How to Grow American Pillar Arborvitae
Wikimedia Commons
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
shrubAmerican Pillar Arborvitae is a narrow, columnar evergreen shrub that grows in a tight, pencil-like form, making it ideal for vertical accents and screening. It maintains its shape naturally without excessive pruning and displays soft, feathery foliage that transitions from green to bronzy-purple in cold weather. This cultivar is prized for small spaces and contemporary landscapes where a formal, architectural element is desired.
When should you plant American Pillar Arborvitae in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example American Pillar Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant American Pillar Arborvitae
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest American Pillar Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact American Pillar Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7
Sign up free to see if American Pillar Arborvitae grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my American Pillar Arborvitae timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung transplant settling into landscape with minimal new growth as root system develops
Water regularly without waterlogging. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base (keep away from trunk). Avoid heavy pruning. Provide wind protection in exposed locations.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-4Active height and width development with dense branching and rich green foliage
Continue consistent watering during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Light pruning only to maintain shape if needed. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
Maturation
Year 5 onwardsPlant reaches intended dimensions with full, dense columnar form and fine-textured foliage
Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases. Minimal pruning needed; only shape if desired. Watch for pests and disease. Fertilize lightly in spring if growth slows.
Seasonal Color Transition
Fall through early springFoliage deepens from green to bronze or purplish tones in fall and winter, returning to green in spring
This is a natural response to cold temperatures and requires no intervention. Color is more pronounced in northern regions and areas with significant temperature drops.
Maintenance
Year 6+ indefinitelyEstablished plant in full landscape maturity requiring only basic upkeep
Water during extended droughts. Inspect for spider mites, bagworms, and disease. Prune out any dead wood. No fertilizer usually needed for healthy specimens.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plant. Avoid drought stress.
-
Hand-pick bags in late fall/winter when plant is dormant. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when larvae are young. Use pheromone traps for monitoring.
-
Spray with horticultural oil in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Prune heavily infested branches. Insecticidal soap for summer treatments.
-
Prune out infested foliage. Apply preventive horticultural oil sprays in early spring. Maintain plant vigor through proper watering.
-
Install fencing (6-8 feet tall) or use deer repellent sprays. Arborvitae is browsed heavily in winter when food is scarce.
Uses
Ornamental Screening and Privacy
HouseholdAmerican Pillar's narrow columnar form makes it excellent for creating tall, formal screens and privacy barriers along property lines, entryways, and gardens without consuming significant horizontal space. When planted in rows spaced 2-3 feet apart, multiple plants form an effective visual and wind barrier. [source]
Architectural Landscaping Accent
HouseholdThe pencil-thin, formal shape provides strong vertical lines and modern aesthetic appeal in contemporary and traditional landscapes. It serves as a structural element in garden design, framing views and creating focal points while complementing both minimalist and cottage-style gardens. [source]
Holiday Decorations and Floral Arrangements
CraftBranches and foliage are harvested for winter wreaths, garlands, and holiday arrangements. The plant's aromatic, evergreen foliage provides fragrance and structure to decorative pieces, and the winter bronze coloring adds visual interest. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalArborvitae has been used in traditional medicine and herbal preparations, though modern scientific validation is limited. The plant contains thujone and volatile oils that have been historically credited with immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Shelter and Food for Wildlife
WildlifeThe dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and protection for songbirds and small mammals. While it does not produce significant food sources, the sheltered interior branches offer nesting and roosting sites, making it valuable in wildlife-friendly landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Arborvitae is an ornamental shrub, not typically harvested for food. Foliage and branches can be harvested in fall for decorative purposes (wreaths, arrangements). Cut branches will last 2-3 weeks if kept in water. For commercial harvesting, branches are cut in late fall/winter when foliage color is at its richest bronze tone.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 American Pillar Arborvitae naturally maintains its narrow columnar shape without needing formal pruning, unlike many other evergreens that require significant annual maintenance to achieve and maintain this form.
- 🌱 The common name 'arborvitae' means 'tree of life' in Latin, and the plant was valued by Native Americans and early European settlers for its medicinal properties, durable wood, and aromatic qualities.
- 🌱 The foliage of American Pillar turns from rich green to bronze or purple-bronze in fall and winter due to anthocyanin pigment production as protection against harsh cold temperatures, then returns to green in spring—a natural response unrelated to plant health.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized American Pillar Arborvitae planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start American Pillar Arborvitae seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my American Pillar Arborvitae timeline →