
The American Pillar Arborvitae hedge is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements.
It grows relatively slowly, about 3-5 feet per year, making it a great option for those who want a hedge that won't grow out of control quickly.
This evergreen shrub is also highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of soil types and pH levels.
Its dense foliage provides excellent screening and windbreak properties.
Description
The American Pillar Arborvitae is a fantastic choice for a hedge, and for good reason. It's a fast-growing, narrow variety with a straight leader, making it perfect for creating a tall, formal hedge.
One of the best things about this tree is its hardiness. It can thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is even somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. It's also deer resistant, which is a big plus if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife.
This tree grows at a rate of up to 3 feet per year in its youth, making it a great option if you want to create a hedge quickly. And the best part? It stays under 30 feet tall, making it safe to plant near power lines.
Here are some key benefits of the American Pillar Arborvitae:
- Grows up to 3 feet per year in youth
- Stays under 30 feet tall—power line safe
- Only 3-4 feet wide—perfect for space-saving vertical accents
- Dense, green foliage year-round
- No cone drop—clean and tidy
- Deer resistant and low maintenance
- Heat and cold tolerant (Zones 3-8)
- Excellent as a living fence, noise buffer, or windbreak
Overall, the American Pillar Arborvitae is a versatile and low-maintenance hedge option that's perfect for a variety of landscapes.
Seasonal and Availability
American Pillar Arborvitae Hedge plants are typically available for purchase throughout the growing season, but bare root plants are only available seasonally when they're dormant.
If you're looking to plant a hedge, keep in mind that specific varieties of American Pillar Arborvitae may have limited availability in certain sizes.
You can expect to find a range of sizes and options for this hedge plant, making it a versatile choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.
Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are typically available seasonally when they're dormant, which means you can expect to find them in the off-season.
The availability of bare root plants is directly tied to their natural growth cycle.
Container plants, on the other hand, are available throughout the growing season, making them a great option if you're looking for something to brighten up your space year-round.
Some specific varieties of plants may have limited availability in certain sizes, so it's always a good idea to check ahead of time.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Bare root plants: available seasonally (dormant)
- Container plants: available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties: may have limited availability in certain sizes
Growing Zones 3-8
Growing zones 3-8 are perfect for the American Pillar Arborvitae, which can thrive in full sun to part shade.
This tree is hardy in zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Landscaping Uses and Benefits
The American Pillar Arborvitae hedge is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to any garden or landscape. It grows 20-25 feet tall with a narrow, 3-4 foot wide columnar habit, making it ideal for tight spaces.
This evergreen tree is perfect for creating a fast-growing hedge or privacy screen, providing year-round color and a lush backdrop even in the colder months. Its rich green foliage contrasts beautifully with seasonal blooms, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your landscape.
You can use the American Pillar Arborvitae as a living fence for urban lots or country homes, or even container-grown for anchoring corners of patios or entryways. Its unique columnar shape adds vertical interest to any garden, drawing the eye upward and creating a striking focal point.
Here are some of the many landscaping uses and benefits of the American Pillar Arborvitae hedge:
- 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
The American Pillar Arborvitae is also highly deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens with wildlife. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant and adapts well to a variety of pH levels, from acidic to neutral.
Care and Maintenance
The American Pillar Arborvitae hedge is a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Planting your American Pillar Arborvitae hedge in the spring or fall will give it the best chance at establishment. This allows the plant to settle in before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
The soil needs of your American Pillar Arborvitae hedge are pretty flexible. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, but it can tolerate clay and urban conditions.
To keep your American Pillar Arborvitae hedge healthy, apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch. This will conserve moisture and regulate root temperatures.
Here's a quick rundown of the care and maintenance needs of your American Pillar Arborvitae hedge:
- Planting Time: Spring or fall
- Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and urban conditions
- 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
With minimal pruning needed, your American Pillar Arborvitae hedge will require little upkeep to maintain its shape and dense green foliage year-round.
Planting and Design
The American Pillar Arborvitae hedge is a stunning addition to any outdoor space. It stands out with its unique columnar shape, adding vertical interest and creating a striking focal point.
This evergreen foliage provides year-round color, offering a lush backdrop even in the colder months. Its rich green hue contrasts beautifully with seasonal blooms, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your landscape.
To plant an American Pillar Arborvitae hedge, choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. You'll also want to prepare an appropriate hole, using a pot that's 1-2 times larger than the current pot, ensuring there is adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging roots.
Here are some key planting considerations:
- Choose a fertile soil rich in nutrients and with good drainage to support root growth.
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil.
- Water the plant thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but not too wet.
Regular pruning is also essential to maintain the hedge's shape and promote healthy growth. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring even moisture without overwatering.
Planting Guide
Planting a new tree or shrub can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you'll be on your way to a lush and thriving garden in no time.
Fast-growing plants like the American Pillar Arborvitae can provide instant results, making them a great choice for a quick privacy screen.
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil to ensure your plant gets the best start in life.
Water your plant regularly during its first growing season, and prune lightly as needed to maintain its upright form.
A good rule of thumb is to repot your plant every 3-5 years to give it room to grow.
Here's a quick rundown of the perfect pot size:
Choose a soil rich in nutrients and with good drainage to support your plant's root growth.
Plant your tree or shrub at the same depth as in the pot, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil.
Water your plant appropriately, keeping the soil moist but not too wet.
Most plants prefer deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth.
Prune your plant regularly to remove dead or damaged growth, maintain shape, and promote healthy new growth.
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Enhancing Landscape Design
The American Pillar Arborvitae is a game-changer for any garden. Its unique columnar shape adds vertical interest and creates a striking focal point.
This evergreen tree grows 20-25 feet tall with a narrow, 3-4 foot wide columnar habit, making it ideal for small spaces. You can use it to line along driveways or property edges, or as a fast-growing hedge or privacy screen.
Its rich green hue contrasts beautifully with seasonal blooms, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your landscape. The American Pillar Arborvitae is a great choice for adding year-round color to your garden.
Here are some ways you can use the American Pillar Arborvitae in your landscape design:
- 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
Arborvitae Information
Arborvitae 'American Pillar' is a tall, narrow evergreen conifer known for its dense, green foliage.
This columnar evergreen works perfectly for adding structure and height to your landscape.
It serves well as a privacy screen, windbreak, or focal point in garden designs.
Offering year-round interest and a clean, elegant appearance, Arborvitae 'American Pillar' is a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Its dense foliage makes it an ideal choice for creating a dense screen or hedge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of arborvitae?
Arborvitae trees are susceptible to pests like bagworms, scale, and spider mites, as well as diseases like tip blight, which can cause damage and affect their health.
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