Northern White Cedar

Choosing the Right Spot:

Hi there, future gardener! Northern White Cedar, also known as Arborvitae, is a stunning evergreen that’s great for privacy hedges or standalone trees. It loves sunlight but can tolerate some shade, so choose a spot with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If you're planting more than one, space them about 3-4 feet apart.

What You'll Need:

Shovel

Well-draining soil (they don’t like soggy feet!)

Mulch (wood chips or bark work well)

Watering can or hose

• Northern White Cedar seedling or young tree (available at nurseries)

When to Plant: Spring or early fall is perfect for planting these beauties. The cooler weather helps them settle in before summer heat or winter cold kicks in.

Tip: If your soil feels heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to help with drainage.

Step-by-Step Planting:

1. Dig the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread out.
2. Position the Tree: Gently place the cedar in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. You don’t want it too deep or too high.
3. Backfill the Soil: Fill the hole back up with the soil you dug out, gently pressing down as you go to remove air pockets. Don’t pack it too tightly—cedars like their soil loose.
4. Water Thoroughly: Give it a good drink of water right after planting. This helps the soil settle around the roots.
5. Add Mulch: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

Pro Tip: If you’re planting multiple cedars for a hedge, dig a trench instead of individual holes—it’s easier and ensures even spacing!

Watering:

• For the first year, water your cedar regularly—about once a week if there’s no rain. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• After the first year, they’ll be more drought-tolerant, but still water during long dry spells.

Feeding Time:

• Fertilizer isn’t always necessary, but if you want to give your cedar a boost, use a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) in early spring.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.

Pruning:

• Northern White Cedars don’t need much pruning, but you can trim them in late winter or early spring to shape them or keep them in check.
• Use clean, sharp pruners and avoid cutting into old wood—cedars don’t sprout new growth from older branches.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• They do best in full sun but can handle partial shade.
• These tough trees are hardy down to -40°F (-40°C), but young trees might need protection from harsh winter winds. You can wrap them in burlap for the first couple of winters.

Tip: Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil—if it’s dry an inch down, it’s time to water.

Northern White Cedars aren’t typically “harvested” like vegetables or fruits because they’re ornamental trees. However, if you’re growing them for their aromatic foliage (great for crafts or sachets), here’s how to harvest:

When to Harvest Foliage:

• Late spring to early summer is the best time when the leaves are lush and green.

How to Harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pruners to snip small branches.
• Always harvest from the outer edges and avoid taking too much from one area to keep the tree looking healthy.

Storage:

• Dry the harvested branches in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Once dried, you can use them for wreaths, potpourri, or sachets.

Tip: Never take more than 1/3 of the tree’s foliage at once—it needs those leaves to stay healthy!

Q: Why are the tips of my cedar turning brown?

A: This could be due to winter burn (cold, drying winds) or underwatering. Make sure your cedar is getting enough water, especially in the first year. Wrapping young trees in burlap during winter can help prevent this.

Q: Can I plant Northern White Cedar in the shade?

A: While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. Just know that too much shade may cause the tree to grow more sparsely.

Q: How fast do Northern White Cedars grow?

A: They grow about 1-2 feet per year, depending on the conditions. With proper care, they’ll reach their mature height of 20-30 feet in about 10-15 years.

Q: Do Northern White Cedars attract pests?

A: Occasionally, they might get bagworms or spider mites. If you see any, prune off affected areas or use insecticidal soap to deal with them.

Q: My cedar looks sparse—what can I do?

A: Prune it lightly in early spring to encourage fuller growth. Also, ensure it’s getting enough sunlight and water. Over time, it should fill out nicely.