
American Arborvitae hedges are a versatile and low-maintenance option for homeowners. They can thrive in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
American Arborvitae hedges can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. They prefer well-drained soil but can adapt to some moisture retention.
To ensure optimal growth, American Arborvitae hedges require regular watering, especially during their first year of establishment.
American Arborvitae hedges are a popular choice for hedges due to their dense foliage and ability to provide year-round interest.
Choosing an American Arborvitae Hedge
American Arborvitae hedges are a great choice for many reasons, but one of the main advantages is their ability to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions and climates.
They can tolerate hot summers and cold winters, making them a great option for many different environments. American Arborvitae can be planted in any season, but be sure to water thoroughly when planting in hot weather.
It's essential to water the hedge frequently during the first season of planting, and then only in very hot, dry periods. Prune American Arborvitae only in early summer or spring for the best results.
Regular, light pruning encourages bushy, dense growth and helps maintain the hedge's shape. Thuja occidentalis has a moderate growth rate, reaching up to 20-40 feet tall if left unpruned.
However, with regular pruning, you can easily keep it between 8-20 feet tall. The growth rate depends on factors like water, nutrients, and light, as well as where it's planted.
If you want a hassle-free experience, consider ordering a pre-shaped American Arborvitae hedge from InstantHedge, which will arrive with a vibrant root system ready to grow and establish.
This can save you time and effort, and ensure a healthy, thriving hedge from the start.
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Planting and Care
Planting an American Arborvitae hedge is a straightforward process. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, with no need to amend the soil.
To ensure proper establishment, water regularly for the first six months, with an average amount of water each time. This will help the tree get settled in its new environment.
Once established, your Arborvitae hedge will thrive in full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate some dryness. However, it prefers moist, well-drained soils and will appreciate a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and regulate root temperatures.
Here's a quick rundown of the essential care and maintenance needs of your American Arborvitae hedge:
- Planting time: Spring or fall for best establishment
- Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and urban conditions
- Moisture needs: Moderate moisture, especially during the first few years
- Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch
- Fertilization needs: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer
- Pruning info: Minimal pruning needed; shape if desired in late spring
Care and Maintenance
Planting Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar Arborvitae is a straightforward process. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, and backfill with the soil you removed.
There's no need to amend the soil, but it's a good idea to spread 2-3 inches of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk. This will help retain moisture and regulate root temperatures.
Water your Arborvitae regularly, but be careful not to overwater. A moderate amount of water is fine, and it will tolerate some dryness once established.
This tree is surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in a range of conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate clay and urban conditions.
In terms of sun, a full sun location is ideal, but it can also accept partial shade. And don't worry about soil quality - it's not fussy about that either.
To keep your Arborvitae healthy, apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and regulate root temperatures.
Here are some key care and maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Plant in the spring or fall for best establishment.
- Provide full sun to partial shade.
- Use moist, well-drained soils, or tolerate clay and urban conditions.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch.
- Fertilize with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring.
- Prune minimally, or shape in late spring if desired.
Light Requirements
Sunlight is crucial for arborvitae growth, and some varieties prefer full sun while others can tolerate shade.
Arborvitae that grow tightly, like some varieties, tend to do poorly in overly shady environments.
Poor air circulation and damp conditions in shady areas can cause the inner foliage to stay wet, making it a perfect place for disease to harbor.
There are shade-tolerant arborvitae varieties available, in addition to sun-loving ones, which can be a good option for areas with limited sunlight.
Arborvitae that receive too little sunlight may become weak and more susceptible to disease.
American Arborvitae Details
This hedge is perfect for creating a privacy screen when planted in a tight row, making it an excellent choice for those looking to block out neighbors or create a sense of seclusion.
The Thuja occidentalis is relatively low maintenance, requiring only a moderate watering schedule and occasional pruning to keep it looking its best.
In terms of growth, this hedge grows at a moderate rate, reaching a mature size of 20' to 40' in height. This makes it a great option for those who want a hedge that will fill in quickly but not grow too large.
Here are some key details about the Thuja occidentalis:
Thuja Occidentalis Details
Thuja occidentalis, also known as American Arborvitae, is a popular choice for hedges due to its many benefits. It makes an excellent privacy screen when planted in a tight row.
The American Arborvitae hedge requires little overall maintenance, making it a great option for busy homeowners. However, it does need adequate water to stay healthy, especially in extreme heat.
In terms of growth rate, Thuja occidentalis is moderate, which means it won't overgrow its space quickly. Its mature size can range from 20' to 40', providing a nice balance between density and space.
Here are some key characteristics of Thuja occidentalis:
It's worth noting that Thuja occidentalis can be susceptible to some pest and disease issues, including leaf miner and spider mites, root rot, and phytophthora.
Tree
American Arborvitae is a versatile tree that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. It can grow in full sun to partial shade, making it a great option for gardens with different levels of sunlight.
Its ability to adapt to different environments is likely due to its loose and vigorous growth, which allows it to spread out and make the most of available space.
Growth and Maintenance
The American Arborvitae hedge is a low-maintenance option for creating a natural privacy barrier.
This broadleaf evergreen thrives in most conditions and is tough as nails once established. It's known for being drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and adaptable to a range of climates and soil types.
Planting time is key - spring or fall is best for establishment. This allows the plant to develop a robust root system and reduces the risk of transplant shock.
With proper care, your American Arborvitae hedge will require minimal pruning. Shape if desired in late spring, but be careful not to over-prune, as this can stress the plant.
Here's a quick rundown of the plant's needs:
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
- Full sun to partial shade is ideal, with moderate moisture needs, especially during the first few years
Growing Conditions
Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions. This is an important consideration when selecting a tree for your garden.
Container size is a good indicator of plant maturity and establishment level. A larger container generally means a more established root system and faster landscape establishment.
For American Pillar Arborvitae, which is hardy in Zones 3-8, container size isn't as crucial as it is for other plants. This tree can thrive in a variety of conditions and still perform beautifully.
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Growth Rate
The growth rate of Arborvitae Hedges is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a hedge variety. The Green Giant Arborvitae grows at an incredibly fast rate, up to several feet per year in the right growing conditions.
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This fast growth rate means it will fill out a big space quickly, but it also requires intensive pruning to maintain in a smaller space. The Emerald Green Arborvitae, on the other hand, is a slow grower, taking longer to reach towering heights.
For those who need fast height but have limited width space, the American Arborvitae and Virescens, and Western Red Cedar are good options, growing at a medium rate of 1-2 feet per year.
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Hardness
Arborvitae hedges are surprisingly hardy, tolerating cold temperatures that would be challenging for many other plants. They can thrive in USDA zones 3-8.
Their ability to withstand harsh winters is a major advantage, especially for Northern and Midwestern US gardeners. This allows them to be grown in areas where many other plants would struggle to survive.
In fact, the cold hardiness of arborvitae hedges makes them a staple in many Northern US landscapes. They can handle temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) without sustaining significant damage.
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Spacing

Spacing is crucial for a healthy and thriving hedge. Plant your American Pillar Arborvitae 2.5 feet apart, measuring from center to center.
This distance allows for proper air circulation and sunlight penetration, which is essential for the plant's growth. Measure carefully to ensure accurate spacing.
Planting at the right time is also important. For optimal growth, plant your American Pillar Arborvitae when they are around 6 months to 1 year old.
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Landscaping Uses
The American Pillar Arborvitae is a versatile hedge that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your landscape. It grows 20-25 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for creating a privacy screen or windbreak.
You can use it to line along driveways or property edges, providing a beautiful and functional border. Its narrow habit allows it to be planted in tight spaces, making it perfect for urban lots or country homes.
Here are some specific ways you can use the American Pillar Arborvitae in your landscape:
- Use as a fast-growing hedge or privacy screen
- Perfect backdrop for perennial beds and borders
- Line along driveways or property edges
- Wind and sound buffer around patios or seating areas
- Living fence for urban lots or country homes
- Container-grown for anchoring corners of patios or entryways
Specifications and Zones
The American Arborvitae hedge is a fantastic option for many gardeners, and understanding its specifications and zones can help you make the most of this beautiful plant.
This hedge is a Nature Hills' Choice variety, specifically Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'.
Here's a breakdown of its key specifications:
- Mature Height: 20 - 25 feet
- Mature Spread: 3 - 4 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast
With proper care, your American Arborvitae hedge can thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun and well-drained soil.
Specifications
When choosing a new tree for your yard, it's essential to consider its growth habits and specific needs.
The Nature Hills' Choice Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar' is a great option for many gardeners, as it's relatively low maintenance. This tree can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Growing zones can be a crucial factor in determining which trees will do well in your area. The Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar' can grow in zones 3-8.
If you're looking for a tree that will provide some structure and definition in your landscape, this one might be a good fit. It can grow up to 20 - 25 feet tall.
Here are some key specifications to consider:
- Brand: Nature Hills' Choice
- Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Mature Height: 20 - 25 feet
- Mature Spread: 3 - 4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Moisture: Moderate
- Soil: Well-Drained
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Fall Color: Evergreen
- Pruning Time: Early Spring
Growing Zones 3-8
If you're looking to grow an Arborvitae in your garden, it's essential to consider the growing zones. Specifically, zones 3-8 are suitable for this type of tree.
American Pillar Arborvitae, for example, thrives in these zones. It can grow up to 20-25 feet tall while staying only 3-4 feet wide.
This variety is naturally tidy without pruning and maintains its rich green foliage year-round.
Hardy in zones 3-8, American Pillar Arborvitae can handle a variety of soils and performs beautifully in full sun to part shade.
It's also worth noting that Arborvitae growth habits can vary depending on the specific variety.
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The Garden Community
The Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar Arborvitae has a unique origin story, discovered by nurseryman John Houser as a unique branch sport in his nursery.
John Houser was so thrilled with the potential of this shrub that he delayed his retirement at age 85 to patent it, ensuring its utility would benefit landscapers and home gardeners alike.
This tree is a great choice for creating a hedge, whether you're hiding an unsightly view or crafting your own meditative garden retreat.
If you're interested in refinement tips to help maintain vibrant foliage during colder months, the Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team is happy to share some seasonal care advice tailored to your specific arborvitae variety.
You can reach out to them anytime for guidance or any plant-related questions.
Here are some plant categories that Nature Hills Nursery offers, including the Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar Arborvitae:
- Fruit Trees and Bushes
- Flowering Trees
- Flowering Bushes
- Perennials
- Lavender Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart do you plant American arborvitae for hedge?
For a dense American arborvitae hedge, plant 2.5' apart, or 4' apart for a looser spacing.
What is the best arborvitae for a hedge?
For a traditional English-style hedge, consider arborvitae varieties like 'Nigra' or 'Emerald Green' for their rapid growth and screening capabilities, but be aware of their conical shape.
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