Planting And Caring For The Eastern Red Cedar Tree
Whether you are hoping to add privacy to yard or just want an accent in your flowerbed, the Eastern red cedar is an excellent tree to consider. The lush greenery and natural fragrance are both appealing traits of this tree, but its potential heights of up to 40 to 50 feet ensure this tree becomes a massive statement in your landscape design. Of course, proper planting and care is essential if you want this tree to stand the test of time. Here are a few tips to help you plant and care for the Eastern red cedar tree.
Plant
Location matters when it comes to where you will plant the cedar tree. Consider a location that receives partial or full sun, since the Eastern red cedar tree thrives best in this type of environment.
Dig a hole a few times the size of the tree's root ball. Make sure to massage the soil to loosen up the roots of the tree before placing it into the ground.
Place the tree into the hole and surround it with fill dirt and nutrient-rich planting soil. Pack the dirt and soil in around the tree's roots and base. Then, surround the base with mulch or pine straw.
Be sure to water the tree thoroughly after planting.
Care
One of the greatest benefits of the Eastern red cedar tree is that it is durable and requires very little maintenance. However, proper watering, fertilizing, and trimming will help the tree grow and thrive in the best manner possible.
Continue watering the tree every few days after planting, especially in warmer seasons. Once temperatures cool, you should only water the tree occasionally.
Fertilizer should be applied during the early part of spring. Granular fertilizer or fertilizer spikes are both great options to consider, but make sure to choose one specifically formulated for evergreen trees.
Many people like the ease of using spikes, since they provide the tree with nutrients slowly over the period of the growing season. Spikes should be placed a few feet away from the tree base, driven into the ground. Water the tree and ground surrounding the tree base after placing the fertilizer spike.
Towards the end of winter or early part of spring, you should consider pruning your Eastern red cedar tree. By removing decaying, discoloring, or damaged limbs and foliage, you will stimulate new growth, which occurs throughout the spring season.
Make sure to use sharp pruning shears to make your cut. Dispose of diseased branches away from other plants and trees to prevent the spread of fungal growth.
The Eastern red cedar tree makes a great addition to any landscape design. These simple tips will help you plant and care for this durable and lush tree. For more tips on incorporating this or other trees in your landscape, contact a local tree service like Ross Tree Company.