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The Daily Insight

How far should cedar trees be planted?

Author

David Jones

Published May 31, 2026

How far should cedar trees be planted?

Planting a Cedar 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.

Where is the best place to plant cedars?

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.

How do you plant cedars for privacy?

Here are some tips for a successful cedar hedge.

  1. Do it at the right time. If possible, plant your cedars as soon as the ground has thawed in early spring.
  2. Calculate how many cedar trees you’ll need.
  3. Dig a trench.
  4. Amend the soil.
  5. Plant your cedars.
  6. Water frequently.
  7. Maintain your hedge.

Do cedars need full sun?

Maintenance. A cedar hedge does not require much care. Planted in rich, well-drained soil and in full sun, cedars can live 60 to 80 years.

What can I plant around cedars?

Which Plants Can Live Under a Cedar Tree?

  • Ground Covers. Acid-loving ground covers that tolerate shade and dry soils will creep along the ground underneath the cedar tree, creating a carpet of foliage that hides the unattractive ground.
  • Perennials.
  • Shrubs.
  • Ferns.

    What to plant next to cedars?

    Two woodland plants, alum root (Heuchera) and foam flower (Tiarella) have become very popular as groundcover for semi-shaded areas like those under cedars. Breeders have created heuchera varieties with leaves in shades including bronze, pewter, pink-beige and chartreuse, some with veins in contrasting shades.

    Do cedars need lots of water?

    Watering thoroughly is key for helping cedars take root after planting. It is important to keep cedars watered during dry weather. A deep thorough watering once or twice a week is better than light, frequent watering. Minimizing drying of the root ball can prevent tree establishment problems.

    Can a cedar tree be used as a hedge?

    Eastern White Cedar trees can be planted in your yard, or anywhere around your home as a stand alone tree, or as a hedge tree. If you’re planting the cedar tree as a stand alone tree, it will grow tall and big.

    How big of a space do you need for a cedar tree?

    Provide enough space for horizontal growth. Plant small trees at least three feet apart, but preferably up to five feet apart. The trees need space between each other so they aren’t fighting for the same water and root territory.

    What’s the best way to plant a cedar tree?

    Cedars are large trees, so plant them in full sun at least ten feet apart. If you want your cedars to become a windbreak, space them five feet apart. To plant your cedar, dig a hole twice as large as the size of the root ball and throw some compost in before planting.

    How tall should the root ball be on a cedar tree?

    Once inside the hole, the root ball should be above 1-1.5 inches (2.54-3.81 cm) above the ground on all sides, so there is a slight crown to allow for drainage and proper mulching. Be sure to support the root ball instead of the moving it around by the tree or its limbs.

    Provide enough space for horizontal growth. Plant small trees at least three feet apart, but preferably up to five feet apart. The trees need space between each other so they aren’t fighting for the same water and root territory.

    Cedars are large trees, so plant them in full sun at least ten feet apart. If you want your cedars to become a windbreak, space them five feet apart. To plant your cedar, dig a hole twice as large as the size of the root ball and throw some compost in before planting.

    How tall does a deodar cedar tree grow?

    The tree is sacred in Hinduism, and the name Deodar is derived from a Sanskrit word that translates to ‘timber of the Gods’. In its native habitat, the tree can be expected to grow to a height of around 160 feet tall typically, but when grown as an ornamental tree, it is more likely to reach heights of 50 feet with a 30-foot spread.

    Once inside the hole, the root ball should be above 1-1.5 inches (2.54-3.81 cm) above the ground on all sides, so there is a slight crown to allow for drainage and proper mulching. Be sure to support the root ball instead of the moving it around by the tree or its limbs.