How to Plant a White Cedar Hedge: Easy Tips

People plant cedar hedges for two main reasons:

First, they look really nice. Cedar trees can make your yard look great. Second, they’re good for privacy. You can use them to block the view from outside.

If you want to grow cedar hedges, you need to know how to plant and take care of them. This article will help you with that.

White Cedar is a tough tree. In most places, it can grow without much help. These trees stay green all year, which is great for privacy. They also look pretty in winter when they’re covered in snow.

These trees can grow in different weather and soil types. They spread out about 10 to 12 feet, so plant them with enough space. They like wet soil and damp air.

Here’s how to plant a white cedar:

1. Pick a spot with some shade or full sun. The tree isn’t picky about light.
2. Dig a big hole, twice as wide and 1.5 times as deep as the pot the tree came in.
3. Scratch the sides of the hole to help the roots grow better.
4. Put the tree in the hole and fill it halfway with soil.
5. Add water to get rid of air bubbles.
6. Fill the rest of the hole with soil and water again.

To take care of your white cedar:

• Water it once a week until it’s settled in. Keep the soil damp.
• After it’s settled, water less often.
• Use fertilizer in the spring. Follow the instructions on the package.
• Cut off any dead or sick branches when you see them.

Remember:

• Put some mulch around the tree to keep the soil wet.
• Don’t use too much fertilizer. It can hurt the tree.

Ideal Spacing for Cedar Hedges

When I plant white cedar trees, I space them 24 to 40 inches apart. They need enough room to grow healthily and fill in to form a dense hedge.

For a typical cedar hedge, I space the trees about 2 to 3 feet apart. This allows them to grow into a lush barrier, providing both beauty and privacy. If I’m planting the ‘Excelsa’ variety, I’ll give them an extra foot for more space.

Growth Time for a Cedar Hedge

Cedar hedges grow quite steadily, typically adding 1 to 2 feet every year. Depending on how tall I want it, I can keep my hedge between 6 to 7 feet or let it grow taller for more coverage.

Growth Rate of White Cedar Trees

White cedar trees grow at a slow to medium pace, usually adding 13 to 24 inches per year when they’re in ideal conditions. They thrive in limestone-rich, moist, and boggy areas and can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils.

Once these trees are established, they adapt well to full sun and various climates.

Planting Cedar Near Fences

When I’m planting hedges near a fence or a wall, I typically leave a gap of about 18-24 inches. If I’m planning a taller hedge, a bit more room helps ensure it grows well without crowding other structures.

Best Time to Plant Cedar Hedges

I usually plant cedar hedges in early spring after the ground has thawed. Fall is also a good time, although I try to avoid late summer, when the heat can be stressful for newly planted trees.

Height Potential of White Cedar Trees

Northern white cedar trees can grow quite tall, often reaching heights between 40 to 50 feet. Some can even get as tall as 80 feet with a diameter of up to 6 feet in some cases.

Fertilizing Cedar Hedges

For feeding my cedar hedges, I use an organic tree and shrub fertilizer with a formula like 18-8-8. I apply it in early spring, making sure to water the soil thoroughly, as dry soil can cause damage when fertilized.

Durability of White Cedar

White cedar is notably long-lasting, able to resist rot and insects. Trees can be ready for harvesting every 25 to 30 years and can last around 100 years when used properly.