Western Red Cedar: The Perfect Evergreen Hedge Plant

For homeowners seeking privacy, beauty, and easy care all in one package, western red cedar hedge plants are an ideal choice. This graceful evergreen conifer makes a striking living fence or boundary hedge. Western red cedar offers year-round greenery, natural pest resistance, and adaptable growing habits. Read on to learn why this aromatic native tree is the premier hedge plant for gardens across many regions.

Overview of Western Red Cedar

There is a tall conifer species in the Pacific Northwest of North America called western red cedar. Its botanical name is Thuja plicata. That tree is in the cypress family and can grow over 200 feet tall in its natural forest home. When crushed, the foliage gives off a sweet, pleasing aroma.

For hedging use, a dwarf cultivar called Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ is typically grown. This compact selection reaches around 15 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide once mature. It has dense horizontal branching dotted with flattened sprays of scale-like deep green leaves. Small brown cones emerge in summer. The foliage stays evergreen throughout winter.

Benefits of Western Red Cedar Hedge Plants

There are many excellent reasons to choose western red cedar plants when installing a new evergreen hedge:

• Provides year-round privacy and seclusion with dense foliage.
• Naturally narrow, upright habit requires minimal trimming and shaping.
• Grows at a relatively fast rate of up to 2 feet annually when young.
• Lush green appearance retained even in cold weather.
• Tolerates frequent pruning well to maintain a controlled size.
• Boasts rich green color and soft, graceful texture.
• Gives an elegant, upscale look compared to basic arborvitae hedging.
• Aromatic leaves and stems naturally resist deer and rabbits.
• Thrives in USDA zones 5-9 across a wide geographical range.
• Offers shelter, nesting sites, and food for birds and pollinators.
• Avoid pest and disease problems that affect many hedge plants.

With all of these great qualities, it’s clear why western red cedar is such a popular hedge plant.

Growing and Caring for Western Red Cedar

Succeeding with western red cedar hedge plants starts with proper planting and care:

• Choose a spot with full sun to part shade exposure. Well-drained, fertile soil amended with compost is ideal.
• Space young plants 2-3 feet apart in the hedge bed for quick fill-in growth.
• Water new plants regularly for the first two years until their root systems establish.
• Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
• Fertilize in early spring using a slow-release, balanced formula to support growth.
• Prune as needed to shape and densify the hedge, taking care not to cut into old wood.
• Trim back protruding branches and top growth before the new spring growth cycle.
• Allow sufficient space between the hedge and any structures, walkways, or driveways.

If you take good care of your western red cedar, it will quickly grow into a beautiful, dense privacy hedge.

Sourcing Top-Quality Hedging Plants

When selecting western red cedar hedge plants for purchase, look for:

• Healthy green foliage, free of yellowing, browning, or defoliation.
• Well-established and expansive root systems. Avoid tiny underdeveloped plants.
• Good dense branching structure from top to bottom of the plant.
• Consistent shape and size across all provided plants.
• Local sourcing from growers within your USDA hardiness zone.
• Clear tagging and labeling with the exact botanical name.
• High-quality #1 grade plants from reputable certified nurseries.
• Availability of pre-finished hedge units for simpler planting.

Reputable sellers offering vigorous, healthy plants will give your hedge the best start.

Alternatives to Western Red Cedar

For those seeking alternatives, some other great evergreen hedge plants include:

• Green Giant Arborvitae – Extremely fast growing and deer resistant.
• Emerald Green Arborvitae – Budget-friendly and bright green in color.
• Leyland Cypress – Fast growing soft texture for warmer winter climates.
• American Arborvitae – Low maintenance with softer foliage.
• Portuguese Laurel – Excellent for mild zones. Thick and evergreen.
• European Hornbeam – Stunning deciduous choice with orange fall foliage.

But for the perfect combo of elegance, practicality and rich green beauty, western red cedar remains hard to beat as the ideal hedge plant for privacy and grace.

Add Sophistication with Western Red Cedar Hedges

Western red cedar instantly makes a classy, high-end hedge with its towering mature height, lush greenery, and gracefully narrow profile. It gives you complete privacy while blocking out annoying sounds or sights all year long. The aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits from feasting. This versatile evergreen thrives with minimal care across diverse regions. Western red cedar hedge plants are the best choice for homeowners who want to set boundaries with style and a living fence.

For a Western Red Cedar hedge, a spacing of 2-3 feet (60-90cm) apart is generally recommended.