Thuja Hedge
There are two main reasons for which people choose to plant cedar hedges.
- It’s worth noting that cedar hedges are extremely beautiful. So, cedar trees will greatly contribute to your exterior design and landscaping.
- On the other hand, cedar trees can be used for creating hedges and privacy.
One way or another, you need to know how to plant and maintain cedar hedges in the right way. In this blog, you’ll find useful information on growing attractive cedar hedges.
Ontario White Cedar is a hardy tree; in most areas, they can maintain themselves without your help. Evergreens are extremely valuable for “privacy hedging/screening” since they provide lush green foliage for a full twelve months a year. Additionally, the winter interest of an evergreen dusted with snow is unrivalled in the garden.
The species does very well in different climates and growing conditions. White cedar can achieve heights of 25 to 40 feet. The trees spread about 10 to 12 feet, so they should be spaced accordingly. They prefer moist or wet soil in high humidity.
- Choose a planting location that has partial shade to full sun. The white cedar isn’t fussy about its sunlight requirement. The soil can be sandy, loamy, or clay.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and 1 1/2 times as deep as the container the tree came in. Scrape the sides of the hole with the shovel to loosen the soil. This allows for better root spread.
- Take the white cedar tree out of its pot and place it in the hole. Fill in around the roots with soil, until the hole is half full.
- Add water to the hole to eliminate air pockets. Fill the rest of the hole with the removed soil. Water the tree again until moist.
- Water the white cedar tree at least once a week until it becomes established. The goal is to keep it moist. To give the water time to sink into the ground, lay a garden hose on the ground and let it run slowly for 20 minutes.
- Decrease watering every two weeks once the tree becomes established.
- Apply a time-release fertilizer once a year. Use one that is made for evergreen trees. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Prune damaged or diseased limbs as soon as you notice them. Cut them where they meet healthy wood.
NB: Lay down 1 to 2 inches of mulch, such as bark chips, around the base of the white cedar to
retain soil moisture.
NB: Do not overfertilize your white cedar tree. Fertilizing too much or too often can burn or kill
your white cedar.
How far apart do you plant white cedar?
Space white cedar trees 12 to 18 inches apart.
How far apart do you plant cedars for a hedge?
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.
How long does it take to grow a cedar hedge?
It can grow 30 – 60 centimetres (1-2 feet) per year. As a hedge, it will make an excellent wind and noise breaker. It can be kept as a hedge from 1.8 – 2.4 meters (6 – 7 feet) or let grow to a taller hedge.
How fast do white cedar trees grow?
Slow to medium growth rate average 13-24″ per year in ideal conditions. Soil / Climate: White Cedar enjoys limestone soils, moist, boggy areas. Northern White Cedar is tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils. Generally quite adaptable and tolerant once established, full sun.
How close to a fence can I plant a hedge?
How far from a wall or fence can I plant them? For Mixed/Traditional hedging 45cm – 60cm (18-24 inches) is adequate. If your planning to grow a tall hedge then slightly more space will be required.
What is the best time of year to plant cedar hedges?
Plant cedar after the soil thaws in early spring. You can also plant in the fall, but keep in mind that late summer heatwaves can stress the newly planted tree.
How tall do white cedar trees grow?
Northern white-cedar is a medium-sized tree, commonly 40 to 50 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet in diameter. A few trees grow tall as large as 80 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter.
What is the best fertilizer for cedar hedges?
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 is the difference between red cedar and white cedar?
Western Red Cedar gets its name from its red colour, while Northern White Cedar is lighter and has a yellow hue. Almost 100 per cent of Northern White Cedar log siding contains heartwood; only about 10 per cent of Western Red Cedar log siding pieces contain heartwood.
How long does white cedar last?
White Cedar is a renewable resource. A forest of White Cedar can be harvested every 25 to 30 years. A Red Cedar forest can only be harvested every 300 years. White Cedar will last around 100 years (if put on right) because White Cedar has a natural resistance to rot and insects.
Should you stain white cedar?
If left outdoors without any treatment (stain, paint), white cedar furniture will mature to a splendid silver-grey over time.
What is more rot-resistant white or red cedar?
One significant difference between the two cedar species is the oils they contain, which affects their rot resistance and lifespan. The oils found in eastern white cedar are considerably stronger and can last up to a decade longer.
Does white cedar need to be treated?
However, it’s important to remember that even with its natural resistance, White Cedar can eventually succumb to weather or pest damage. Whenever using this type of wood for outdoor projects, it’s important to seal it for maximum protection and durability.
