How Fast Cedars Grow

If you’re planning your landscape, you’ll want to know how fast cedars grow. Understanding their growth rates helps you plan for privacy, windbreaks, or simply a beautiful focal point in your yard.

Cedars are popular for good reason. Many types offer quick screening and a classic, evergreen look. But not all cedars are the same. Their speed can vary dramatically depending on the specific type and the conditions you provide.

This guide breaks down what you can expect. We’ll look at the fastest-growing varieties and the simple steps to encourage their best performance.

The phrase “fast-growing” is relative in the tree world. For cedars, it generally means adding 1 to 3 feet in height per year once they are established. Some champion varieties can even push beyond that under ideal conditions.

It’s crucial to remember that growth is slow in the first few years. The tree is focusing its energy on building a strong root system. After this establishment phase, you’ll see a noticeable surge in upward and outward growth.

Growth Rates of Common Cedar Varieties

Here’s a closer look at popular cedar types and their typical annual growth rates:

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): This native North American tree is actually a juniper. It grows at a medium pace, about 1 to 2 feet per year. It’s very hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): A superstar for fast growth. In moist, suitable climates, it can grow 2 to 3 feet or more annually. It’s a top choice for tall, dense hedges.
Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis): Often sold as ‘Emerald Green’ or ‘Techny’ arborvitae, these are hedging favorites. They grow about 1 to 2 feet per year, forming a neat, narrow column without much pruning.
Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara): A true cedar with graceful, drooping branches. It grows roughly 1 to 2 feet per year and becomes a very large, spreading specimen tree over time.
Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica): Known for its silvery-blue foliage (‘Glauca’), it’s a slower true cedar, adding 1 foot or less per year. It’s prized for its striking form and color, not its speed.

Factors That Influence Cedar Growth Speed

Why does one person’s cedar shoot up while another’s seems to stall? Several key factors are at play. Getting these right is the secret to achieving those rapid growth rates observed in healthy plants.

Sunlight: The Non-Negotiable Fuel

Cedars need full sun to partial shade. “Full sun” means at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. With less light, growth slows significantly, and the tree can become thin and sparse. Always choose the sunniest spot you can for the fastest growth.

Soil Conditions: The Foundation of Health

Soil is where your cedar’s journey begins. Ideal conditions make all the difference.

Drainage: This is the most critical factor. Cedars hate “wet feet.” Poorly drained, soggy soil leads to root rot and can kill the tree. Ensure your planting site does not collect standing water.
pH Level: Most cedars prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A simple soil test can tell you if an adjustment is needed.
Soil Type: They thrive in rich, loamy soil that retains moisture but drains well. Heavy clay should be amended with compost to improve its structure.

Watering: Consistent Moisture for Establishment

Proper watering is especially vital in the first two to three years. The goal is consistently moist, not soggy, soil. A deep watering once a week is usually better than frequent light sprinklings. This encourages deep root growth. Once established, many cedars are quite drought-tolerant, but they’ll grow faster with occasional deep watering during dry spells.

Climate and Hardiness Zone

Always choose a cedar variety rated for your USDA Hardiness Zone. A tree struggling to survive winter cold or summer heat won’t put energy into growth. For example, a Deodar cedar won’t thrive in a zone 5 winter, and an Eastern Redcedar might suffer in intense, humid southern heat.

Step-by-Step: Planting for Maximum Growth

How you plant sets the stage for your cedar’s entire life. Follow these steps for the best start.

Choose the Right Time: Plant in early spring or early fall. Cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall reduce stress on the tree.
Dig a Proper Hole: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding ground.
Handle with Care: Gently loosen any circling roots if the tree is pot-bound. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it’s straight.
Backfill and Water: Backfill with the native soil (amended with a little compost if it’s poor). Water thoroughly as you fill to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch Generously: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like wood chips) around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This retains moisture and regulates soil temperature.

Ongoing Care to Maintain Rapid Growth

Your job isn’t done after planting. Consistent care keeps the growth on track.

Fertilizing Strategy

Cedars aren’t heavy feeders, but a light annual feeding can boost growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers, as this can cause excessive, weak growth that’s susceptible to damage.

Pruning and Shaping

Pruning is mainly for shaping hedges or removing damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. For hedges, prune the sides so the base is slightly wider than the top. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, preventing them from turning brown and thin.

Protection from Common Threats

Winter Burn: In windy, cold areas, cedars can lose moisture from their foliage faster than the roots can replace it. This causes browning, usually on the south-west side. Anti-desiccant sprays and burlap screens can offer protection.
Pests: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, and cedar-apple rust. Regular inspection is key. Many problems can be managed with horticultural oils or targeted insecticides if caught early.
Animal Damage: Deer can browse on cedar foliage, and rodents may gnaw bark in winter. Use tree guards or repellents as needed.

Realistic Expectations and Patience

It’s easy to get impatiant when you want a screen quickly. Remember, the first year after planting is often about root establishment with little top growth. By the second and third year, you should see the rapid growth rates observed in catalog descriptions.

Planning is everything. If you need a 10-foot screen, a tree that grows 2 feet per year will take about 5 years to reach that height from a 2-gallon size container. Sometimes, planting a mix of faster and slower growers creates immediate and long-term structure.

FAQ: Your Cedar Growth Questions Answered

What is the absolute fastest growing cedar for a privacy screen?
The Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and its cultivars, like ‘Green Giant’, are generally considered the fastest. They can easily grow 3 feet per year in good conditions.

How can I make my cedar grow faster?
Ensure it gets full sun, plant it in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, water it deeply during dry periods for the first few years, and apply a light slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid any root disturbance.

Why is my newly planted cedar not growing?
The first year is often a “transplant pause.” It’s focusing on roots. Also, check for too much or too little water, insufficient sunlight, or poor soil drainage—these are the most common causes.

How close should I plant cedars for a hedge?
For most medium-sized cedars like ‘Emerald Green’, planting 5 to 6 feet apart is common. For faster, larger types like ‘Green Giant’, 8 to 10 feet apart is better to allow for their mature width without excessive crowding.

Do cedars growth rate slow down as they age?
Yes, like most trees, cedars experience a rapid juvenile growth phase. Once they reach maturity, their vertical growth slows considerably, and they focus more on filling out and maintaining health.

Choosing the right cedar and giving it a good start is the surest path to a robust, fast-growing tree. By focusing on sunlight, soil, and consistent moisture, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and privacy of these evergreens for many years to come. With a little knowledge and care, you can have a landscape that thrives.