When it comes to foundation planting, the American Pillar Arborvitae stands out as a remarkable choice for homeowners seeking both elegance and practicality. This versatile evergreen offers a range of benefits, making it a favorite for creating low-maintenance, visually appealing landscapes. In this blog, we will explore why the American Pillar Arborvitae is an exceptional option for foundation planting and how it compares to other popular Thuja varieties.
Why Choose American Pillar Arborvitae?
American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) is celebrated for its unique characteristics that make it an excellent choice for foundation planting. This evergreen tree offers several advantages:
- Fast Growth Rate:The American Pillar Arborvitae boasts a rapid growth rate, averaging 3 to 4 feet per year. This swift growth allows homeowners to achieve their desired level of privacy and visual appeal in a shorter time compared to many other options.
- Space-Efficient Design: Unlike traditional broad hedges, the American Pillarmaintains a slender, upright form. This makes it ideal for narrow spaces or areas where a wide hedge might be impractical, such as alongside driveways or pathways.
- Low Maintenance:With its naturally pyramidal shape and dense foliage, the American Pillar requires minimal trimming and upkeep. This makes it a hassle-free choice for homeowners looking for a beautiful yet easy-to-care-for plant.
Comparing American Pillar Arborvitae To Other Thuja Varieties
To fully appreciate the American Pillar Arborvitae, it’s helpful to compare it with other popular Thuja varieties, including the Thuja Green Giant, Thuja Can Can, and Virginian Arborvitae.
Thuja Green Giant
The Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata) is a widely used variety known for its impressive growth rate and tall stature. It is often employed as a privacy screen or windbreak due to its dense foliage and rapid growth.
Pros:
- Rapid Growth: Like the American Pillar, the Green Giant grows quickly, often reaching up to 30 feet tall.
- Versatility: Suitable for larger properties where space is less of a concern.
Cons:
- Space Requirements: Its broader spread might not be ideal for smaller landscapes or tight spaces.
Thuja Can Can
The Thuja Can Can (Thuja plicata ‘Can Can’) is a semi-dwarf variety that suits smaller gardens. It provides many benefits of Thuja Green Giant but in a more compact form, making it a perfect choice for smaller areas.
Pros:
- Compact Size: Reaches about 12-15 feet tall, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
- Enhanced Winter Color: Maintains vibrant green foliage throughout the year.
Cons:
- Smaller Size: It may not offer the same level of privacy as larger varieties like the Green Giant or American Pillar.
Planting And Care Tips For American Pillar Arborvitae
To ensure the best results with your American Pillar Arborvitae, consider the following planting and care tips:
Ideal Planting Seasons
Fall is the optimal time to plant your American Pillar Arborvitae. This season allows the tree to establish its root system before the spring growth surge. Planting in fall also helps the tree acclimate to its new environment, with cooler temperatures reducing the stress of transplanting.
Spring is also suitable for planting, but it is important to note that fall planting gives the tree a head start in establishing a strong root system.
Soil and Sun Requirements
- Soil: The American Pillar Arborvitae thrives in well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types.
- Sun: This tree prefers full sun to partial shade, which helps it grow vigorously and stay healthy.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. The American Pillar’s natural shape is generally aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Explore Thuja Gardens' Premium Thuja Trees Today
At Thuja Gardens, we have been growing high-quality Thuja trees since 1999, including the American Pillar Arborvitae, Thuja Green Giant, Thuja Can Can, and more. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that you receive the best trees for your landscaping needs. We grow all our trees ourselves, which allows us to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality.
Check out our planting tips and keep your Thuja trees thriving. Our comprehensive guidelines will help ensure your trees grow healthy and lush, creating the perfect foundation planting for your landscape.
Experience the benefits of well-grown Thuja trees for your landscape. Visit our website to explore our range of Thuja varieties and find the perfect fit for your foundation planting needs. Whether you’re looking for the sleek, space-saving American Pillar Arborvitae or another variety, our team at Thuja Gardens is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our Thuja trees. Our knowledgeable staff can provide you with expert advice and help you choose the best option for your landscaping project.