Fast Growing Trees American Pillar Arborvitae

For a dense, continuous privacy hedge, space your American Pillar Arborvitae approximately 3 feet apart. This spacing allows the trees to grow together and form a seamless wall while still providing enough room for each tree to thrive.

The American Pillar Arborvitae is quite hardy and thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8. It is designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, including cold winters and hot summers, provided it is planted in well-drained soil.

These trees are specifically bred for narrow spaces, reaching a mature width of only 4 feet. They are an excellent choice for side yards or tight property lines where you need height without sacrificing significant ground space.

Generally, no. The American Pillar naturally maintains a tall, columnar shape on its own. You may choose to lightly trim them if you want a specific, formal look, but they do not require regular pruning to stay narrow.

Because this variety is known for its rapid growth rate—often exceeding 3 feet per year—you will see significant vertical gains quickly. While they start as young trees, their fast-growing nature means they will begin providing effective screening much sooner than slower-growing evergreen varieties.

They are drought tolerant once they are fully established in your landscape. During the first year or two after planting, you will need to water them regularly to help the root system develop; after that, they become much more resilient to dry spells.