American Pillar Arborvitae planted in a row for privacy

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American Pillar Arborvitae – Full Speed A Hedge®

Q: How fast does American Pillar Arborvitae grow each year?

American Pillar Arborvitae is prized for its remarkable growth rate—often 3 to 4 feet per year once established. This rapid vertical growth makes it one of the best evergreen options for creating a quick privacy screen or living fence. Gardeners seeking a fast solution to block unsightly views or reduce noise appreciate how quickly this columnar Thuja delivers dense coverage. Under optimal conditions—full sun, well-drained soil, and regular deep watering during the first year—your hedge will reach 15 to 20 feet in height in just a few seasons. Its naturally tight, 3–4 foot width means you can achieve instant impact even in narrow planting strips or along tight property lines.

Q: How far apart should I space American Pillar Arborvitae for a privacy hedge?

For a seamless hedge, plant American Pillar Arborvitae 3–4 feet apart on center. This spacing allows the trees’ natural 3–4 foot width to overlap as they mature, quickly forming a solid green wall. Tight spacing accelerates the creation of a privacy barrier while ensuring enough airflow to keep the foliage healthy. If you prefer a slightly more open look or need easier access between trees, spacing of 4–5 feet on center will still provide a dense screen within a few years. With either arrangement, the variety’s rapid growth and dense branching will produce a living fence that rivals the coverage of a traditional wood or vinyl fence.

Q: How does American Pillar Arborvitae compare to Emerald Green and Green Giant varieties?

Compared to Emerald Green Arborvitae, American Pillar grows significantly faster—up to 3–4 feet per year versus about 6–12 inches for Emerald Green—and reaches 15–20 feet tall while staying only 3–4 feet wide. This ultra-narrow habit makes it ideal for tight property lines where space is limited. When measured against Green Giant Arborvitae, American Pillar is far more compact, with Green Giant typically spreading 12–15 feet wide. For homeowners who want the height and quick privacy of Green Giant but lack the space for its broad footprint, American Pillar delivers the best of both worlds: fast growth and a slim profile.

Q: Is American Pillar Arborvitae deer resistant?

Yes—American Pillar Arborvitae is naturally deer resistant, thanks to its aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. This makes it an excellent choice for rural and suburban landscapes where browsing deer can devastate more vulnerable evergreens. Homeowners appreciate its ability to maintain dense, vibrant greenery without constant fencing or chemical repellents. While no plant is completely deer-proof, American Pillar consistently holds its rich green color and thick foliage even in high deer-traffic areas. Its combination of deer resistance and rapid growth makes it one of the most reliable evergreen hedging options for long-term privacy and year-round beauty.

Q: Can American Pillar Arborvitae be grown in small yards or tight spaces?

Absolutely. American Pillar Arborvitae’s slim 3–4 foot mature width makes it ideal for narrow side yards, small urban gardens, and tight planting strips along driveways or property lines. Its naturally upright habit delivers a tall, elegant privacy screen without encroaching on valuable outdoor living space. Even in compact settings, this cultivar thrives when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Because it maintains its dense columnar shape without shearing, American Pillar provides a low-maintenance, space-saving solution for homeowners who want year-round evergreen coverage.

Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar

If you want a fast, full hedge without giving up yard space, American Pillar Arborvitae is the plant I recommend first. Its combination of rapid growth, ultra-narrow footprint, and natural deer resistance means you can create a living fence in a fraction of the time it takes other evergreens. Whether you’re screening a pool, bordering a driveway, or defining your property line, American Pillar delivers tall, dense greenery that keeps its shape with almost no maintenance.

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American Pillar Arborvitae – Full Speed A Hedge®

Fast-growing privacy in tight spaces.
The American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’), also sold as Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar, is the ultimate solution for homeowners who need a tall, lush screen but have limited yard space. This cold-hardy evergreen rockets to 20 feet tall yet stays a slim 3–4 feet wide, creating a living green wall that requires a fraction of the footprint of other privacy trees. Its deep green, feathery foliage remains vibrant all year, offering a dense barrier from street noise, neighbors, or unsightly views.

Ultra-narrow and low maintenance.
Unlike many privacy evergreens, the American Pillar Arborvitae naturally holds its tight, columnar form without constant pruning. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, it tolerates heat, cold, and humidity and once established shows impressive drought tolerance. This makes it an easy-care choice for both suburban landscapes and rural properties where reliable, fast privacy is a must.

Ideal for hedges and property lines.
Plant American Pillars 3–4 feet apart on center to create a seamless, evergreen hedge in just a few seasons. Their vigorous growth—up to 3–4 feet per year in optimal conditions—quickly fills in gaps, delivering a full, elegant screen that rivals a fence for year-round coverage. Their naturally dense branching also makes them excellent windbreaks and sound buffers.

Deer-resistant and landscape-ready.
Gardeners plagued by browsing deer will appreciate that American Pillar Arborvitae is naturally deer-resistant. Whether you’re defining a property line, shielding a pool or patio, or creating a dramatic vertical accent, this narrow evergreen provides the instant impact and long-term performance that today’s landscapes demand.

Growzone: 3-8

American Pillar Arborvitae – Full Speed A Hedge® Hardiness Zone 3-8

Hardiness Zone:	3-8
Mature Height:	15 to 20 Feet
Mature Width:	3 to 4 Feet
Sunlight:	Full sun
Foliage color:	Dark green
Soil Conditions:	Any type of soil
Water Requirements:	Water until established
Growth Rate:	Up to 3 feet per year

How to Care for American Pillar Arborvitae – Full Speed A Hedge®

Follow these care and planting instructions to let your Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae grow happy and healthy for years to come.

How do you plant an American Pillar Arborvitae for a privacy hedge?

To plant American Pillar Arborvitae, choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil so these fast-growing evergreens can quickly establish. Dig each hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper, spacing the trees 3–4 feet apart on center to form a seamless living fence. Remove the tree from its container, gently loosen circling roots, and set it so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill halfway, water to settle, then finish filling the hole and water again to remove air pockets. Complete the job by applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent crown rot. Mulch conserves soil moisture, regulates temperature, and discourages weeds while your hedge fills in. Plant in early spring or early fall when weather is cool and soil is naturally moist—ideal conditions for rapid root development and strong first-year growth.

How often should you water American Pillar Arborvitae after planting?

During the first growing season, water each tree deeply once or twice a week, giving a slow soak that penetrates to the entire root zone. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong, drought-tolerant roots and helps these arborvitae achieve their fast 3–4 foot per year growth rate. Adjust your schedule based on rainfall—more during hot, dry spells and less when the weather is cool or rainy. After the first year, American Pillar Arborvitae is moderately drought-tolerant and needs supplemental water only during extended dry periods. Check the soil a few inches below the surface; if it feels dry, a thorough soaking will keep foliage lush and vibrant. Maintaining a consistent mulch layer also reduces water loss and protects the roots during summer heat.

When and how should you fertilize an American Pillar Arborvitae?

Feed American Pillar Arborvitae in early spring, just before new growth begins, with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Evenly spread the fertilizer around the drip line—about a foot or two out from the trunk—and water thoroughly to move nutrients into the soil. This spring feeding provides the nitrogen and micronutrients needed to sustain the tree’s rapid growth and dense green foliage. If your soil is sandy or nutrient-poor, a light second feeding in midsummer can support continued vigor, but avoid fertilizing after midsummer so new shoots can harden before winter. Regular soil testing every few years will help you fine-tune fertilizer rates and ensure your hedge maintains its rich color and fast privacy-screening performance.

How and when do you prune American Pillar Arborvitae to maintain its shape?

American Pillar Arborvitae naturally keeps a slim, columnar habit, so routine shearing is not required. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, inspect each tree and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches using clean, sharp pruners. This improves air circulation, maintains plant health, and ensures the hedge grows evenly. If you prefer a slightly more formal look, you can lightly trim stray branch tips in late spring after the first flush of growth. Avoid heavy pruning or cutting into old wood, as arborvitae do not readily produce new growth from bare stems. With this minimal maintenance, your American Pillar hedge will retain its tall, narrow profile and lush green color for decades.