Maintenance Landscaping Design

Western red cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows up to 70 m tall. Its scientific name is Thuja plicata, and it is also known as western arborvitae, Pacific red cedar, giant arborvitae, or western white cedar. The tree has reddish-brown bark and dark green, needle-like leaves. It is native to the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. western red cedar is a popular ornamental tree, and its wood is used in construction, furniture, and paper products.

Also called

• Red Cedar
  
• White Cedar
  
• Yellow Cedar
  
• Blue Cedar
  
• Green Cedar

Good to Know

• Western red cedar is a native coniferous tree species found in North America.
  
• It is an evergreen tree, meaning it has needles or leaves that stay green all year round.
  
• Western red cedar can grow to be a very large tree, reaching heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet).
  
• The wood of western red cedar is highly valued for its strength, stability, and rot-resistance.
  
• It is often used in the construction of homes, decks, fences, and other outdoor structures.
  
• Western red cedar is also popular for its use in furniture, cabinetry, and interior trim.
  
• The tree'snatural oils make it resistant to insect pests and decay, making it a very durable wood.
  
• Western red cedar has a light, reddish-brown color that tends to fade to gray over time.
  
• The wood has a distinctive, pleasant scent that is often used in aromatherapy and potpourris.
  
• Western red cedar is considered to be an eco-friendly tree species due to its fast growth rate and ability to thrive in a wide range of habitats.

Related plant:
Western Azalea

Planting Process

1. For western red cedar, first step is to clear a spot in desired area that is large and deep enough to accommodate the size of the tree.
   
2. Next, using a shovel, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the tree's root ball.
   
3. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, packing it gently around the roots.
   
4. Water the tree deeply, saturating the roots and soil.
   
5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, making sure to not pile it up against the trunk.
   
6. Cedar trees need little pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
   
7. Fertilize the tree in early spring with a product formulated for evergreens.
   
8. Water the tree regularly during the first growing season to keep the roots moist.
   
9. After the first year, the tree will need less watering, but it is still important to provide supplemental water during periods of drought.
   
10. Cedar trees are relatively low maintenance, but will benefit from an annual deep watering and mulching.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, western red cedar prefers well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including wet, heavy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal areas.

Light requirement

Like the other cedar trees, the western red cedar requires full sun to prosper. It can tolerate partial sun and shade, but it will not grow as well in these areas. The sun helps the tree to produce the oils that give it its characteristic scent and color.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are best for western red cedar are between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The tree does not tolerate cold well, so it is important to make sure that the temperature is not too low. The tree also does not tolerate heat well, so it is important to make sure that the temperature is not too high.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 70 percent In its natural habitat, western red cedar (Thuja plicata) occurs in cool, moist coastal areas and mountain rain forests. This evergreen conifer prefers sites with good drainage and tends to grow best in deep, organic soils. It is very shade tolerant when young, but requires more light as it matures. Because of its preference for cool, moist conditions, western red cedar is often used as an ornamental landscape plant in areas with similar climates.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this family of plant requires a lot of pressure as the roots grow very easily. You may want to invest in a pressure washer to get the job done right. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before using any fertilizer on your plants. The roots of the western red cedar can grow to be over two hundred feet long. This makes them very susceptible to being uprooted in high winds. Be sure to stake your trees well if you live in an area with high winds.

About light

Pruning a western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This evergreen tree can grow quite large, so you may need to prune it to keep it a manageable size. Pruning also encourages new growth, so if your tree is looking a bit sparse, pruning it can help it to fill out. To prune a western red cedar, first remove any dead or diseased branches. Then, cut back any branches that are crowding or rubbing against other branches. Finally, trim back any long or straggly branches to create a more compact, uniform shape.

The Propagation

Propagation of western red cedar is accomplished through cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and be approximately 6 inches in length. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a location with filtered light until new growth appears.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is affected by light availability and growing site conditions. Soil type, moisture, and drainage all play a part in how fast your tree will grow. In optimum conditions, a western red cedar can grow 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant trees are aphids, powdery mildew, and root rot. Aphids are tiny green insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop off. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that grows on the leaves and branches, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, which rots the roots and prevents the tree from absorbing water and nutrients.

Tips on Growing

• If growing from seed, stratify the seeds for best results.
  
• Cedar does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
  
• This tree is drought tolerant once established, but will benefit from supplemental watering during long dry periods.
  
• Amend the planting site with organic matter to improve drainage.
  
• Cedar has a taproot system and does not transplant well, so it is best to start with seedlings or young plants.
  
• Provide a stake or other support for young trees to prevent wind damage.
  
• Cedar is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so choose a disease-resistant variety if possible.
  
• Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of this fast-growing tree.
  
• Fertilize cedar trees yearly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Western red cedar is an important tree for wildlife, providing shelter and food for a variety of animals.

You May Like

• western hemlock
  
• western wallflower
  
• western yew
  
• western wallflowers
  
• western wallflowers
  
• western wallflowers
  
• western wallflowers
  
• western wallflowers
  
• western wallflowers
  
• western wallflowers

Source:
21. Western Red Cedar - University of Washington
Molecular Expressions: The Tree Collection - Western Red Cedar
Zebrina Western Red Cedar - Thuja plicata 'Zebrina' - PNW Plants