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One of the first questions homeowners ask when planning a privacy screen is:
"How wide will these trees get?"
It's an important question. A tree that fits your yard today may become too large years down the road, crowding patios, fences, driveways, or neighboring properties.
That's one of the reasons American Pillar arborvitae has become so popular. It offers the height homeowners want in a privacy screen while maintaining a remarkably narrow footprint.
If you're looking for a fast-growing evergreen that won't take over your yard, here's what you should know.
The Short Answer
At maturity, American Pillar arborvitae typically reaches:
- 15–20 feet tall
- 3–4 feet wide
That narrow, upright growth habit is what sets it apart from many other privacy trees.
While other arborvitae varieties continue spreading outward as they mature, American Pillar naturally grows into a tall, slender screen that fits comfortably in spaces where larger evergreens simply won't.
Why Mature Width Matters
When shopping for privacy trees, it's easy to focus on the size of the tree you're buying today.
The more important question is what that tree will look like ten or fifteen years from now.
A mature tree that's wider than expected can:
- Encroach on patios and walkways
- Crowd windows and outdoor living spaces
- Extend over property lines
- Require more pruning than anticipated
- Make narrow side yards feel even smaller
Choosing a tree based on its mature size helps you avoid these problems before they start.
What Makes American Pillar Different?
American Pillar was selected for its naturally upright growth habit.
Instead of becoming broad and massive, it directs most of its growth upward while maintaining a relatively narrow profile.
That makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who want substantial privacy but don't have room for a tree that eventually spreads ten feet or more.
It also means you can create an effective privacy hedge without sacrificing valuable lawn or usable outdoor space.
Once you've decided American Pillar is the right tree, learn how far apart to plant American Pillar arborvitae for the healthiest, fullest privacy screen.
Is Three to Four Feet Really That Narrow?
It helps to compare American Pillar with other popular privacy trees.
Many evergreen screening trees eventually reach 8 to 15 feet wide at maturity.
American Pillar typically stays around 3 to 4 feet wide .
That difference can completely change which tree makes sense for your property.
If you have several acres and plenty of room, a larger evergreen may be the right choice.
If you're working with a typical suburban lot, a side yard, or a property line that's close to your home, a narrower tree often provides the better long-term solution.
Where American Pillar Works Best
Because of its compact footprint, American Pillar is especially well suited for:
- Side yards
- Property lines
- Pool areas
- Patios
- Driveways
- HVAC equipment screening
- Newer subdivisions with smaller lots
- Townhomes and closely spaced homes
These are places where homeowners often want maximum privacy without giving up precious square footage.
Which Layout Is Right for Your Property?
A single row works well for most homeowners, especially along:
- Property lines
- Side yards
- Driveways
- Pool fences
- Patios
A staggered planting is often worth considering if you:
- Have plenty of planting depth available
- Want the thickest possible privacy screen
- Are screening a larger backyard
- Prefer a more natural-looking hedge
Both layouts produce beautiful results when planted correctly.
Will American Pillar Stay Narrow?
Yes—its narrow shape is one of its defining characteristics.
Unlike many privacy trees that require regular trimming to control their width, American Pillar naturally maintains an upright habit.
Like any tree, it benefits from proper planting, watering, and general care, but it typically requires very little pruning to preserve its shape.
American Pillar vs. Green Giant Width
Here's a quick comparison of mature width:
Green Giant remains one of the best privacy trees available for larger properties.
American Pillar fills a different role. It's designed for homeowners who need the same year-round privacy but have much less room to work with.
Check out this blog for a more complete comparison of American Pillar and Green Giant Arborvitae.
The Right Tree Depends on Your Property
American Pillar isn't the right choice because it's "better" than every other arborvitae.
It's the right choice when your property calls for a tall privacy screen that won't consume valuable yard space.
If you're unsure whether American Pillar or another arborvitae variety is the better fit, the team at Rolling Fields Tree Farm can help you compare your options, determine the proper spacing, and recommend the right quantity of trees for your project.
A little planning today can save years of maintenance—and help you enjoy a healthier, more attractive privacy screen for decades to come.
