Cedar trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their attractive foliage, hardiness, and versatility Though cedars are relatively easy to grow, proper planting and care is key to ensuring your cedar trees thrive In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to successfully plant and grow cedar trees.
Choose the Right Location
Selecting the perfect spot to plant your cedar trees is the first critical step. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding on a location:
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Allow room for growth – Cedars can grow very tall, up to 100 feet for some species. Avoid planting under power lines roofs, or too close to buildings.
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Sunlight – Cedars grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal.
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Soil – Well-drained but moist soil is optimal. Avoid soggy areas.
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Spacing – Leave 5-10 feet between young trees so they don’t compete for resources. Adjust spacing for hedge rows.
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Water – Don’t plant too close to bodies of water. Cedars don’t tolerate flooding or saturated soil well.
Take the mature height and width into account before choosing your spot. This prevents future crowding issues.
Pick a Cedar Variety
There are many cedar tree varieties to choose from. A few popular options include:
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Deodar cedar – Also known as Himalayan cedar. Bluish-green needles. Fast growing.
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Eastern red cedar – Native to eastern US. Medium growth rate. Often used for windbreaks.
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Western red cedar – Very large tree, up to 60 feet. Graceful, weeping appearance.
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Atlas cedar – Originally from Africa. Silvery blue needles. Hardy and drought tolerant.
Consider your climate and needs when selecting a variety. Talk to local nurseries about the best cedar trees for your area.
Prepare the Planting Area
Preparing the soil before planting gives cedar trees the best start:
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Loosen soil – Dig down at least 12 inches and break up compacted soil. This allows roots to spread easily.
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Remove weeds – Get rid of competing weeds which steal water and nutrients from trees.
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Mix in compost – Compost improves drainage and provides nutrients. Till in 2-4 inches into soil.
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Test pH – Cedars prefer slightly acidic soil. Adjust pH if needed with sulfur or lime a few weeks before planting.
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Fertilize – Mix in a balanced organic fertilizer like 10-10-10 before planting. Follow label instructions.
Taking these steps creates ideal soil conditions for your cedar trees to thrive in.
How to Plant Cedar Trees
Once your planting site is prepped, it’s time to put your cedar trees in the ground! Here’s a simple step-by-step:
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Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball and slightly deeper. Roughen sides with a shovel.
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Carefully remove tree from container or burlap. Untangle any circled roots.
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Place tree in the hole. Top of root ball should be level with the ground.
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Fill hole with native soil, pack down firmly to remove air gaps.
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Build a water basin around the base. Water thoroughly after planting.
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Spread 2-4 inches of mulch around tree, avoiding contact with trunk.
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Stake young trees if needed to prevent blowing over in wind. Remove after 1-2 years.
Proper planting depth and firm soil are essential for cedar trees to establish successfully. Water consistently after transplanting.
Caring for Cedar Trees
Cedars are relatively low maintenance once established. Follow these tips for healthy, thriving trees:
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Water weekly for the first year, then as needed during droughts. Soak soil thoroughly.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Prune lightly in spring to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer if growth is stunted.
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Protect young trees from deer, rodents, and wind damage with fencing as needed.
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Monitor for common pests like bagworms, mites, and scale. Control with appropriate treatments.
With proper siting, planting, and care, your cedar trees will provide beauty and privacy for years to come. Their relatively fast growth rate and hardy nature makes cedars a great choice for both novice and expert gardeners alike.
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To plant cedar trees, wait until early spring and choose a sunny spot that allows for plenty of vertical and horizontal growth, since cedar trees grow to be quite large. Next, remove the seedling from its container and cut any compacted roots to encourage growth. Then, dig a hole big enough to accommodate the root ball and position the seedling inside, taking care to point the roots downward. Finally, fill the remaining hole with soil, compact it tightly around the roots to remove any air pockets, and mulch around the seedling. For tips on caging a young cedar tree, read on!
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- Planting soil
- Hose/water
- Scissors
- Fertilizer
- Wire mesh cage
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FAQ
What is the best time to plant cedar trees?
You can plant cedars almost all-year round, although early spring and/or fall is preferred.
Are cedar trees hard to grow?
Cedar trees are not hard to grow and will give elegance to any space where they have room to spread.
Where is the best place to plant a cedar tree?
Cedar need to be the windblocker’s height away. Eg a 2 story house with peaked root is about 22 feet tall. Put the cedars 22 feet south of the house. Cedars do well on the north side of a house. Cedars do well if they are shaded from winter sun by tall leafless trees, or other evergreens such as spruce or pine.
How quickly do cedar trees grow?
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Growth Rate:
- Most cedar varieties exhibit a medium to fast growth rate, with an average annual growth of 12 to 24 inches.
- Some varieties can grow even faster, exceeding 25 inches per year.
- For example, Eastern Red Cedar can grow 1-2 feet per year.
- Most cedar varieties exhibit a medium to fast growth rate, with an average annual growth of 12 to 24 inches.
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Factors Affecting Growth:
- Variety: Different cedar species and cultivars have varying growth rates.
- Growing Conditions: Factors like soil fertility, water availability, and climate conditions significantly impact growth.
- Nutrient-rich soil and fertilization: Good quality soil provides lots of nutrients, but supplementing with a fertilizer is a good idea.
- Water availability: Cedar trees thrive in environments where moisture is consistent, allowing them to establish strong roots.
- Variety: Different cedar species and cultivars have varying growth rates.
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Examples of Cedar Trees:
- Eastern Red Cedar: A common species with a medium growth rate of 12-24 inches per year.
- Emerald Cedars (Thuja occidentalis “Smaragd”): Known for their quick growth, growing between one and two feet per year.
- Eastern Red Cedar: A common species with a medium growth rate of 12-24 inches per year.
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Mature size
- After the Eastern Red Cedar tree reaches maturity within 10–20 years, it can reach a height of nearly 100 feet and a width of 20-35 feet.
- After the Eastern Red Cedar tree reaches maturity within 10–20 years, it can reach a height of nearly 100 feet and a width of 20-35 feet.
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Ecological Significance
- 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.
- Cedar trees are also valued for their ecological significance as they are important habitats for birds and other wildlife.
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.