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American Pillar Thuja

$139.95
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Planting & Care

Planting Instructions for American Pillar Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar')

  1. Soil Preparation & Site Selection:
    American Pillar Thuja grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5), though it can tolerate various soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Choose a spot in full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. American Pillar Thuja is often used for privacy hedges, windbreaks, or as a landscape accent because of its narrow, upright growth habit.
  2. Digging & Planting:
    Dig a hole slightly shallower than the root ball and twice as wide. The root ball should sit about 1–2 inches above the soil line to allow for settling and prevent water from pooling around the base. Use the mound technique to elevate the planting area if your soil is prone to poor drainage. Backfill the hole with a mix of native soil and compost to provide nutrients and good aeration for the roots.
  3. Spacing:
    Space American Pillar Thuja about 3–4 feet apart if planting a hedge for privacy or windbreak purposes. This spacing allows the plants to grow together and form a dense screen, while still ensuring proper airflow to prevent disease. If planting as a standalone accent, space it about 6–8 feet away from other plants or structures.
  4. Initial Watering & Mulching:
    Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also helps suppress weeds and prevent competition for nutrients.

Care Instructions During Establishment

  1. Watering:
    During the first year, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels. After the plant is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, though it will still benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
  2. Fertilization:
    American Pillar Thuja doesn’t require heavy feeding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 mix) in early spring to promote healthy growth. If your soil is nutrient-poor, you can fertilize again in mid-summer, but avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent stimulating new growth before winter.
  3. Monitoring:
    Check for any signs of stress, such as browning or yellowing of the foliage, which may indicate water stress (over- or under-watering) or poor drainage. Keeping the root zone moist but not soggy is key during the establishment phase.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning:
    American Pillar Thuja requires minimal pruning, as it naturally maintains a narrow, upright shape. You can lightly prune in early spring or late fall to remove any damaged or dead branches, or to maintain the desired shape. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as Thuja may not regenerate from this type of cutting.
  2. Pest & Disease Control:
    While relatively pest-resistant, American Pillar Thuja can sometimes attract bagworms or spider mites. Inspect the plant regularly, especially in summer, and if you spot bagworms, remove them by hand. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if spider mites become a problem. To prevent fungal diseases like root rot, ensure the soil drains well and avoid overwatering.
  3. Seasonal Care:
    In USDA zones 3–8, where American Pillar Thuja is hardy, it tolerates cold winters and hot summers. Before winter, apply an extra layer of mulch to insulate the roots from freeze-thaw cycles. In extremely cold climates, young plants may benefit from wrapping in burlap to protect against harsh winds or heavy snow.

Rapid growth rate; grows up to 3 feet per year, ideal for creating fast privacy screens with a mature height of 25-30 feet.

Slim, upright shape; perfect for narrow spaces without sacrificing height or density.

Low-maintenance and hardy; resistant to deer and drought, with minimal pruning needed.

Description

American Pillar Thuja – Fast-Growing Privacy and Year-Round Evergreen Beauty

The American Pillar Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar') is a fast-growing, hardy evergreen known for its tall, narrow form and dense foliage, making it the perfect choice for creating natural privacy screens, windbreaks, or elegant borders. This low-maintenance tree grows quickly while maintaining its slim, upright shape, allowing you to achieve instant privacy without taking up too much space in your yard. The American Pillar Thuja is an ideal solution for homeowners who want to add year-round beauty and privacy to their outdoor spaces.

Key Features of American Pillar Thuja:

  • Fast-Growing: Reaches up to 3 feet of growth per year, quickly forming a tall privacy screen or hedge.
  • Tall & Narrow Form: Grows 20-30 feet tall with a slender 4-6 foot spread, making it ideal for small spaces or narrow yards.
  • Dense Evergreen Foliage: Features lush, dark green foliage that stays vibrant year-round, offering continuous privacy and wind protection.
  • Cold Hardy & Adaptable: Thrives in USDA Zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters, hot summers, and various soil types.
  • Low Maintenance: Requires little upkeep once established, making it perfect for busy homeowners or low-maintenance landscapes.

Fast Growth for Quick Privacy and Screening

The American Pillar Thuja is one of the fastest-growing arborvitaes, adding up to 3 feet of height per year. Whether you’re looking to block out neighbors, create a natural windbreak, or simply add structure to your landscape, this tree will quickly grow into a dense, lush privacy screen or hedge. Its fast growth rate makes it a popular choice for homeowners who want immediate results without waiting years for a natural barrier.

Tall, Slim Shape Perfect for Narrow Spaces

With its narrow, columnar form, the American Pillar Thuja is ideal for smaller yards or tight spaces where traditional privacy trees might not fit. This tree grows 20-30 feet tall but maintains a slender 4-6 foot spread, allowing you to plant it along fences, driveways, or property lines without overwhelming your landscape. Despite its compact width, the American Pillar forms a dense, impenetrable wall of greenery, perfect for providing privacy, reducing noise, or blocking unsightly views.

Evergreen Foliage for Year-Round Privacy

The American Pillar Thuja boasts rich, dark green foliage that stays vibrant all year long, making it an excellent choice for year-round privacy and beauty. Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter, this evergreen variety keeps its dense, lush appearance through all seasons, ensuring your privacy screen or hedge remains effective and attractive no matter the time of year. The thick foliage also provides excellent windbreak protection, making it ideal for exposed areas.

Cold Hardy and Adaptable to Various Climates

The American Pillar Thuja is highly adaptable and thrives in USDA Zones 3-8, making it a great option for gardeners across a wide range of climates. It can withstand cold winters in northern regions, as well as the heat and humidity of southern areas. This hardy tree is also tolerant of different soil types, including clay, sandy, or loamy soils, as long as it’s well-drained. Once established, the American Pillar Thuja is drought-tolerant, making it a reliable and resilient choice for any landscape.

Low Maintenance and Easy to Care For

One of the best features of the American Pillar Thuja is its low-maintenance care requirements. Once planted and established, this tree requires little attention beyond occasional watering during dry periods. It maintains its neat, columnar shape naturally, so pruning is rarely needed unless you want to shape or size the tree to your preference. Its natural resistance to pests and diseases also makes it a worry-free addition to your landscape, ideal for homeowners looking for beauty without the hassle.

Why Choose Nationwide Plants?

At Nationwide Plants, we take pride in offering the highest-quality trees and shrubs, grown with care to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your garden. Our American Pillar Thuja trees are hand-selected for their vigor, fast growth, and exceptional ability to create natural privacy. With fast shipping and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we make it easy to bring this versatile, low-maintenance evergreen to your home.

Create Instant Privacy and Year-Round Beauty – Order Your American Pillar Thuja Today!

Transform your yard with the fast-growing, space-saving American Pillar Thuja, a low-maintenance evergreen perfect for privacy screens, windbreaks, or hedges. Known for their rapid growth and dense foliage, these tall, narrow evergreens create instant privacy while adding year-round beauty and practical protection to your outdoor space. Their sleek, upright form makes them an ideal choice for hedges or property borders. Buy American Pillar Thujas today and enjoy fast-growing beauty and natural seclusion!

The American Pillar Thuja thrives in Zones 3-8

Growing Zones for the American Pillar Thuja

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the American Pillar Thuja.

 Growing Zones 3-8
Mature Height 25-30 ft.
Mature Width 4-8 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
The American Pillar Thuja thrives in Zones 3-8
Growing Zones for the American Pillar Thuja
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the American Pillar Thuja.
Growing Zones 3-8
Mature Height 25-30 ft.
Mature Width 4-8 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight: Full Sun
Botanical Name Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
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