Are you looking for some privacy in the garden or want to reduce traffic noise? Then we have a solution for you! Here we have the American Pillar Arborvitae plants that work well as a privacy hedge. These outdoor trees are the perfect natural privacy screen growing at full speed.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’ is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.
American Pillar’ can reach up to 20-30 feet in height (6-9 meters) and about 3-5 feet in width (90-150 cm), making it an ideal choice for areas where space is limited but vertical height is desired. Can grow up to 2 feet per year (60 cm) under ideal conditions.
The foliage consists of flat, scale-like leaves that are a bright green color. The dense arrangement of the foliage creates a lush, textured appearance. When you bruise the foliage, it gives off a very pleasant fragrance reminiscent of citrus. Foliage tends to turn greenish-brown (burn) in winter from desiccation and/or quick temperature changes.
The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
American Pillar Arborvitaes prefer full sun for six hours in the morning with partial shade in the afternoon. These are fast-growing trees that flourish when receiving enough sun. It is also ideal for its space-saving habit when planting a few to form a screen.
Temperature and Humidity
The American Pillar shrubs are cold hardy plants that are heat tolerant to some extent. Still, it thrives in cooler climates compared to hot regions. The important thing is to protect it from strong winds. These shrubs grow well in the growing zones 2 to 7.
Watering
The Full Speed-A-Hedge Arborvitae trees need more water when young. Mature container plants can gather moisture from the environment if you do not live in a dry area.
While they are heat tolerant, you need to water deeply in warmer climates when the shrub stands in full sun. So, water your young trees daily for ten minutes in the first growing season.
The frequency will decrease as your trees reach their mature height. But the rule remains to keep checking the soil if it is moist.
Another helpful thing is to add some organic mulch around the tree base to retain moisture.
Soil
To plant American Pillar as a native tree, we recommend not placing them too close to power lines because of the height.
The Speed-A-Hedge American Pillar Arborvitae has a rapid growth rate. Therefore, you can plant young trees in well-draining soil but not in too-wet sites, as they can tolerate some dryness when established.
So, grab a spade to dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. You need not amend the soil but water well after placing it in the planting hole. If you want to add some nutrients, it helps to work in some compost and peat moss to make it drain well.
Still, they do prefer neutral to alkaline soil types.
Fertilizing
When you plant Arborvitae, you must not fertilize them as it can lead to root ball burn in your young plant’s root system. Instead, use nutrient-rich soil. You can fertilize mature shrubs to help speed up growth and grow strong branches.
Also, do not feed your trees if they are sick, as it can stress out your plants more. The best time to fertilize your Full Speed-A-Hedge is early spring before new growth starts. It is also the only time you will feed your trees.
We recommend a slow-release fertilizer with 50% Nitrogen, like 10-8-6 or 12-6-4. Choose a granular one to prevent root burn and water deeply.
Pruning
When it comes to pruning your Full Speed-A-Hedge, it is best done in spring to keep the foliage neat and thick. Trim off the leafy parts on the branches, and be careful not to cut back into the bare wood.
You can also clip off the diseased, dead, and damaged branches. As you can see, it is a low-maintenance tree for pruning. When planting them in a row, they grow with a zig-zag pattern to form privacy hedges quickly.
Propagation
As the American Pillar Arborvitae is a fast grower, you can quickly propagate them with stem cuttings in late summer or fall.
- Take a semi-hardwood cutting of about five inches long from the current year’s growth.
- Next, remove the bottom leaves and leave some of the top ones.
- Fill a small container with organic potting soil, like peat moss and sand.
- Stick the cut end into some rooting hormone and the pot.
- Water well and cover with a clear plastic bag to create a dome.
- Then place the cutting in part sun and water when the soil is dry.
The stem cutting will take up to eight weeks to develop a root system, and you can remove the dome. Keep caring for the seedlings and transplant them into a bigger container. Then wait until the following spring to plant directly into the ground.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.
III. Uses and Benefits
American Pillar Arborvitae is commonly used for privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, or as a specimen plant. Its narrow form is particularly useful in urban gardens or confined spaces.
