Areolar Tissue is loose connective tissue that consists of a meshwork of collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibres-with many connective tissue cells in between the meshwork of fibres. The fibres that form the mesh structure of areolar tissue include:
Normal growth rates for Emerald Green (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') are between 6 to 12 per year once established and tapering off as they reach about 12' to 15'. I'd be suprised to see more than about 18 per year even in ideal conditions.
Pruning an arborvitae plant in the winter will help to encourage more arborvitae growth in the coming growing season. Pinching back leaves or growth tips will also encourage the new growth. New arborvitae growth will appear a bright yellow green, contrasting with the rest of the plant, and be very soft.