Big ass Thulja Plicata, also known as Western Red Cedar. Just planted the first one along my property border. Going to plant a few more and establish some privacy along the yard since we live in town.
I really like evergreens. Any advice, knowledge, or wisdom for making sure it stays healthy?
Might plant a few upright yew along the side of the house that sees a fair amount of shade.
Be sure to consider how tall the tree will get, and how far the branches will reach when it gets to be 10-20 years old or more. Plan for the full sized tree to be clear of Power/Utility lines, Property lines, and etc.
I've personally had to deal with all of the above on a few family properties. Trimming a tree back just because it grew out to close to a electric service line sucks. The trees never look right afterward.
[ - ] Sector2 1 point 19 hoursMay 11, 2025 12:56:52 ago (+1/-0)*
Western Red Cedars have a typical overall height between 100'-150' (30-46 m)
This wouldn't be my choice for screening, but more because the "leaves" they drop make a yard unpleasant. Maybe they can be cut and trimmed into a hedge.
First 1–2 years: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged). Deep watering 1–2 times per week is ideal, especially during dry spells.
After establishment: Cedars are somewhat drought-tolerant but will look best with occasional deep watering in summer.
Mulching:
Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, bark) around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Soil & Fertilization:
Western Red Cedar prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend with compost at planting.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) if growth seems sluggish. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Sunlight:
They grow best in full sun to partial shade. Since you’re planting for privacy, full sun will encourage dense growth.
Pruning:
Minimal pruning is needed, but you can lightly shape the tree in early spring to encourage bushiness. Avoid cutting back into old wood (they don’t regrow well from bare branches).
Pests & Diseases:
Watch for spider mites (in dry conditions) or root rot (in poorly drained soil).
Deer may browse young cedars—consider protection if deer are common in your area.
Spacing:
If planting multiple cedars for a hedge, space them 5–10 feet apart (depending on how quickly you want a solid screen). They can grow 1–2 feet per year.
I managed to not kill any of my fruit trees last year by watering and using nutrients. I used stuff called regenegrow made by some local weirdos but I think anything will work. I've heard a fish buried in the roots is good too
[ + ] Cantaloupe
[ - ] Cantaloupe 0 points 20 hoursMay 11, 2025 11:33:19 ago (+0/-0)*
Garden responsibly!
Anyhow nice tree, one thing interesting about them is they keep you dry when it rains, while standing beneath.
[ + ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey
[ - ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey 3 points 21 hoursMay 11, 2025 11:06:58 ago (+3/-0)
[ + ] KosherHiveKicker
[ - ] KosherHiveKicker 7 points 21 hoursMay 11, 2025 11:02:12 ago (+7/-0)
I've personally had to deal with all of the above on a few family properties. Trimming a tree back just because it grew out to close to a electric service line sucks. The trees never look right afterward.
[ + ] Sector2
[ - ] Sector2 1 point 19 hoursMay 11, 2025 12:56:52 ago (+1/-0)*
This wouldn't be my choice for screening, but more because the "leaves" they drop make a yard unpleasant. Maybe they can be cut and trimmed into a hedge.
[ + ] MeyerLansky
[ - ] MeyerLansky 2 points 21 hoursMay 11, 2025 10:39:23 ago (+2/-0)
After establishment: Cedars are somewhat drought-tolerant but will look best with occasional deep watering in summer.
Mulching:
Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, bark) around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Soil & Fertilization:
Western Red Cedar prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend with compost at planting.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) if growth seems sluggish. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Sunlight:
They grow best in full sun to partial shade. Since you’re planting for privacy, full sun will encourage dense growth.
Pruning:
Minimal pruning is needed, but you can lightly shape the tree in early spring to encourage bushiness. Avoid cutting back into old wood (they don’t regrow well from bare branches).
Pests & Diseases:
Watch for spider mites (in dry conditions) or root rot (in poorly drained soil).
Deer may browse young cedars—consider protection if deer are common in your area.
Spacing:
If planting multiple cedars for a hedge, space them 5–10 feet apart (depending on how quickly you want a solid screen). They can grow 1–2 feet per year.
[ + ] Drstrangestgov
[ - ] Drstrangestgov 2 points 21 hoursMay 11, 2025 10:22:40 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] Trope
[ - ] Trope [op] 1 point 21 hoursMay 11, 2025 10:24:26 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Drstrangestgov
[ - ] Drstrangestgov 1 point 21 hoursMay 11, 2025 10:36:54 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] registered_bot
[ - ] registered_bot 0 points 20 hoursMay 11, 2025 11:23:38 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 0 points 17 hoursMay 11, 2025 14:25:49 ago (+0/-0)