arborvitae. Unlike some other evergreens, its rich, dense, green foliage does not yellow or brown in winter and only slightly bronzes or darkens. Mature trees reach up to 40 to 60 feet tall, growing densely, narrowly, and in a pyramidal habit. Leaves are small, glossy, and scale-like, emitting a wonderful fragrance when touched. The bark is dark brown and shaggy. Grown as an ideal substitute for Leland cypress in the southeastern United States, this large, needled tree is easy to grow and generally free of pests and diseases.