How to Grow Emerald Cedar Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Emerald cedar hedge is an excellent plant for hedges. It is a fast grower and provides good privacy. It is also a low maintenance plant.

How to Grow Emerald Cedar Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Evergreen Cypress
Leyland Cypress
Mediterranean Cypress
Turkish Cypress
Yellow Cedar

Good to Know

Emerald cedar hedge is an evergreen plant that can provide your landscape with year-round color and interest.
Emerald cedar hedge can grow quite tall, so be sure to give it plenty of room to spread out.
Emerald cedar hedge does best in full sun to partial shade.
Emerald cedar hedge is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Emerald cedar hedge is moderately salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
Emerald cedar hedge is relatively deer-resistant.
Emerald cedar hedge can be easily pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Emerald cedar hedge is relatively low-maintenance overall.
Emerald cedar hedge is a good choice for hedges, screens, and windbreaks.
Emerald cedar hedge can be susceptible to insect pests and diseases, so be sure to regularly monitor your plants and take action as needed.

Related plant:
Emerald Gaiety

Planting Process

For emerald cedar hedge, first step is to clear the area where you want to plant the hedge. Remove all the debris, including rocks and sticks.
The second step is to make sure the area is level. You can use a rake to level the ground if necessary.
Next, you will need to till the soil. This will loosen up the soil and make it easier for the roots to grow.
Once the soil is loose, you can add organic matter to it. This will help the hedge to grow healthy and strong.
Now it is time to plant the emerald cedar hedge. You will need to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
Gently place the root ball into the hole and fill it in with soil.
Water the hedge thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the hedge. This will help to keep the roots moist and cool.
Fertilize the hedge once it has started to grow.
Trim the hedge regularly to maintain its shape.

Related plant:
Emerald Snow Loropetalum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Emerald cedars need well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. They are not tolerant of overly wet or boggy conditions. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with organic matter before planting. These evergreens also prefer slightly acidic conditions, so if your soil is alkaline, you may need to add sulfur to lower the pH.

Light condition

Like the other cedar hedge varieties, emerald cedar hedge requires full sun to partial sun exposure in order to maintain its vibrant color. It is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for creating a privacy hedge or border in your yard.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for an emerald cedar hedge are between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. These heat-loving trees are native to the Mediterranean region and thrive in hot, dry conditions. They are also tolerant of cold snaps and brief periods of frost.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 35% to 40%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and may drop its leaves. If the humidity is too high, the plant may develop mold or mildew.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. In terms of roots, it has a very fibrous root system that does not require much room to spread out. This is good news for those of you who have small yards or are looking to grow this plant in a pot.

About light

Pruning is a critical step in maintaining your emerald cedar hedge. By pruning, you ensure that your hedge stays healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to control the size and shape of your hedge. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. This will help to prevent damage to the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for emerald cedar hedge is best done by seed. Sow the seeds in fall or spring, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, the seedlings will emerge. Once they have several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 2-3 feet per year. If you are looking to add some privacy or simply want a fast-growing hedge, the emerald cedar is a great option. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy homeowners.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, spider mites, and aphids. These pests can cause the leaves to turn brown and eventually drop off. To control these pests, use an insecticide or consider planting a different type of hedge.

Growing Tips

Do not forget to water your emerald cedar hedge regularly. They need at least 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilize your emerald cedar hedge every two months during the growing season.
Prune your emerald cedar hedge regularly to maintain its shape and size.
Emerald cedar hedges are susceptible to winter burn. Protect them by wrapping them in burlap or placing them in a sheltered location.
Emerald cedar hedges are also susceptible to insect pests. Watch for aphids, scale, and mites. Treat your hedge with an insecticide if necessary.
Emerald cedar hedges are fast growers. They can reach up to 3 feet per year.
Emerald cedar hedges can live for many years. They are one of the longest lived evergreen hedge plants.
Emerald cedar hedges are deer resistant.
Emerald cedar