American Pillar Arborvitae

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the 'American Pillar' Arborvitae, a superior selection of Thuja occidentalis offering unparalleled vertical presence. This cultivar distinguishes itself with remarkably tight, upright growth, maintaining a narrow, pillar-like silhouette without extensive pruning, making it an ideal choice for both spacious estates and more compact urban gardens. Its rich, emerald-green foliage retains its brilliant color throughout the year, providing a consistent backdrop or focal point even in winter's chill. A rapid grower, 'American Pillar' quickly establishes itself to form a living wall, offering immediate privacy, windbreaks, and noise reduction. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'American Pillar' is exceptionally hardy and adaptable, thriving in a range of conditions once established. It's an excellent solution for defining property lines, creating serene garden rooms, or adding architectural interest with minimal effort, ensuring a sophisticated and polished look for years to come.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

For best results, plant in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant. Minimal pruning is required to maintain its narrow form; however, light trimming can be done in late winter or early spring if desired. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.