If you’re tired of waiting years for a privacy screen to grow, it’s time to meet the American Pillar Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Full Speed A Hedge’®). For homeowners in Canada looking for a rapid-growth solution that won't take over the entire backyard, this tree is a total game-changer.
As a Canadian cedar tree nursery shipping nationwide, we get asked one question more than any other: "How can I get privacy fast without planting a tree that grows 15 feet wide?" The American Pillar is the answer.
Why the American Pillar is Taking Over Canadian Landscapes
The American Pillar was discovered as a natural sport of the "Hetz Wintergreen" cedar, bred specifically to solve the problems of modern urban landscaping.
-
Extreme Growth Speed: Living up to its "Full Speed A Hedge" nickname, this tree can grow up to 3 feet per year once established. It’s the closest thing to an "instant fence" in the botanical world.
-
Narrow Footprint: Unlike the massive Green Giant, the American Pillar stays incredibly slim. It reaches heights of 15–20 feet but stays only 3–4 feet wide. This makes it perfect for narrow side yards or property lines between close-set houses.
-
Heavy Snow Resistance: Because it is so narrow and dense, it doesn't splay or split under the weight of heavy Canadian snow and ice like some wider varieties.
-
Superior Density: The foliage is much tighter than the Eastern White Cedar, providing a complete visual block from top to bottom.
Is the American Pillar Hardy Enough for Canada?
Yes! One of the reasons we love this variety at our nursery is its impressive climate resilience.
-
Hardiness Zones: Rated for Zones 3–8, the American Pillar is tough enough for the cold winters of Ontario, Quebec, and the Prairies, yet heat-tolerant enough for BC's interior.
-
Winter Color: It maintains a lush, deep green color throughout the winter with very little of the "bronzing" or browning seen in lesser cultivars.
Planting for "Full Speed" Success
To get that 3-foot-per-year growth, you need to give your American Pillar nursery stock the right start:
-
Ideal Spacing: For a solid, impenetrable privacy wall, space your trees 2.5 to 3 feet apart (center to center).
-
Sunlight: For maximum speed and density, plant in full sun. While they can handle partial shade, their growth will slow down slightly.
-
Watering: Don't let them go thirsty! For the first two growing seasons, use a soaker hose to ensure deep root hydration. Consistency is the secret to "Full Speed" growth.
-
Soil: They thrive in almost any soil type found across Canada, from sandy loam to heavier clay, as long as it isn't sitting in a swamp.
American Pillar vs. Emerald Green Cedar
| Feature | American Pillar | Emerald Green |
| Growth Rate | Fast (3 ft/year) | Moderate (6–12 in/year) |
| Mature Width | 3–4 Feet (Narrow) | 4–5 Feet (Wider base) |
| Max Height | 15–20 Feet | 12–15 Feet |
| Best For | Fast Privacy/Tall Screens | Ornamental/Low Hedges |
Maintenance: The Low-Work Choice
Despite its rapid growth, the American Pillar is surprisingly low-maintenance. Because of its naturally tall and skinny "pillar" shape, it requires almost no pruning to stay neat. If you want to keep it at a specific height (say, 12 feet), simply "top" the tree in early spring, and it will fill out even more densely.
Order Your American Pillar Cedars for Nationwide Shipping
Stop waiting for your privacy and start growing it! At our nursery, we specialize in high-quality American Pillar (Full Speed A Hedge) cedars that are field-grown and acclimated to Canadian winters. We ship directly to your door, ensuring your trees arrive fresh and ready to plant.