As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to hosting winter gatherings in the comfort of their own backyards. Whether it’s a cozy outdoor dinner or a festive celebration with family and friends, creating a private, inviting atmosphere is a top priority.
One way to achieve this is by installing a natural privacy fence made from American Pillar Arborvitae. These tall, dense trees offer an attractive solution for maintaining privacy and style in outdoor spaces during winter.
This article covers how American Pillar Arborvitae creates a perfect privacy fence, with tips on arranging, lighting, and winter care.
Why Choose American Pillar Arborvitae?
American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’) is a columnar evergreen tree that thrives in a variety of climates, making it an excellent choice for regions with cold winters. These trees are particularly well-suited for creating privacy fences due to their upright growth pattern. This allows them to grow tall and narrow without taking up much horizontal space.
Their dense foliage provides year-round coverage, blocking unwanted views and creating a sense of seclusion, even in the dead of winter. Unlike traditional wooden fences, which can warp or deteriorate over time, American Pillar Arborvitae offers a long-lasting natural solution.
These trees grow quickly, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet, with a width of only about 3 to 4 feet at maturity. Their lush green needles create a solid visual barrier, making them a popular choice for privacy and windbreaks. With the right care, these trees can maintain their beauty and functionality throughout the coldest months.
How to Arrange American Pillar Arborvitae for Maximum Coverage
When creating a privacy fence using American Pillar Arborvitae, placement is crucial. Start by determining the area where you want the fence. If you’re planting along the edge of your property or near a patio, make sure the trees are spaced to allow for their full growth. Planting them too close together can result in overcrowding. This could affect their health and prevent them from reaching their full potential.
A good rule of thumb is to space each tree about 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows for enough room for the trees to expand without competing for resources like sunlight and water. If one needs a taller fence, they can plant a double row of trees with each row staggered. This creates an even denser screen, particularly helpful for areas where you want maximum privacy.
Before planting, ensure the soil is well-draining, and consider adding organic matter to improve the soil structure. Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade, so choose a location that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. If planting in areas prone to heavy snow accumulation, try to position the trees in a way that protects them from the brunt of winter storms.
Lighting Tips to Highlight Your Winter Privacy Fence
Holiday gatherings are often made even more special with the right lighting. The dense foliage of American Pillar Arborvitae provides an excellent backdrop for soft, warm lights that can create a festive atmosphere. String lights, for example, can be wrapped around the trunks or draped over the branches. This is a simple and effective way to add ambiance to winter parties.
Another option is to install pathway lights along the base of your Arborvitae trees. These low, subtle lights highlight the vertical nature of the trees. It also ensures the privacy fence remains visible at night. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option that can be easily installed without the need for extensive wiring. Be sure to select lights that are designed to withstand winter weather conditions. Freezing temperatures and snow can cause damage to some types of lighting.
If homeowners are hosting larger events, they should consider installing up-lighting that casts light upward from the base of the trees. This effect creates a dramatic, elegant look while keeping the outdoor area well-lit. When arranging the lighting, aim to focus on the upper half of the Arborvitae to show off the tree’s height and structure. This ensures the natural beauty of the foliage is not overpowered.
Winter Care Tips for Healthy Arborvitae Trees
Although American Pillar Arborvitae is a hardy tree, it still requires proper winter care to thrive through the colder months. Here are some essential tips to keep your trees healthy and vibrant throughout winter:
- Watering: Despite the cooler temperatures, it’s important to continue watering your Arborvitae until the ground freezes. Deep watering encourages the roots to stay hydrated, which is especially important during the dry winter months. Watering should be done early in the day to prevent ice from forming on the branches overnight.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the trees to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the roots from freezing. Use organic mulch like shredded bark or wood chips. Keep it away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup that could lead to rot.
- Pruning: American Pillar Arborvitae typically requires minimal pruning. However, it’s a good idea to trim away any dead or damaged branches before winter. This helps the tree focus its energy on maintaining healthy growth. It also prevents snow or ice from accumulating on weak branches, which could lead to breakage.
- Protection from Snow and Ice: While the dense foliage of Arborvitae trees is excellent for blocking out wind and snow, heavy snow accumulation on the branches can cause them to bend or break. To prevent this, gently shake the branches after a snowfall to remove excess snow. In extreme conditions, you may consider using tree wraps or stakes to provide additional support.
Create a Winter Privacy Fence with Thuja Gardens
Achieve year-round privacy and beauty in your outdoor space with American Pillar Arborvitae. Thuja Gardens offer a variety of Thuja trees, including the American Pillar Arborvitae and Thuja Green Giant, perfect for creating a natural, winter-ready privacy fence. Whether planting a dense hedge or enhancing backyard privacy, their premium selection ensures homeowners find the perfect tree.
Shop their high-quality American Pillar Arborvitae for sale and enjoy fast-growing, low-maintenance trees that provide excellent coverage during the colder months. Customers can shop for American Pillar Arborvitae at Thuja Gardens and find their dream privacy fence with just a few clicks.