Arborvitae ‘American Pillar’

American Pillar Arborvitae

American Pillar Arborvitae is a fast-growing, narrow evergreen prized for producing substantial height without taking up the amount of horizontal space required by wider screening evergreens. This cultivar of native Eastern arborvitae develops a tall, upright, columnar form with dense green foliage that stays attractive throughout the year. Its naturally narrow habit makes it especially useful where privacy is needed along a property line, fence, driveway, or other area where a broader hedge would take up too much room. American Pillar can grow several feet per year once established under favorable conditions, allowing it to create an effective screen relatively quickly.

The dense foliage consists of flattened sprays of scale-like leaves that maintain their green color through the seasons. Unlike deciduous screening plants, American Pillar provides year-round structure and privacy, making it useful for blocking unwanted views, softening property boundaries, and creating a green backdrop for the landscape. Its upright growth also gives it a formal appearance when planted in a straight row, while individual plants can be used as vertical accents throughout larger landscapes. The narrow silhouette is particularly valuable in suburban yards where available planting space is limited.

American Pillar performs best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil and regular moisture during establishment. It is adaptable to a range of soil conditions and tolerates both cold winters and summer heat once established. Although it generally requires little pruning to maintain its columnar shape, occasional trimming can be used to maintain a more formal screen. Like other arborvitae, it should be watered consistently during extended periods of hot, dry weather, particularly when planted in exposed locations or near paved surfaces.

Care Instructions:

Planting: Plant in full sun in a hole approximately twice the width of the root ball, keeping the top of the root ball slightly above surrounding soil grade.
Soil: Adaptable to many soil types but performs best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly during establishment, then provide supplemental water during prolonged periods of heat or drought.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring if needed; avoid excessive fertilization.
Pruning: Little pruning is needed because the plant naturally maintains its narrow columnar form; trim lightly in late winter or early spring if shaping is desired.
Spacing: Allow approximately 3–5 feet between plants for individual specimens or a closely spaced screen, depending on the desired density.
Maintenance: Maintain consistent moisture while plants establish, mulch around the root zone without covering the trunk, remove dead or damaged branches, and monitor for deer browsing and common arborvitae pests.

This cultivar is an excellent solution when a tall evergreen screen is needed but there is not enough room for a wide hedge. Plant it along property lines, behind perennial borders, beside fences, or in narrow planting strips where a wider evergreen would crowd nearby structures or pathways. American Pillar can also be planted in staggered rows when a denser privacy screen is desired. While it is often marketed as deer resistant, Eastern arborvitae is known to be susceptible to deer browsing, so it should not be considered deer-proof in areas with significant deer pressure.

Landscape Solutions:

• Works well along property lines, fences, driveways, and other areas where horizontal space is limited.
• Dense evergreen foliage can help reduce exposure to wind when planted in an appropriate configuration.
• Can be combined with lower shrubs and perennials to create a multi-level privacy planting.