If you’re planning your landscape or managing woodland, understanding how fast cedars grow is a key piece of information. The growth rate of cedar trees can vary dramatically depending on the specific species and its growing conditions. Some cedars are slow and steady, while others can suprise you with their speed.
This guide will break down everything you need to know. We’ll look at popular cedar types, what affects their growth, and how you can help them thrive.
How Fast Cedars Grow
There is no single answer, as “cedar” refers to several distinct trees from different genera. Their growth rates are measured in height increase per year, typically under ideal conditions. Here’s a general overview of common cedars.
Eastern Red Cedar Growth Rate
Eastern red cedar is actually a juniper. It’s a North American native known for its hardiness. This tree has a moderate growth pace.
- Annual Growth: 1 to 2 feet per year when young.
- Mature Height: 40 to 50 feet tall.
- Overall Pace: Considered medium-fast. It can reach 20 feet in about 10 to 15 years under good conditions.
Northern White Cedar Growth Rate
Also known as arborvitae, this conifer is a favorite for hedges and screens. It grows at a moderate rate.
- Annual Growth: 1 to 2 feet per year is common.
- Mature Height: 40 to 60 feet, but often kept shorter.
- Overall Pace: Medium. It provides relatively quick privacy compared to slower evergreens.
Western Red Cedar Growth Rate
This Pacific Northwest giant is famous for its durable timber. It’s a faster-growing cedar in its preferred climate.
- Annual Growth: Can exceed 2 feet per year when young and established.
- Mature Height: 150 to 200 feet or more in forests.
- Overall Pace: Medium to fast. In a forest setting, it can grow rapidly to compete for sunlight.
Atlas Cedar And Deodar Cedar Growth Rates
These are true cedars, often used as ornamental specimens. They have a stately, slower growth habit.
- Annual Growth: 1 foot or less per year is typical.
- Mature Height: 40 to 70 feet in landscape settings.
- Overall Pace: Slow to medium. They are long-lived trees that invest in strong structure.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar Growth Rate
Despite its name, this is a false cypress. It grows slowly, especially in its native cool, moist habitats.
- Annual Growth: Often less than 1 foot per year.
- Mature Height: 60 to 90 feet over many decades.
- Overall Pace: Slow. It’s a tree for the long term.
Key Factors That Influence Cedar Growth Speed
Beyond species, several enviromental and care factors determine how quickly your cedar will reach its potential.
Climate And Hardiness Zone
Cedars have specific climate preferences. Planting a cedar outside its recommended hardiness zone will stunt its growth or kill it.
- Eastern Red Cedar: Thrives in zones 2-9. It tolerates heat, cold, and drought well.
- Western Red Cedar: Prefers cool, moist climates in zones 5-7. It struggles in hot, dry summers.
- Deodar Cedar: Best in warmer zones 7-9 and can’t handle extreme cold.
Sunlight Exposure
Almost all cedars require full sun for optimal growth. Full sun means at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily.
- With less sun, growth slows significantly.
- Trees become leggy and sparse as they stretch for light.
- Dense shade will eventually kill most cedar species.
Soil Conditions And Quality
Soil is the foundation for growth. Cedars generally prefer well-drained soil but have varying pH preferences.
Soil Drainage
This is critical. Cedar roots will rot in constantly waterlogged soil. Ensure your planting site does not have standing water.
Soil pH
- Eastern Red Cedar: Tolerates a wide range, including alkaline soils.
- Western Red Cedar: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- A soil test can guide you on if amendments are needed.
Soil Nutrition
While not heavy feeders, cedars need some nutrients. Poor, compacted soil will limit growth. Adding organic compost at planting helps.
Water And Moisture Availability
Consistent moisture, especially for young trees, is vital for steady growth. Drought stress halts growth as the tree struggles to survive.
- First Two Years: Water deeply and regularly to establish a strong root system.
- Mature Trees: Many are drought-tolerant but will grow faster with occasional deep watering during dry spells.
- Western Red Cedar: Requires more consistent soil moisture than other types.
Competition From Other Plants
Cedars don’t like to compete for resources. Grass, weeds, and other plants growing right up to the trunk will steal water and nutrients.
- Maintain a mulch ring around the base of the tree (2-3 feet out).
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.
- This reduces competition, retains soil moisture, and regulates temperature.
How To Maximize Your Cedar’s Growth Rate
You can’t change a tree’s genetic potential, but you can create the ideal conditions for it to reach that potential quickly.
Selecting The Right Cedar For Your Goal
Match the tree to your purpose. If you want a quick screen, choose a faster-growing species.
- For Fast Privacy: Consider Eastern Red Cedar or Northern White Cedar (Arborvitae cultivars like ‘Green Giant’).
- For a Specimen Tree: Accept the slower, majestic growth of an Atlas or Deodar Cedar.
- For Timber: In the right climate, Western Red Cedar is an excellent choice.
Best Practices For Planting
Proper planting prevents problems and gives your tree the best start.
- Planting Hole: Dig it 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
- Root Care: Gently loosen circling roots on container-grown trees. For balled-and-burlapped trees, remove any wire or synthetic burlap after placing in the hole.
- Backfill: Use the native soil mixed with a little compost. Do not amend the hole too heavily.
- Watering In: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Effective Watering Strategies
Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent, shallow sprinkles. It encourages roots to grow downward.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for efficient watering.
- Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease risk.
- Adjust frequency based on rainfall and temperature. Check soil moisture a few inches down.
Fertilization Guidelines
Cedars rarely need heavy fertilization. Over-fertilizing can cause weak, rapid growth that’s susceptible to damage.
- When to Fertilize: Early spring, as new growth begins.
- What to Use: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
- Signs of Need: Pale green or yellowing needles and stunted growth may indicate a nutrient deficiency.
Pruning For Health And Form
Pruning isn’t usually done to speed growth, but to direct it and maintain health. Removing dead or diseased branches helps the tree focus energy on healthy growth.
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts.
- For hedges, shear the new growth once or twice in the growing season to encourage density.
Common Problems That Slow Cedar Growth
Even with good care, issues can arise. Identifying them early is key.
Pest Infestations
Several pests can drain a cedar’s vitality.
Bagworms
These caterpillars create cone-shaped bags and can defoliate a tree. Hand-pick small infestations or use appropriate biological controls.
Spider Mites
They cause foliage to look stippled and dusty. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or use horticultural oil.
Cedar Bark Beetles
They attack stressed trees, boring under the bark. Keeping trees healthy is the best prevention.
Diseases And Fungal Issues
Fungal diseases are often related to moisture and poor air circulation.
Root Rot
Caused by poor drainage. Symptoms include wilting, browning, and dieback. Prevention through proper site selection is crucial.
Cedar Apple Rust
Affects Eastern Red Cedars, causing odd, gelatinous galls. It requires a nearby apple or hawthorn host to complete its lifecycle. Removing galls can help.
Tip Blight
Causes new shoot tips to die back. Prune out affected areas and improve air flow around the tree.
Environmental Stress
Non-living factors can be just as damaging.
- Winter Burn: Foliage dries out from wind and sun when roots can’t take up water from frozen ground. Use anti-desiccant sprays or burlap screens for vulnerable young trees.
- Soil Compaction: From construction or heavy foot traffic, it suffocates roots. Avoid compacting soil around the root zone.
- Salt Damage: Road salt or ocean spray can burn foliage and alter soil chemistry. Rinse foliage and leach soil with fresh water when possible.
Long-Term Growth Expectations and Timeline
It’s helpful to think about cedar growth in phases.
First Five Years After Planting
This is the establishment phase. Growth may seem slow as the tree invests energy in developing its root system. Consistent care is most critical during this time.
Years 5 To 20: The Growth Spurt
Once established, many cedars hit their stride. This is when you’ll see the most significant annual height gains, assuming conditions are good.
Maturity And Beyond
Growth in height slows considerably as the tree reaches its mature size. The tree will continue to add girth and canopy spread. A healthy cedar can live for decades, even centuries, becoming a legacy in your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Fastest Growing Cedar Tree?
For most landscaping purposes, the Eastern Red Cedar and certain cultivars of Arborvitae (like ‘Green Giant’) are among the fastest. In its native habitat, the Western Red Cedar can also achieve very rapid growth.
How Can I Make My Cedar Tree Grow Faster?
Ensure it gets full sun, plant it in well-drained soil, water it consistently during establishment and dry periods, and apply a layer of mulch to reduce competition. Avoid over-fertilizing.
How Much Does A Cedar Grow In A Year?
It depends entirely on the species. Slow cedars may grow less than a foot. Fast-growing types can add 2 feet or more in height per year under ideal conditions. Most common landscape cedars fall in the 1-2 foot per year range.
Why Is My Cedar Tree Not Growing?
Stunted growth is usually a sign of stress. Check for insufficient sunlight, poor soil drainage, compacted soil, root competition from grass, pest damage, or disease. A soil test can reveal nutrient deficiencies.
How Long Does It Take For A Cedar To Reach Full Size?
This varies widely. A slow-growing Atlas cedar may take 50 years or more to reach its mature landscape height of 40-60 feet. A faster Eastern Red Cedar might reach its mature height of 40-50 feet in 25-40 years. Forest giants like the Western Red Cedar continue growing for hundreds of years.