For those seek the double-dyed evergreen hedge , westerly red cedar tree deserves serious considerateness . This tall , graceful coniferous tree prepare a spectacular living fencing or bound while providing excellent year - round privacy Here ’s an in - profundity look at using western red cedar as an exterior hedge
Overview of Western Red Cedar
With the botanic name Thuja plicata western red cedar is a big coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America . It ’s a member of the cypress syndicate and can reach towering heights of 60 - 100 invertebrate foot in its native home ground . The foliation has a sweet , redolent aroma when crushed .
For hedging purposes , a dwarf cultivar called Thuja plicata ‘ Virescens ’ is used . This heavyset variant originate up to 15 foot tall and 4 - 6 groundwork wide . It has dense , layered branching with inadequate , flattened sprayer of rich greenish graduated table - same leaves . Tiny brown cones look in summer .
Benefits of Western Red Cedar Hedges
There are many advantages to choose westerly crimson cedar for hedging and screens :
Provides excellent privacy and privacy all year long .
Has a narrowly upright habit that requires minimal passementerie .
develop comparatively fast , up to 2 ft per class .
Stays gullible and lush even in wintertime .
Tolerates trim well to keep a slap-up , see to it size .
Has a rich , deep immature color and refined grain .
Gives an upscale , tasteful flavor compared to basic arborvitae .
Is deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic foliage .
farm well across a wide region from USDA zones 5 - 9 .
Offers shelter and nesting sites for fowl .
Has few pest or disease problems .
Tips for Growing Western Red Cedar Hedges
Here are some top care tips for successfully growing western ruddy cedar tree hedges :
flora in spring or fall in fertile , wet - retentive dirt . Avoid overly wet or wry sites .
Space plants 2 - 3 foot aside to form a tight hedge . Stagger plant in words for the fullest coverage .
pee regularly the first 2 eld until well established . Then water during drought .
Apply 2 - 3 in of mulch around plants to retain wet and suppress weed .
fecundate in early spring with a balanced slow - release plant food to promote growth .
Prune as needed to shape and compact the hedge , avert cut into old woods .
prune the side and top of the hedge before new natural spring development emerges .
Situate away from roads or walkways to let succeeding outgrowth room .
Sourcing High-Quality Hedging Plants
When buying western red cedar evade plants , check for :
Healthy leaf with no yellowing , browning , or defoliation .
Well - established root organisation ( forefend lilliputian seedling ) .
Good ramify density from top to bottom of the plant .
ordered sizing and shape across all provide plants .
Local source from within your hardiness zona .
clean-cut labeling with full botanic name for Thuja plicata ‘ Virescens ’ .
Industry certification like # 1 degree plants from certified nurseries .
Availability in convenient pre - finished hedge units for simple instalment .
Alternatives to Western Red Cedar
While western red cedar is a premium hedging choice , some option to consider include :
Green Giant Arborvitae – Very fast growing and cervid immune .
Emerald Green Arborvitae – Affordable , hardy , and smart fleeceable colour .
Leyland Cypress – Fast growing with feathery grain . Needs warm climates .
American Arborvitae – Low maintenance native with lenient foliation .
Portuguese Laurel – Great for meek winter mood . Evergreen and dense .
European Hornbeam – Beautiful deciduous selection with orange fall color .
Bring Privacy and Beauty with Western Red Cedar
With its predominate height , luxuriant greenery , and narrow-minded visibility , westerly red cedar instantly creates a graceful , advanced hedge . It provides seclusion and screens unwanted views year - round . This aromatic conifer is relatively easy to rise and complements both courtly and occasional garden designs . For an elegant bread and butter fence that deliver privateness , western flushed cedar tree is a standout choice .
A focus on Western Red Cedar hedging: All you need to know about Thuja plicata
FAQ
Does Western Red Cedar make a good hedge ?
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