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Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Eastern Red Cedar Trees are valued for their year-round, dense foliage and natural pyramid shape, making them ideal for privacy screens and windbreaks. These native evergreen trees are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and provide essential shelter and food for wildlife, enhancing any landscape with minimal maintenance.
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Eastern Red Cedar Trees for Sale Online
Eastern Red Cedar Trees (Juniperus virginiana) are versatile, hardy evergreens prized for their dense, fragrant foliage and ability to adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. These trees feature striking, rich green needles that can take on a blue or bronze hue in colder months, adding year-round interest to any landscape. Growing up to 50 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 20 feet, Eastern Red Cedars are ideal for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or as stand-alone specimen trees. Their natural pyramid shape and low-maintenance nature make them a favorite among homeowners and landscapers alike.
One of the standout features of eastern red cedar trees is their impressive durability. Once established, these trees are exceptionally drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor or rocky soils where other trees might struggle. In addition, their dense, aromatic foliage is highly resistant to deer, making them an excellent choice for rural or suburban landscapes prone to browsing. Eastern Red Cedars also provide valuable wildlife habitat, offering bird shelter and producing small, berry-like cones that attract songbirds and other wildlife.
Beyond their practical uses, Eastern Red Cedar Trees are celebrated for their environmental benefits. These trees are excellent for erosion control, as their deep root systems help stabilize the soil. Their evergreen foliage also serves as an effective windbreak, reducing wind speed and providing shelter for other plants. Whether used to enhance property boundaries, create natural privacy, or contribute to a wildlife-friendly garden, Eastern Red Cedar Trees are a reliable, attractive choice for a wide variety of landscapes.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 25 to 40 Feet |
| Mature width: | 8 to 20 Feet |
| Classification: | Evergreen tree |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Upright, columnar |
| Foliage Color: | Blue green |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in late winter before new growth or after new growth hardens off in summer |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained slightly acidic soil |
| Water Require: | Water well until established |
| Common Names: | Eastern Red Cedar, Red Cedar, Eastern redcedar, and Upright Juniper |
| Uses: | Tolerates heat, drought and salt Spray. Full sun brings out the best fall color. Will adapt to slightly moist sites |
How to Care for Eastern Red Cedar
After purchasing your Eastern Red Cedar, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant stays happy and healthy for years to come.
How do I Plant Eastern Red Cedar Trees?
To plant Eastern Red Cedar Trees, start by selecting a location that offers full sun and well-drained soil, as these hardy evergreens thrive in a variety of soil types but perform best in sunny spots. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the tree's root ball, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Remove the tree from its container, gently loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Backfill with native soil, lightly packing it around the roots to remove air pockets. After planting, water deeply to help establish strong roots. For optimal growth, space Eastern Red Cedar Trees 8 to 10 feet apart if you're planting them for a privacy screen or windbreak. Mulch around the base with a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, leaving space around the trunk to prevent rot and retain moisture. During the first growing season, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, these trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and maintain their vibrant green foliage. Proper planting ensures your Eastern Red Cedar will thrive for years to come.
How do I Fertilize Eastern Red Cedar Trees?
To fertilize Eastern Red Cedar Trees, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula, in early spring. This type of fertilizer ensures that your tree receives an equal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the drip line of the tree, which is the area beneath the outer edge of the tree's branches. Avoid placing fertilizer directly near the trunk to prevent root burn. After applying, water the area deeply to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots effectively. For those looking to take a more organic approach, compost or well-rotted manure is also a great option to fertilize Eastern Red Cedar Trees. Spread a 1-2 inch layer of compost around the tree’s drip line to provide essential nutrients while improving soil quality. These trees generally do not require frequent fertilization, especially in nutrient-rich soils, but an annual application in the spring will support healthy foliage and root development. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can lead to rapid growth that may weaken the tree’s structure. With the right fertilization practices, your Eastern Red Cedar will continue to thrive for years to come.
How do I Water Eastern Red Cedar Trees?
To properly water Eastern Red Cedar Trees, focus on deep, infrequent watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water the tree thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering encourages strong root development, helping the tree establish itself more effectively. If planting in well-drained soil, make sure to provide enough water to penetrate at least 12 inches deep. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency slightly, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent over-saturation. Once established, Eastern Red Cedar Trees become drought-tolerant and require much less frequent watering. Typically, supplemental water is only needed during extended periods of drought or extreme heat. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. It's important to monitor the soil moisture level, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Proper watering, especially during the establishment period, ensures that your Eastern Red Cedar will grow into a healthy, resilient tree that thrives with minimal care.
How should I prune my Eastern Red Cedar Trees?
Pruning Eastern Red Cedar Trees should be done primarily to maintain their natural shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to enhance the tree’s overall health and improve airflow. Use clean, sharp pruning shears, and make cuts at a slight angle, close to the branch collar. Avoid cutting into the main trunk, as this can cause injury to the tree. For shape maintenance, trim only the outer tips of the branches, focusing on retaining the tree’s natural pyramid form. Routine pruning of Eastern Red Cedar Trees is usually minimal since these evergreens naturally maintain a dense, symmetrical shape. However, if the tree is part of a privacy screen or windbreak, occasional light trimming of overgrown or crossing branches helps to maintain a uniform appearance. Be cautious not to cut too far back into old wood, as Eastern Red Cedars do not regenerate well from hard pruning. Regular, careful pruning helps keep your Eastern Red Cedar healthy and visually appealing, ensuring its role as a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your landscape.
