About Full Speed a Hedge® 'American Pillar' Arborvitae
FULL SPEED A HEDGE® 'American Pillar' Arborvitae
The super-fast, skinny evergreen
Selected for its super-fast growth and tall, narrow habit, Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar arborvitae sets the new standard for hedges. This very hardy and heat tolerant North American native maintains a desirable columnar shape without pruning, so you can quickly block ugly views without a lot of work.
USDA Zones 3-8
(hardy to -40° F/C)
At least four hours of sun each day
Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’ PP#20,209
How to Care for Full Speed A Hedge 'American Pillar' Arborvitae
Soil: Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar arborvitae grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Keep soil free of weeds.
Sun Exposure: Full to part sun. At least four hours of sun each day.
Water: Water regularly until established. Once established, American Pillar arborvitae has good drought tolerance.
Mulch: Add 2” of organic mulch to your arborvitae planting to help the soil retain moisture and insulate the roots.
Size: American Pillar arborvitae is 15-20′ tall and 3-5′ wide.
Fertilizer: Apply an all-purpose fertilizer at planting and each spring
Pruning: Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar arborvitae doesn’t require pruning but does tolerate it well. If desired, prune in spring before new growth begins.
Spacing: Plant your American Pillar arborvitae 2.5-4′ apart. Learn how to plant an arborvitae hedge.
Deer: American Pillar is more deer resistant than other arborvitae but should be protected with netting or a repellent for at least its first year if deer browsing is a problem in your area.
Origins of Full Speed A Hedge 'American Pillar' Arborvitae
Full Speed A Hedge ‘American Pillar’ arborvitae was developed by plant breeder John Houser. With better heat and cold tolerance, faster growth, and a narrower habit than other Thuja occidentalis, John knew he had an exceptional plant on his hands. Spring Meadow Nursery trialed the plant and, after seeing firsthand how truly unique it was, had to have it. ‘American Pillar’ was the fastest growing arborvitae on the market with a growth rate of 40” a year, and its super narrow habit makes it an ideal choice for screening and hedging.
In 2019, Spring Meadow Nursery established the Full Speed A Hedge line, featuring ‘American Pillar’ as the first arborvitae in the collection. ‘American Pillar’ allows landscapers and homeowners to get the privacy they want quickly. ‘American Pillar’ arborvitae isn’t just perfect for hedges and screens; this arborvitae also makes a statement as a specimen or planted in groups.
