Cedars are beautiful evergreen trees that can get very tall over many years or even hundreds of years. But how fast do cedars really grow each year? In this detailed guide, we’ll look at the average growth rate of different cedar species, the things that affect growth, and how to get the most out of growth in your yard.
Overview of Cedar Growth Rates
Most types of cedar trees grow about one to two feet per year once they are established. But growth rates can be very different depending on the species, the growing conditions, and the age of the tree. Here’s a quick overview .
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Deodar cedar – Grows 1-2 feet per year, reaching 50-70 feet tall at maturity over 20-30 years.
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Atlas cedar grows more slowly, between 6 inches and 1 foot a year, and is fully grown at 40 to 60 feet.
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Lebanon cedar – Gains 6 inches to 1 foot annually, topping out around 60-80 feet.
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Western red cedar: grows faster, 1-2 feet per year, reaching 60–125 feet tall when fully grown.
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Eastern red cedar – The fastest growing cedar at 1.5-3 feet yearly, maturing at 40-50 feet tall.
So in general, you can expect established cedar trees to grow an average of 1-2 feet taller each year. Fast growers like the Eastern red cedar can gain up to 3 feet per year in ideal conditions. Now let’s look at the key factors that affect growth rates.
What Impacts Cedar Growth Rates?
Several elements influence the speed at which cedars grow:
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Age – Cedars grow fastest when young, slowing down as they mature. Expect quicker growth in the first 10 years.
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Species – The variety of cedar makes a big difference, as we’ve seen. Red cedars grow faster than Atlas or Lebanon.
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Soil – Cedars thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Poor soils severely inhibit growth.
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Sunlight – Cedars grow fastest in full sun. Too much shade will significantly slow growth.
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Water – Consistent moisture is key, especially for young trees. Drought stress reduces growth.
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Pruning – Regular, proper pruning encourages new leader growth and a balanced form.
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Climate – Cedars grow well in cool climates and higher elevations. Hot summers can slow growth.
By optimizing these factors, you can maximize cedar growth potential on your property.
Tips for Faster Cedar Growth
If you want your cedar to reach mature size as quickly as possible, follow these tips:
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Choose a fast-growing variety like Eastern red cedar.
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Plant in loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
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Make sure the tree gets full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
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Water young trees weekly, providing about 1 inch of water.
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Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
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Prune lightly in early spring to encourage new growth.
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Allow plenty of space between cedars and other trees.
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Use mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture.
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Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, which causes rapid, weak growth.
How Long Does it Take Cedars to Reach Full Size?
Most cedars take at least 20-30 years to hit their maximum mature heights, which vary by species.
Here are some averages:
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Eastern red cedar – 7-10 years to reach landscape impact, up to 30 years for full maturity at 40-50 feet.
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Western red cedar – 15-20 years to effective size, 30+ years to reach 60-125 feet.
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Atlas cedar – 20-30 years to hit 40-60 feet.
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Deodar cedar – 15-25 years to maturity in the 50-70 foot range.
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Lebanon cedar – 20-30 years to achieve 60-80 feet.
With ideal growing conditions, you can shave a few years off these timelines. But have patience – the cedar’s slow yet steady growth is part of its ancient, majestic appeal.
Caring for Cedars Through the Years
To keep your cedar thriving at every stage, follow these general care guidelines:
Years 1-5:
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Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week, providing about 1 inch total.
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Apply fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
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Check for pests like bagworms and mites.
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Prune only dead or damaged branches – avoid heavy pruning.
Years 5-10:
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Water weekly during droughts, aiming for 1 inch of water per week.
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Fertilize in early spring every other year.
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Monitor for diseases and treat any issues promptly.
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Prune lightly in early spring to shape as needed.
Years 10+:
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Water during extended dry periods. Cedars are drought tolerant when mature.
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Apply fertilizer every 2-3 years to maintain health.
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Check for signs of disease like canker and root rot.
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Prune as needed to remove dead branches or shape form.
Proper care from the time you plant your cedar will ensure it grows vigorously year after year, reaching for the skies at its own stately, majestic pace. With the right growing conditions and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a towering, elegant evergreen centerpiece for generations to come.
Key Takeaways on Cedar Growth Rates
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Most cedars grow 1-2 feet per year once established, with some varieties up to 3 feet annually.
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Growth rates depend on age, species, sunlight, soil, watering, and climate.
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Optimal conditions allow cedars to reach mature height in 20-30 years.
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Fast growers like Eastern red cedar can achieve landscape impact in 5-10 years.
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Consistent care from planting through maturity keeps cedars healthy and growing strong.
With this knowledge in hand, you can select the perfect cedar for your landscape, provide the conditions it needs to thrive, and enjoy watching it grow taller each year as it matures into a stunning focal point.
What to Know About the Eastern Red Cedar
The eastern red cedar is actually not a cedar at all but rather a juniper tree, as is reflected in its scientific name, Juniperus virginiana. There is also a hint of this in its common name; while colloquially spelled with a space between red and cedar, the technical spelling is redcedar, as a compound name, demonstrating that its not a true example of this type of tree (similar to the yellow-cedar, actually a cypress, and the white-cedar, a thuja in the same genus as the arborvitae). What makes these conifers similar to the true cedars of the genus Cedrus, which are native to the Mediterranean region, includes their evergreen nature, aromatic wood, and long-lived, hardy character.
Identifying an Eastern Red Cedar
One of the biggest differences between the eastern red cedar tree and the true cedars of the Mediterranean is their form. Eastern red cedars, like juniper trees, grow as big, bushy shrubs and don’t usually expose their trunk in the way that other trees do (unless they’re trimmed and trained). Their dense, evergreen foliage is made up of many small, scaly, flat leaflets that create a dense wall of green where they’re planted, resulting in red cedars being excellent trees for windbreaks in winter, shade in summer, and privacy screening throughout the year.
In addition to their landscape functions, red cedars perform an essential ecosystem service as a habitat and food source for animals throughout the year. They provide cover for birds and small mammals of all kinds to nest, rest, and escape harsh winds, rain, and snow. The trees produce little purple-blue berries as well as tiny, scaly, berry-like cones, both of which are important sources of food for animals during winter and early spring.
While red cedars provide many kinds of seasonal benefits, they also have certain characteristics that allow them to thrive and produce those benefits in urban and neighborhood environments. These trees can grow in a variety of soils, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (they do best in limestone soil, like the kind we have here in Nashville) to clay to loam to sandy. They can tolerate some moisture, some dryness, and even some salt. That is to say, they will grow in almost any ground! This flexible adaptability makes them a great choice for a yard, park, or streetside.
These trees also love to be planted in full sun, so they can grow in open areas and in isolation without a problem. They are shade intolerant and lose foliage if planted too closely to a fence or another tree. Red cedar trees are particularly at risk for a fungal growth known as cedar apple rust disease, which grows as an orange to purple mold when juniper trees (such as the red cedar) are planted too close to apple trees. Fungicides can usually get rid of this fungus when it shows up, but it’s best to keep these species away from each other so that the trees don’t get hurt badly.
Red cedars are also drought tolerant, efficient with energy productivity and moisture uptake. They can photosynthesize all year because they are evergreen, and their long, fibrous roots can soak up and store water while also keeping the soil where they grow stable. The tree’s exfoliating bark is rather fibrous as well, displaying a reddish-gray color. The stringy, peeling bark and lacy foliage give this tree an elegant draping appearance that only adds visual interest to its robust, functional nature.
How Fast Does A Cedar Tree Grow? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
How do you make cedars grow faster?
Proper pruning and trimming techniques are essential to stimulate the growth of your cedar hedge. It is important to know when to prune, how much to prune and where to prune. Experts recommend pruning only 3 to 6 inches from the top each year, as this will stimulate growth.
What are the disadvantages of cedar trees?
It depends on where you live, but skunks, deer, raccoons, rodents, and even elk may eat your cedar tree. While beautiful, deer can be especially problematic since they love to browse through the leaves.
Which cedar tree grows the fastest?
The short answer is… green giant cedars! Well, there isn’t just one type of cedar that’s the best, but green giant cedars are pretty good. They grow very quickly and have a beautiful deep green color. Most of the time, they are hardy and can handle tough growing conditions.
How fast can cedars grow?
On average, you can expect your cedar trees to grow upwards of a foot per year. If you want a tall privacy fence, you will have a large amount of shade from it.Mar 2, 2012