How to Grow Cedar Trees

Purchase cedar shrubs at a local garden center and plant from spring to early fall in well-drained, fertile soil. Cedar grows best in slightly acidic, moist soil. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the type of cedar. Plant so the crown of the plant is a few inches above the soil line.

Are cedar trees easy to grow?
Where do cedar trees grow best?
How long does it take for a cedar tree to grow?
Why are cedar trees bad?
What kind of soil do cedar trees like?
When should you plant a cedar tree?
How do you keep cedar trees healthy?
How do you protect cedar trees?
How far apart do you plant cedar trees?
Are cedar trees worth money?
What is the best fertilizer for cedar trees?
What can grow under cedar trees?

Are cedar trees easy to grow?

Cedar trees are not hard to grow and will give elegance to any space where they have room to spread. The trees start easily from seed but require a 48-hour soaking period and another month in the refrigerator, along with some potting soil in a zip lock bag. The soil must be kept moist during this time.

Where do cedar trees grow best?

California incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is found in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, although it grows best in zones 6 and 7. ...
Eastern red cedar is among the most adaptable cedar trees, growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9.

How long does it take for a cedar tree to grow?

Reproduction. Mature eastern red cedar produces a good crop of seed every two to three years. When grown from seed in nurseries, eastern red cedar will take one to two years to reach an appropriate size for replanting.

Why are cedar trees bad?

But perhaps the scariest characteristic of cedar trees is their potential to add explosive fuel to wildfires. Hallgren says when a drought is severe cedar trees become a great fire risk because of their oils.

What kind of soil do cedar trees like?

Most cedars prefer an acidic soil, with some growing best in alkaline soil. White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) grows in a pH range from 5.5 to 7.2. Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) needs a more neutral pH between 6.8 and 7.2.

When should you plant a cedar tree?

When, Where and How to Plant

Purchase cedar shrubs at a local garden center and plant from spring to early fall in well-drained, fertile soil. Cedar grows best in slightly acidic, moist soil. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the type of cedar.

How do you keep cedar trees healthy?

Maintenance and shape pruning

Identify new growth – this will be a lighter green than the rest of the tree.
Trim 1/3 or a maximum of half the new foliage. Cedars are not able to produce new growth on old wood.
Keep part of the new growth so that the cedar continues to grow and fill out.

How do you protect cedar trees?

The best way to protect this tender tree is to water well into the fall and after its leaves have dropped, put 4 wooden stakes in the ground around the perimeter of the tree and then wrap the stakes with burlap to create a screen. The stakes should be about 1.5′ to 2′ away from the trunk.

How far apart do you plant cedar trees?

When using cedars as a hedge, space each plant 2-3ft apart (from the trunks). Add an extra foot between plants for 'Excelsa'. Dig the holes for your plants. Make sure the planting hole is at least twice the width of the rootballs and the same depth, or slightly shallower.

Are cedar trees worth money?

Walk the forester through your grove of cedar trees. Discuss the estimate with him. A tree's value is determined by its size, health and shape primarily, so curved trees will be worth less than straight ones. Old trees may be worth more, but if their trunks are damaged you will not command as high a price.

What is the best fertilizer for cedar trees?

Cedar hedges need regular feeding to produce lush, healthy growth. Feed your cedar hedge in early spring, using an organic-based tree and shrub plant food with an NPK ratio such as 18-8-8. Water the hedge thoroughly, as fertilizing dry soil can burn the roots.

What can grow under cedar trees?

However, some ground covers, perennials, shrubs and ferns require acidic soils and tolerate drought and shade, and these plants will successfully grow under cedar trees.