American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar') is a fast-growing evergreen prized for its tall, narrow habit, dense green foliage, and excellent screening ability. Growing approximately 20-30 feet tall while remaining only 3-5 feet wide, it provides substantial privacy without requiring the space of broader arborvitae varieties.
Its dense, upright foliage maintains attractive green color throughout the year and forms a naturally narrow column that requires very little pruning. American Pillar is particularly useful along property lines, fences, driveways, and other areas where customers want a tall privacy screen but have limited planting space.
With growth that can reach approximately 2-3 feet per year under favorable conditions, American Pillar can establish a privacy screen considerably faster than many traditional narrow arborvitae varieties. Its combination of fast growth, narrow width, and year-round coverage makes it an excellent alternative to wider privacy evergreens.
More About American Pillar Arborvitae
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Low Maintenance
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Fast Growing
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Evergreen
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Native Species Cultivar
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Year-Round Privacy
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Privacy Screen, Property Line, Fence Line, Driveway, Evergreen Border, Accent
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Tall, Narrow Columnar Habit
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Excellent for Tight Spaces
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Dense Green Foliage
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Cold Hardy
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Provides Wildlife Cover
Height: 20-30 Feet
Spread: 3-5 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
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Season of Interest: Year Round
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Soil Moisture: Average to Moist, Well Draining
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Attributes: Evergreen, Fast Growing, Narrow, Columnar, Dense
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Foliage Color: Green
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun to part sun for dense, vigorous growth. American Pillar prefers fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, particularly while becoming established. Its narrow habit makes it especially useful where planting space is limited.
For a privacy screen, spacing will depend on how quickly a solid wall of foliage is desired. Avoid planting excessively close together, as adequate space promotes healthy root development and air circulation.
Watering:
Water consistently and deeply during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Continue supplemental watering during hot or dry periods, particularly during the first few years after planting. Once established, American Pillar tolerates occasional dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and evergreens in early spring if needed. Avoid excessive fertilization, especially on newly planted trees.
Pruning:
Very little pruning is required. American Pillar naturally maintains a narrow, upright form. Lightly trim as needed to maintain a formal appearance, but avoid cutting deeply into old, leafless wood.
Winter Care:
Maintain adequate soil moisture going into winter, particularly during the first few years after planting. In exposed locations, young plants may benefit from protection from severe winter wind and heavy snow or ice loads.
