Maintenance Landscaping Design

Eastern red cedar is a native plant to North America. It is a hardy tree that can grow in a variety of habitats. The eastern red cedar is a valuable tree for wildlife. The tree provides food and shelter for many animals. The eastern red cedar is also an important source of wood for many people. The wood is used for furniture, fence posts, and other wood products.

Alternative name

• Juniperus virginiana
  
• Northern white-cedar
  
• Atlantic white-cedar
  
• Virginia cedar
  
• Eastern redcedar

Good to Know

• Eastern red cedar is a species of tree in the pine family.
  
• It is native to eastern North America, from Minnesota and Ontario east to Maine and south to Georgia and Texas.
  
• It is also known as northern red cedar, red cedar, or aromatic cedar.
  
• The tree grows to 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall and has a diameter of 0.5–5 m (6–9 ft).
  
• The foliage is comprised of small, scale-like leaves which are green on top and white on the underside.
  
• The tree produces small, brown cones which contain seeds.
  
• The wood of the tree is red-brown in color and has a distinct, aromatic scent.
  
• The tree is often used as an ornamental plant or for making furniture, chests, and closets due to its pleasant smell and resistance to insects.
  
• The tree is also used in the production of paper, charcoal, and wood pellets.
  
• Eastern red cedar is considered an invasive species in some areas, such as Europe and Australia.

Related plant:
Eastern Snowball Viburnum

Growing Steps

1. For eastern red cedar, first step is to find a young seedling that is about 6-12 inches tall.
   
2. Once you have found a seedling, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
   
3. Next, mix in some organic matter into the hole.
   
4. After the hole is filled with organic matter, place the seedling in the hole and fill it in with dirt.
   
5. Once the seedling is planted, water it deeply.
   
6. Eastern red cedar can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil.
   
7. This tree can also tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but it prefers slightly acidic soil.
   
8. Eastern red cedar is a very adaptable tree, so it can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
   
9. Once the tree is established, it does not need a lot of water.
   
10. This tree is also resistant to pests and diseases, so there is no need to worry about that.

Related plant:
Eastern Redbud Tree

Considering the Soil

About soil conditions, eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) grows best in deep, well-drained, sandy loams with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, but it is adaptable to a range of soils and conditions. It is not tolerant of highly alkaline or saline soils. In terms of soil moisture, eastern red cedar is drought-tolerant once established, but it does best with regular watering, especially in hot, dry weather.

About light

Just like other cedar trees, eastern red cedars need direct sunlight to grow properly. Exposing the tree to too much shade will result in its growth being stunted and its foliage becoming sparse. If you want your eastern red cedar to thrive, make sure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for eastern red cedar trees are those that are cool and moist. The tree does not tolerate heat and drought well, and so it is important to make sure that it is planted in an area where these conditions are not a problem. Eastern red cedar trees are also relatively tolerant of cold, and so they can be planted in areas where the winters are not too harsh.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%, and it can survive in a range of 30-50%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and brittle. If the humidity is too high, the plant will become soggy and may rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a light application of fertilizer in the spring. A general-purpose fertilizer will work fine. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plant. Apply fertilizer according to the package directions and be sure to water after applying.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your eastern red cedar healthy and looking its best. Pruning can help to control the size and shape of the plant, and can also help to remove any dead or damaged branches. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears, and make sure to make all cuts at a 45-degree angle.

About Propagating

Propagation of eastern red cedar is best accomplished by seed. Sow the seeds in late fall to early winter in a cold frame. The seedlings can be transplanted to the garden in late spring or early summer. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space the plants 3 to 4 feet apart.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on trees in the wild. In general, these trees grow quite slowly. The average growth rate is only about 1/2 inch per year. However, they can grow up to 2 inches per year if they are in ideal conditions.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. To control these pests, you can use a spray made with water and dish soap.

Tips on Growing

• Remember to water your eastern red cedar regularly, as it is a drought-tolerant plant.
  
• When planting, make sure to choose a location that has full sun to partial shade.
  
• This plant does not like to be transplanted, so be sure to plant it in its permanent location.
  
• Amend the soil with some organic matter before planting to help the plant establish itself.
  
• Fertilize your plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• If you live in an area with heavy deer populations, you may need to protect your plant with fencing or other means.
  
• Watch for pests and diseases, and treat them accordingly.
  
• Collect the seeds in fall and sow them in spring for new plants.
  
• Enjoy the blue-green color of your eastern red cedar in your

Similar Plants

• American Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  
• Chinese Red Cedar (Calocedrus macrolepis)
  
• Hepatica americana (Hepatica americana)
  
• Italian Red Cedar (Cedrus libani ssp. atlantica)
  
• Japanese Red Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
  
• Korean Red Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ssp. sinensis)
  
• Mountain Red Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum)
  
• Nootka Cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)
  
• Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
  
• Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus silicicola)

Source:
Woody Weeds: Eastern Red Cedar - SDSU Extension
Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable
Plants of Texas Rangelands » Eastern Red Cedar