We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Cedar Hedges?

By O. Parker
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 9,794
Share

A cedar hedge is a hedge composed of cedar trees. Cedar hedges create a dense wind and visual barrier around a property line or between landscape areas. With evergreen foliage, cedar hedges provide privacy and wind protection year-round.

Cedar hedges are formed from a series of cedar trees that are planted close together in a row. To keep the cedar trees at hedge height, yearly pruning is required. Many cedar trees grow far too tall for use as hedges without pruning. Unlike a cedar fence, which is a fence build out of cedar wood, a cedar hedge is made out of living cedar trees that are sensitive to growing conditions, soil nutrients, and access to water.

Most cedar varieties can be used to create a cedar hedge. A popular and commonly used variety is Thuja occidentalis, commonly called white cedar and a variety native to the eastern areas of the United States. Thuja plicata, or western red cedar, a native of the western United States, is also a suitable variety for a cedar hedge.

When planting a cedar hedge, young trees 3 to 6 feet (about 90 to 180 cm) tall should be used. The trees are planted 12 to 20 inches (about 30 to 50 cm) apart to create a dense hedge. Smaller trees should be planted closer to 12 inches (about 30 cm) apart while larger trees should be planted 20 inches (about 50 cm) apart.

It is important to note that Cedar trees are sensitive to salt. Many walkways and roadways are treated with salt during the winter in places where icy conditions are common. To avoid salt damage to cedar hedges, they should be planted at least 4 feet (about 120 cm) from walkways and roadways.

Yearly pruning is important when growing and maintaining cedar hedges as well. Cedar trees and hedges should be pruned early in the spring. In the first year, a newly planted cedar hedge does not require pruning. In subsequent years, removing 2 to 3 inches (about 5 to 8 cm) from the top will encourage even growth. Additional pruning 1 to 2 inches (about 1.5 to 5 cm) from the side branches encourages lateral growth for a thicker effect.

Good soil nutrition can be provided by adding a compost or manure mulch layer once or twice a year. A mulch layer 2 to 6 inches (about 5 to 15 cm) is spread on the ground, extending out to the area just below the outermost branches. Only seasoned manure or well-rotted compost should be used.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-cedar-hedges.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.