Cedar trees are a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their landscapes with natural beauty and provide privacy. These evergreen giants not only add visual appeal but also offer numerous environmental benefits. If you want to know how to plant cedar trees, follow these steps and tips to ensure successful growth, proper care, and timely trimming.
Cedar trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their beautiful evergreen foliage, fragrant aroma, and versatility. But when is the optimal time to plant these stately conifers? Choosing the right planting time sets your new cedar trees up for success and helps them establish quickly in your landscape.
Understanding Cedar Tree Growth Habits
There are over a dozen species of cedar trees, including Eastern redcedar Western redcedar, Atlas cedar and Deodar cedar. Most cedars are relatively fast-growing when young, putting on up to 3 feet of growth per year. Mature height ranges from 30 feet for dwarf cultivars up to 150 feet for towering native cedars. Cedars prefer full sun and moderately moist, well-draining acidic soil.
Cedars are hardy across a wide range of climates when properly sited. Most cedars tolerate temperatures down to -30°F once established. However very young trees are more prone to freeze damage in extreme winters. Hot dry summers can also stress young cedars that lack adequate moisture.
Understanding the growth cycle and seasonal vulnerabilities of cedars in your climate will help determine optimal planting time. When cedars break dormancy and initiate new growth is a major factor.
Spring Planting
Spring is generally the best season for planting cedar trees in most regions. The advantages of spring planting include:
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Soil moisture is plentiful from winter rains and snowmelt. This supports new root establishment.
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Cool spring temperatures reduce transplant shock.
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Trees have the entire growing season to establish roots before hot summer or cold winter.
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Weed competition is lower in spring compared to late summer. Less weeding reduces stress on new transplants.
Aim to plant cedars 4-6 weeks before the last expected spring frost. This gives them a head start on root growth before bursting into top growth. Container-grown cedars can be planted later in spring after the soil has warmed up. Avoid planting during a cold snap or frost, which can damage tender new growth.
Specific spring planting times vary by region:
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In the cooler northern states, plant cedars in early to mid spring once the frost is out of the ground. This ranges from mid-March through May.
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In southern states, plant cedars in late January through March before the heat of summer arrives.
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On the west coast, plant cedars in late February through April, timing it before the dry season.
Water spring-planted cedars regularly for the first two years until their root systems are well established.
Fall Planting
Fall is another suitable option for planting cedar trees. Reasons to consider fall planting include:
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Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant shock and moisture loss.
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Trees can develop roots through winter and be ready to grow in spring.
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Less weed competition compared to spring.
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Potentially cooler, wetter weathergoing into winter vs. hot, dry summer conditions.
The main risk with fall planting is freezing damage to newly established roots over winter. Containerized cedars are lower risk than bare root trees. Ensure soil moisture before ground freeze-up by watering thoroughly. Use a mulch around the base to insulate roots.
Fall planting windows for cedars:
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In northern states, plant 6-8 weeks before first expected frost, generally September-October.
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In southern states, the fall planting window extends through November and December.
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On the Pacific coast, plant cedars in early fall before the rainy season ends, generally September-October.
As with spring planting, ensure regular watering for newly planted cedars through the first two years.
Summer Planting Precautions
Summer is generally not an ideal time to plant cedar trees. Reasons to avoid summer planting include:
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Heat and drought stress are higher, increasing transplant shock.
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Cedars planted in mid to late summer don’t establish extensive roots before winter dormancy.
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More issues with weeds, insects, and disease during hot summer months.
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Fleeting summer rains may not sufficiently water newly planted trees.
However, container-grown cedars can be safely planted in summer if care is taken to reduce transplant stress. Here are some tips:
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Plant in early to mid summer, avoiding late summer.
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Water thoroughly before and after planting.
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Mulch around the tree to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
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Provide shade if planting during a heat wave.
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Monitor for pests like bagworms and scale that thrive in summer.
With attentive aftercare, properly sited cedars can still flourish when planted in summer. But spring or fall planting is generally less risky.
Winter Planting Warnings
Winter is the most difficult season for planting cedar trees. Issues with winter planting include:
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Frozen soil prevents digging planting holes.
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Roots cannot effectively establish and take up water during dormancy.
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Cold winter winds dry out foliage on new transplants.
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Risk of freeze damage to new growth if temperatures fluctuate.
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Lack of root establishment before summer stresses.
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Potential for frost heaving of shallow-rooted trees.
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid planting cedars during the winter dormant season. If temperatures allow, very early spring planting in zones 6 and warmer can be done as soon as the soil is workable. Mulch over the root zone for insulation until consistent growth resumes.
Planting Tips for Success
Follow these tips when planting cedar trees:
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Select a planting site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Avoid wet areas.
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Amend clay or sandy soils with compost to improve moisture retention and nutrition.
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Dig a hole no deeper than root ball, but 2-3 times wider. Score root ball sides.
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Set top of root ball 1-2 inches above grade. Remove any burlap, ropes, or containers.
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Backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets, then mulch.
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Stake tree for 1-2 years if windy. Remove stakes once rooted.
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Water new trees regularly, especially during droughts. Soak the entire root zone.
By planting your cedar trees at the optimal time for your climate, you put them on the path to fast establishment and healthy growth for years to come. With a little attentive care in their early years, you’ll soon be enjoying the beauty and grace of soaring cedar trees.
Care Tips for Cedar Trees
Cedar trees require proper care to thrive and reach their full potential. Here are some essential care tips:
Watering: Adequate watering is crucial, especially during the tree’s first year. Deep watering once a week is generally sufficient, but adjust the frequency based on weather conditions. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
Fertilization: Cedar trees usually do not require much fertilization. Conduct a soil test to determine if any nutrient deficiencies exist. If necessary, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees in the spring.
Pruning: Pruning is essential for maintaining cedar trees. Start pruning when the tree is still young and continue as it grows. Major pruning should occur during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time. If a tree has been overtaken by disease, contact us for tree removal services.
Protection from Deer: Cedar trees are particularly vulnerable to deer browsing, especially in rural or woodland areas. Consider using deer repellents or installing protective fencing to prevent damage.
Proper trimming of trees helps maintain the shape, health, and safety. Here’s how and when to trim them:
When to Trim: Late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, is the best time to trim cedar trees. Avoid trimming in late summer or early fall, as new growth may not have sufficient time to harden off before winter.
How to Trim: Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. To maintain the tree’s natural shape, lightly trim the tips of overgrown branches, known as “candles.” Avoid excessive pruning, as cedar trees do not respond well to heavy trimming. Maintain a balanced structure by trimming branches that cross or rub against each other.
Tools: Use sharp pruning shears or loppers for smaller branches and a pruning saw for larger ones. Ensure that the tools are clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of diseases between cuts.
Plant a Cedar Tree- 4 Steps
Step 1: Select the Right Site
Before planting your cedar tree, choose the right location. Cedar trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and in well-draining soil. They prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0. Pick a spot that has enough space to accommodate the mature height and spread of the cedar tree, as they grow to impressive sizes.
Step 2: Dig the Hole
Once you’ve selected the site, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball but not deeper than the root ball’s height. Breaking up the soil at the sides and bottom of the hole helps the roots penetrate the surrounding soil more easily.
Step 3: Plant the Cedar Tree
Gently place the cedar tree in the center of the hole, ensuring that it sits upright. Backfill the hole with soil, gradually firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Avoid packing the soil tightly, as it may inhibit water drainage. Leave a slight depression around the base of the tree to help retain water during watering.
Step 4: Water the Newly Planted Tree
After planting, water the cedar tree thoroughly. Provide enough water to reach the root zone, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. To retain moisture and suppress weed growth, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature and prevents accidental lawnmower damage.
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FAQ
What’s the best time to plant cedar trees?
Plant cedar after the soil thaws in early spring. You can also plant in fall, but keep in mind that late summer heatwaves can stress the newly planted tree. Remove the cedar tree from the container. The tree can be planted as is if the root ball is wrapped loosely in natural burlap, which will eventually rot.
Where is the best place to plant cedar trees?
Cedar trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and in well-draining soil. They prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0. Pick a spot that has enough space to accommodate the mature height and spread of the cedar tree, as they grow to impressive sizes.
Are cedar trees good to have in your yard?
Cedar trees are also valued for their ecological significance as they are important habitats for birds and other wildlife. Generally, they have a high tolerance to drought and can thrive in a variety of soils and climates.
How quickly do cedar trees grow?
Are cedar trees fast-growing? Cedar trees tend to have a moderate to fast growth rate, depending on the variety and its growing conditions. Some can grow over 25 inches per year, but most varieties usually put on about 12 to 24 inches of growth per year.
How do you plant a cedar tree?
To plant cedars, dig a trench about 80 centimetres wide by 40 centimetres deep. 4. Amend the soil If your soil is soft (porous and crumbly), you can plant your cedars without having to change anything.
How do you grow red cedar?
Plant it in full sun in almost any type of soil. Eastern red cedar tolerates clay, sand, compacted soil and urban pollution. It is also deer resistant and can grow near black walnut trees. Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is an arborvitae found natively in the western United States.
Can you plant a cedar tree under a tree?
Don’t plant cedar under existing trees or power lines. Leave plenty of space if you’re planting a cedar tree near a building or sidewalk. Avoid locations near water, as cedar trees don’t do well in soggy soil or areas prone to flooding. Select a location where the tree receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.