Eastern Redcedar

What you'll need:

A spacious spot in your yard, ideally with well-drained soil

Regular garden soil (they aren’t too fussy about soil type, but it should drain well)

Compost or organic matter (optional, to enrich the soil if it’s poor quality)

Mulch (wood chips or bark work well)

• Eastern Redcedar seedlings or young plants (available at garden centers or nurseries)

When to start:

The best time to plant an Eastern Redcedar is either early spring or fall. These trees are pretty hardy and can handle cooler temperatures, but avoid planting them during extreme heat or frost.

Choosing the right spot:

Eastern Redcedars love sunlight! They thrive best in full sun, so pick a location where they’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also, make sure there's enough space around the tree since it can grow quite tall (up to 40-50 feet) and wide (about 8-20 feet). Don’t plant them too close to other trees or buildings.

Tip: If you live in an area with heavy clay soil, consider mixing in some sand or compost to improve drainage.

Steps for planting:

1. Dig the hole:
   Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your seedling or young tree. You want the tree to sit at the same depth it was in the container.
2. Prepare the roots:
   If the roots are tightly bound (like in a pot), gently loosen them with your fingers to help them spread out once planted.
3. Place the tree:
   Place the tree in the center of the hole, making sure it stands straight. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding ground.
4. Backfill the hole:
   Start filling the hole with the soil you dug out. If your soil is poor, mix in some compost or organic matter to give the tree a nutrient boost. Gently press down on the soil as you go to remove air pockets.
5. Water thoroughly:
   After planting, water the tree deeply to help settle the soil around the roots. This also encourages the roots to start growing into the new soil.
6. Add mulch:
   Spread a layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches thick) around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.

Tip: Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, as this can cause rot or attract pests.

Watering:

• In the first year after planting, water your Eastern Redcedar regularly—about once a week unless it rains. Young trees need consistent moisture to establish strong roots.
• Once established (after the first year or two), this tree is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need much extra watering unless you’re in a really dry spell.

Fertilizing:

• Generally, Eastern Redcedars don’t require much fertilizer. However, if your soil is poor, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak growth.

Pruning:

• Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or crossing branches.
• Don’t prune too heavily; these trees naturally have a beautiful conical shape, and excessive pruning can harm their natural form.

Dealing with pests or diseases:

• Watch out for bagworms, which can sometimes infest Eastern Redcedars. If you see small “bags” hanging from the branches, pick them off by hand and dispose of them.
• Cedar-apple rust is another issue that may affect nearby apple or crabapple trees. If you notice orange spots on the leaves, remove infected branches and clean up fallen debris to prevent spreading.

Tip: Eastern Redcedars are tough and can tolerate a range of conditions, including wind, drought, and poor soil. Just give them space and sunshine, and they’ll do most of the work themselves!

While Eastern Redcedars don’t produce edible fruits like tomatoes or peppers, they do have small blue-gray berry-like cones that are often used in crafts or as flavoring in cooking (you might know them as "juniper berries").

When to harvest juniper berries:

• Juniper berries take about two to three years to mature, so patience is key!
• Harvest when the berries turn a dark bluish-purple color and feel slightly squishy to the touch.

How to harvest:

• Simply pluck the ripe berries from the tree, being careful not to damage the branches.
• Make sure to leave some berries on the tree if you want birds and wildlife to enjoy them too.

Using juniper berries:

• Dried juniper berries are commonly used as a spice, especially in dishes like sauerkraut or game meats.
• You can also use them in homemade potpourri or wreaths for a fresh, woodsy scent.

Storage:

• Store dried berries in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and they’ll last for several months.

Q: My Eastern Redcedar looks a bit yellow. What could be wrong?

A: Yellowing could mean a few things. It might be getting too much water if the soil is constantly soggy. Reduce watering and ensure good drainage. Alternatively, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Adding some compost or a light fertilizer in early spring can help.

Q: Can I plant Eastern Redcedar near my house?

A: Yes, but be cautious. While these trees are excellent windbreaks and privacy screens, they can grow quite large (up to 40-50 feet tall and 8-20 feet wide). Plant them at least 15-20 feet away from your home or other structures to allow for proper growth.

Q: How fast does an Eastern Redcedar grow?

A: Eastern Redcedars are considered moderately fast growers. In good conditions, they can grow about 1-2 feet per year. But remember, they’re long-term investments—they can live for decades!

Q: Do Eastern Redcedars attract wildlife?

A: Absolutely! Birds love the berries, and the dense branches provide shelter for small animals. Deer tend to avoid them, which makes them a great option if you're worried about deer munching on your plants.

Q: Can I grow an Eastern Redcedar in a pot?

A: Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. These trees can get quite large, and keeping them in a pot will limit their growth and lifespan. If you must use a container, choose a very large one and be prepared to transplant the tree into the ground later.