Full Speed A Hedge® ‘American Pillar’ Arborvitae

Overview

Uses: privacy screens, living fences, property borders, narrow landscape accents, windbreaks, foundation plantings

Benefits: fast vertical growth, dense evergreen foliage year-round, narrow footprint for tight spaces, strong cold hardiness, low pruning requirements

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun/Shade

Life Cycle: Evergreen Tree

Growth Habit: Columnar, Upright — tall, narrow form with dense branching.

Foliage Color: Green

Mature Height: 15–20 ft.

Mature Width: 4–5 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Summary

Build a tall, narrow privacy screen faster than you thought possible.

Full Speed A Hedge® ‘American Pillar’ Arborvitae is selected for its rapid vertical growth and tight, columnar form. Its dense green foliage holds color year-round, creating dependable structure and screening through every season.

This selection combines a narrow footprint with impressive height, making it ideal for property lines, tight side yards, and locations where space is limited but privacy is essential. Compared to broader arborvitae varieties, it provides coverage without overwhelming nearby plantings.

Its naturally upright habit requires minimal shaping, and once established, it performs reliably across a wide range of climates within its hardiness range.

Care

Full Speed A Hedge® Arborvitae Care

Plant in full sun for the most compact growth and best density. Partial sun is tolerated, though heavy shade may reduce fullness.

Provide well-drained soil. Water regularly after planting until roots are established. During extended dry periods, supplemental watering supports healthy foliage.

If desired, apply slow release fertilizer in early spring to encourage steady growth.

Light shaping may be done in late spring if needed, following the plant’s natural columnar form. Avoid cutting back into thick, older wood, as recovery may be slow.

For privacy screens, space plants approximately 2.5 feet apart to create a dense, continuous hedge over time.

Size

What Size is Full Speed A Hedge® ‘American Pillar’ Arborvitae for Sale Online?

Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are appropriately sized for their container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.

How Large Does Full Speed A Hedge® ‘American Pillar’ Arborvitae Grow?

At maturity, this arborvitae typically reaches 15–20 feet tall while maintaining a narrow 4–5 foot width, forming a tall, vertical privacy screen.

Additional Information

What is the botanical name of Full Speed A Hedge® ‘American Pillar’ Arborvitae?

The botanical name is Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’.

Is this a good option for privacy screening?

Yes. Its fast growth rate and dense branching make it a strong choice for living fences and property borders. It is featured in our Privacy Trees & Shrubs collection for this reason.

How does it compare to other arborvitae?

‘American Pillar’ grows faster and taller than many narrow arborvitae while maintaining a slim profile. You can explore more options in our Arborvitaes collection to compare growth habits and sizes.

Is it evergreen year-round?

Yes. This arborvitae retains its green foliage through winter, providing structure and screening in all seasons. It is also part of our Evergreen Plants collection.