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Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'

Nature Hills Nursery
$11122
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This Arborvitae grows fastest and stays densest with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can handle partial shade, the growth rate will slow down significantly, and the foliage may become thinner or looser in appearance.
  • Soil: Plant in soil that drains well but holds some moisture, as these trees struggle in constantly soggy ground. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage, or create a raised berm to keep the roots usually above the water table.

Watering Requirements

Consistent moisture is the fuel for this plant’s rapid growth, so water deeply once or twice a week during the first year to get the root system established. Even mature plants prefer soil that isn't bone dry, so give them a drink during summer dry spells to prevent browning tips. If watering is inconsistent, the plant will simply stop growing and may drop interior needles to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety naturally grows into a narrow column, heavy pruning is rarely necessary, but you can tidy it up in early spring before new green growth appears. If you are creating a formal hedge, you can lightly shear the sides to encourage density, but be careful not to cut back into the bare, brown inner branches. Conifers generally do not regenerate growth from old wood, so only trim the green, leafy outer layer.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring as the ground thaws. This supports the spring growth flush that gives this plant its "Full Speed" reputation. Avoid applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers after mid-summer, as this pushes soft new growth that won't harden off in time for winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae

Looking for a privacy screen that grows faster than you can say "hedge, please!"? Aptly named Full Speed A-Hedge®, the American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar') is one of the fastest-growing evergreen trees on the market! This lush, green giant can shoot up to 3 feet a year when young, forming a dense, upright column perfect for blocking views, dampening noise, and shielding wind. Best of all? It doesn't drop messy cones and stays narrow, so it won't gobble up yard space.

This beautifully upright, columnar Arborvitae matures to 20-25 feet tall while staying only 3-4 feet wide. Its tight, green foliage maintains rich color year-round, refusing to bronze in winter, and it's naturally tidy without pruning. With no pine cones and no wild flopping limbs, this one's a true garden soldier. And thanks to its 'Hetz Wintergreen' parentage, it's both cold-hardy and heat tolerant, performing beautifully from the frigid North to the humid South.

Hardy in Zones 3-8, American Pillar shines in full sun to part shade, handles a variety of soils, and will create a natural privacy barrier in just a few growing seasons!

Key Features

  • 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

Landscaping Uses

This evergreen privacy tree grows 20-25 feet tall with a narrow, 3-4 foot wide columnar habit, making it ideal where height is needed but space is tight.

  • 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

Care and Maintenance

This broadleaf evergreen thrives in most conditions and is tough as nails once established. It's known for being drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and adaptable to a range of climates and soil types. Read in-depth Arborvitae care information here.

  • Planting Time: Spring or fall for best establishment
  • Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and urban conditions
  • Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture, especially during the first few years
  • Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and regulate root temps
  • Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer
  • Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; shape if desired in late spring
  • Special Perks/Growing Tips:

A Pillar of the Garden Community

The origin story of this shrub is just charming! Nurseryman John Houser discovered this beauty as a unique branch sport in his nursery. So thrilled with its potential, he delayed his retirement at age 85 to patent it, ensuring its utility would benefit landscapers and home gardeners alike!

So if you need a hedge, stat? The Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae is your green-speedy sentinel. Whether you're hiding an unsightly view or crafting your own meditative garden retreat, this tree is the go-to for beauty and performance.

Buy now and Nature Hills Nursery will ship your new privacy hedge to your doorstep at the proper planting time for your growing zone.

Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height of Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar?
  • Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae matures to 20-25 feet tall and stays only 3-4 feet wide. This columnar evergreen is power line safe, staying under 30 feet even at full maturity. Plan spacing accordingly for its narrow footprint in Zones 3-8.

Is American Pillar Arborvitae deer-resistant?
  • Yes, American Pillar Arborvitae is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas with browsing pressure. This fast-growing evergreen maintains its dense foliage without deer damage in Zones 3-8. Plant as a living fence where deer are problematic, available at naturehills.com.

How long does it take to reach full height?
  • American Pillar Arborvitae reaches its full 20-25 foot height in approximately 7-10 years. With its impressive 3 feet per year growth rate when young, you'll have substantial privacy screening within just 3-4 seasons. Plant now for fast results in Zones 3-8.

What are the hardiness zones for this plant?
  • The Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8. This wide range means it handles everything from frigid northern winters to hot, humid southern summers. Plant it anywhere from Minnesota to Georgia for reliable year-round performance.

What are the best growing conditions?
  • American Pillar Arborvitae thrives in full sun to part shade across Zones 3-8. It adapts to various soil types and tolerates both cold winters and hot summers. Plant in well-draining soil with adequate spacing for its 3-4 foot width at maturity, available at naturehills.com.

How does it perform in winter?
  • The Full Speed A-Hedge maintains rich green color year-round and won't bronze in winter like many evergreens. Its 'Hetz Wintergreen' parentage provides excellent cold tolerance down to Zone 3. Plant in a protected spot for best winter performance.

What are the shipping specifications?
  • American Pillar Arborvitae ships as container-grown plants, ready for planting in Zones 3-8. These fast-growing evergreens establish quickly and can be planted spring through fall. Plant immediately upon arrival for best results.
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