When is the Best Time to Plant Cedar Trees?

Cedar trees are often used in landscaping because they have beautiful evergreen leaves, a pleasant scent, and can be used in many ways. But when is the best time to plant these stately conifers? Planting your new cedar trees at the right time gives them the best chance of doing well and helps them grow quickly in your yard.

Understanding Cedar Tree Growth Habits

Cedar trees come in more than a dozen different species, such as the Eastern redcedar, the Western redcedar, the Atlas cedar, and the Deodar cedar. When they are young, most cedars grow pretty quickly, adding up to 3 feet of growth every year. Native cedars that are very tall can grow to be 150 feet tall, while dwarf cultivars can grow to be 30 feet tall. Cedars prefer full sun and moderately moist, well-draining acidic soil.

Cedars are hardy across a wide range of climates when properly sited. Most cedars tolerate temperatures down to -30°F once established. However very young trees are more prone to freeze damage in extreme winters. Hot dry summers can also stress young cedars that lack adequate moisture.

Understanding the growth cycle and seasonal vulnerabilities of cedars in your climate will help determine optimal planting time. When cedars break dormancy and initiate new growth is a major factor.

Spring Planting

Most places agree that spring is the best time to plant cedar trees. The advantages of spring planting include:

• Soil moisture is plentiful from winter rains and snowmelt. This supports new root establishment.

• Cool spring temperatures reduce transplant shock.

• Trees have the entire growing season to establish roots before hot summer or cold winter.

• Weed competition is lower in spring compared to late summer. Less weeding reduces stress on new transplants.

Aim to plant cedars four to six weeks before the last spring frost. They get a head start on root growth this way before they start to grow tops. Cedars that were grown in pots can be planted later in the spring, after the ground has warmed up. Do not plant when it is cold or frosty, as this can hurt the new growth that is still tender.

Specific spring planting times vary by region:

• In the cooler northern states, plant cedars in early to mid spring once the frost is out of the ground. This ranges from mid-March through May.

• In southern states, plant cedars in late January through March before the heat of summer arrives.

• On the west coast, plant cedars in late February through April, timing it before the dry season.

Water spring-planted cedars regularly for the first two years until their root systems are well established.

Fall Planting

Fall is another suitable option for planting cedar trees. Reasons to consider fall planting include:

• Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant shock and moisture loss.

• Trees can develop roots through winter and be ready to grow in spring.

• Less weed competition compared to spring.

• Potentially cooler, wetter weathergoing into winter vs. hot, dry summer conditions.

The main risk with fall planting is freezing damage to newly established roots over winter. Containerized cedars are lower risk than bare root trees. Ensure soil moisture before ground freeze-up by watering thoroughly. Use a mulch around the base to insulate roots.

Fall planting windows for cedars:

• In northern states, plant 6-8 weeks before first expected frost, generally September-October.

• In southern states, the fall planting window extends through November and December.

• On the Pacific coast, plant cedars in early fall before the rainy season ends, generally September-October.

As with spring planting, ensure regular watering for newly planted cedars through the first two years.

Summer Planting Precautions

Summer is generally not an ideal time to plant cedar trees. Reasons to avoid summer planting include:

• Heat and drought stress are higher, increasing transplant shock.

• Cedars planted in mid to late summer don’t establish extensive roots before winter dormancy.

• More issues with weeds, insects, and disease during hot summer months.

• Fleeting summer rains may not sufficiently water newly planted trees.

However, container-grown cedars can be safely planted in summer if care is taken to reduce transplant stress. Here are some tips:

• Plant in early to mid summer, avoiding late summer.

• Water thoroughly before and after planting.

• Mulch around the tree to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

• Provide shade if planting during a heat wave.

• Monitor for pests like bagworms and scale that thrive in summer.

With attentive aftercare, properly sited cedars can still flourish when planted in summer. But spring or fall planting is generally less risky.

Winter Planting Warnings

Winter is the most difficult season for planting cedar trees. Issues with winter planting include:

• Frozen soil prevents digging planting holes.

• Roots cannot effectively establish and take up water during dormancy.

• Cold winter winds dry out foliage on new transplants.

• Risk of freeze damage to new growth if temperatures fluctuate.

• Lack of root establishment before summer stresses.

• Potential for frost heaving of shallow-rooted trees.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid planting cedars during the winter dormant season. If temperatures allow, very early spring planting in zones 6 and warmer can be done as soon as the soil is workable. Mulch over the root zone for insulation until consistent growth resumes.

Planting Tips for Success

Follow these tips when planting cedar trees:

• Select a planting site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Avoid wet areas.

• Amend clay or sandy soils with compost to improve moisture retention and nutrition.

• Dig a hole no deeper than root ball, but 2-3 times wider. Score root ball sides.

• Set top of root ball 1-2 inches above grade. Remove any burlap, ropes, or containers.

• Backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets, then mulch.

• Stake tree for 1-2 years if windy. Remove stakes once rooted.

• Water new trees regularly, especially during droughts. Soak the entire root zone.

By planting your cedar trees at the optimal time for your climate, you put them on the path to fast establishment and healthy growth for years to come. With a little attentive care in their early years, you’ll soon be enjoying the beauty and grace of soaring cedar trees.