Watering

Once established, this drought-resistant tree needs infrequent watering. During dry spells, water deeply every two to three weeks, checking the soil moisture beforehand.

Mulching

Replenish your mulch layer annually to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer around the base of the tree.

Sunlight

While adaptable to some shade, your Eastern Redcedar thrives in full sun. This ensures healthy growth and maintains the tree’s dense, vibrant foliage.

Pruning

Prune minimally during the tree’s dormant period to remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches. This helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth.

Watching for Bugs and Ills

This resilient tree rarely succumbs to pests or diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of stress like yellowing leaves and use organic methods like insecticidal soap if necessary.

Fertilizing

Generally, fertilizing isn’t required. However, if growth seems slow, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can give your tree a boost.

When It Arrives

Give your new tree a deep and thorough watering to settle the soil around the roots and help it overcome transplant shock. Aim to soak the soil all the way down to the roots.

During the First Year

Consistent moisture is crucial for establishing a strong root system. Water your tree deeply once a week, especially during hot or dry weather. Focus on watering the root zone, which extends outwards past the edge of the leaves. Use a hose with a gentle spray to allow the water to soak in deeply. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger down a couple of inches - water again if it feels dry.

After the First Year

Once established, your Eastern Redcedar’s drought tolerance kicks in. You can reduce watering frequency. Water deeply every two to three weeks during normal weather. However, continue to monitor soil moisture, especially during extended dry periods. Even established trees benefit from occasional deep watering during droughts.

When It Arrives

No need to fertilize upon arrival. The root system is focusing on establishing itself, and fertilizer can hinder this process.

During the First Year

Similar to the above, fertilizing during the first year isn’t typically necessary. The focus is on root development, and the nutrients in the surrounding soil are sufficient.

After the First Year

Even after a year, your Eastern Redcedar may not require fertilization. However, if growth seems slow, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can give it a boost. Opt for a formula with a low nitrogen content (like a 10-10-10) and follow the application instructions carefully. Less is more with this tree.

Best Time to Prune

Prune during the tree’s dormant period, ideally in late winter (before new growth emerges) or early spring. This minimizes stress on the tree and allows for proper wound healing.

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp bypass pruners or lopping shears will suffice for most pruning tasks on your Eastern Redcedar.

Steps to Follow

Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent infection. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also lightly prune to remove unwanted growth or shape the tree. Make clean cuts just above a bud or outward-facing branch for a more natural look. Avoid removing more than one-third of the tree’s canopy at a time.

Is the Eastern Redcedar a fast-growing tree?

The Eastern Redcedar is considered a moderate growing tree, typically putting on 12-24 inches of growth per year. This makes it a great choice for those who want to fill in empty spaces in their yard quickly.

How tall does the Eastern Redcedar get?

At maturity, the Eastern Redcedar can reach heights of 30-65 feet tall, with a spread of 10-20 feet wide. However, it can be easily maintained through pruning to keep it at a desired size.

Does the Eastern Redcedar tree do well in cold climates?

Absolutely! The Eastern Redcedar is a very cold-hardy tree, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2-9. This means it can withstand harsh winter conditions.

Can I plant an Eastern Redcedar tree near my house?

While Eastern Redcedars are beautiful trees, they can get quite large. It’s best to plant them at least 20 feet away from your house to avoid foundation issues caused by aggressive root growth.

How much sun does the Eastern Redcedar need?

For optimal growth and vibrant foliage, the Eastern Redcedar prefers full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some shade.

Is the Eastern Redcedar a messy tree?

The Eastern Redcedar produces small, blue berries that birds love to eat. These berries may fall to the ground, but they are not messy and decompose easily.

Does the Eastern Redcedar tree have any pests or diseases I should worry about?

The Eastern Redcedar is a resilient tree and rarely succumbs to pests or diseases. However, keep an eye out for signs of stress and use organic methods like insecticidal soap if necessary.

Is the Eastern Redcedar poisonous?

The Eastern Redcedar contains irritants that can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. However, the berries are not particularly attractive to humans or pets, and the risk of poisoning is low.

Can I grow an Eastern Redcedar tree from seed?

Technically, yes, the Eastern Redcedar can be grown from seed. However, it’s a slow process that can take several years for the seedling to mature into a tree. Purchasing a young tree from a nursery is a much faster and easier option.