Images Depict Mature Plants
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar
American Pillar Arborvitae is a fast-growing, space-saving evergreen that creates dense, year-round privacy screens and windbreaks in both residential and commercial landscapes. Its narrow, upright form makes it ideal for tight spaces, property lines, and pool enclosures, offering elegant structure with minimal maintenance.
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American Pillar Arborvitae for Sale
American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) is a fast-growing, narrow evergreen prized for its towering height, dense foliage, and strong vertical form—making it one of the best choices for creating quick, low-maintenance privacy screens. With a mature height of 25–30 feet and a slim width of just 3–5 feet, this arborvitae is perfect for tight spaces where you need year-round coverage without sacrificing valuable garden space. Its vibrant green, scale-like foliage maintains its color throughout the winter, offering four-season interest and effective visual and wind screening.
One of the most popular privacy hedge plants, American Pillar Arborvitae, is cold-hardy in USDA Zones 3–8 and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It adapts well to a variety of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. Once established, this arborvitae is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for suburban landscapes, property borders, poolside enclosures, and noise buffers along roads. Its strong, upright habit and rapid growth—up to 3 feet per year—make it an excellent alternative to slower-growing evergreens like Emerald Green Arborvitae.
Whether planted in rows for a formal hedge or as individual specimens to punctuate the landscape, American Pillar Arborvitae delivers structure, elegance, and dependable coverage. It requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and can be planted 3 feet apart for a fast-forming wall of greenery. American Pillar Arborvitae is a top-tier choice for homeowners seeking a stylish, space-saving privacy solution with a strong visual impact.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 15 to 20 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 5 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
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 I plant an American Pillar Arborvitae?
Planting an American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) begins with selecting the right site—choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and offers well-drained soil. This fast-growing arborvitae is ideal for tight spaces, growing 3 to 5 feet wide and up to 30 feet tall, making it perfect for privacy hedges, property borders, and windbreaks. To plant, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and position it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with native soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly. For a quick, dense screen, space your American Pillar Arborvitae plants 3 feet apart. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, being careful to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, this deer-resistant and low-maintenance evergreen will provide a year-round privacy wall with rich green foliage that holds its color through winter. With proper planting and spacing, you’ll enjoy a lush, fast-forming hedge in just a few seasons.
How do I fertilize an American Pillar Arborvitae Tree?
Fertilizing an American Pillar Arborvitae Tree (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) helps support its fast growth, dense foliage, and vibrant green color. In early spring, before new growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 or a formula specifically designed for evergreens—around the tree’s root zone. Spread the fertilizer evenly beneath the canopy, staying a few inches away from the trunk, and water thoroughly after application to help nutrients soak into the soil. This initial spring feeding encourages strong root development and vigorous top growth throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to weak or leggy growth. If your soil is poor or sandy, you can supplement with a second, lighter application of fertilizer in mid-summer. Organic compost or well-aged manure can also be worked into the soil annually to improve structure and nutrient content. Healthy American Pillar Arborvitaes respond well to consistent, moderate feeding and will reward you with rapid growth—often up to 3 feet per year—making them one of the top choices for creating fast, low-maintenance evergreen privacy hedges.
How do I water an American Pillar Arborvitae?
Watering an American Pillar Arborvitae Tree (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) correctly is essential for establishing a healthy root system and promoting fast, dense growth. During the first growing season, water deeply 2 to 3 times per week, depending on weather conditions, to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Focus on watering at the base of the tree, allowing moisture to soak down to the roots rather than wetting the foliage. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help ensure deep, even watering without runoff, which is ideal for young, newly planted trees. Once established, American Pillar Arborvitaes are relatively drought-tolerant but still benefit from weekly deep watering during hot, dry periods, especially in sandy or fast-draining soils. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature—just keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Consistent watering during the first couple of years will encourage fast growth—up to 3 feet per year—and help create a lush, evergreen privacy hedge that thrives in both residential and commercial landscapes.
How and when do I prune an American Pillar Arborvitae?
Pruning an American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) should be done lightly and strategically to maintain its natural columnar shape and encourage dense, uniform growth. The best time to prune is in late spring to early summer after the tree has put on its first flush of new growth. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting back to healthy wood. If you're shaping a hedge or creating a formal screen, you can lightly trim the sides and top to encourage a fuller, more compact form—but avoid cutting into old wood, as arborvitaes do not regenerate well from older, leafless stems. For established American Pillar Arborvitaes, minimal pruning is usually sufficient since the tree naturally grows in a narrow, upright habit. Annual trimming can help maintain height and control width if needed, especially when planted close together as a privacy screen. Always use clean, sharp shears or loppers to make precise cuts, and prune during dry weather to reduce the risk of fungal issues. With proper timing and technique, pruning will enhance the tree’s strong vertical form, support healthy airflow, and preserve the vibrant green foliage that makes American Pillar Arborvitae a standout in privacy-focused landscaping.
