Embodiments are directed to a method of forming a feature of a semiconductor device. In one or more embodiments, the feature is a gate, and the method includes forming a substrate and forming a gate material extending over a major surface of the substrate. The method further includes forming a trench extending through the gate material and into the substrate in a first direction, wherein the trench further extends through the gate material and the substrate in a second direction. The method further includes filling the trench with a fill material and forming individual gates from the gate material, wherein the individual gates extend along a third direction.