How Tall Do Cedar Trees Grow

If you’re planning your landscape or simply admiring a forest, you might wonder how tall do cedar trees grow. These majestic trees are known for reaching impressive heights, but their full potential depends on several key factors. Understanding these can help you choose the right cedar for your space and care for it properly.

Cedars are a diverse group, and their size can vary dramatically. Some stay relatively small and shrub-like, while others become forest giants. Their growth is influenced by species, environment, and care. Let’s look at what makes these trees shoot for the sky or stay more grounded.

This is the core question. The answer isn’t simple because “cedar” refers to trees from different genera. True cedars (Cedrus) are often the tallest, while many trees commonly called cedars in North America are actually junipers, arborvitae, or other species. Their height ranges are quite different.

Generally, you can expect most large cedar species to grow between 40 and 70 feet tall in cultivation. In their ideal native habitats, however, they can become much, much larger. Some specimens have been recorded at heights well over 150 feet. The variation is why knowing your specific tree type is so crucial.

True Cedar Species and Their Heights

True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus and are native to the mountains of the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. They are the classic, towering cedars of ancient forests.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara): This is often the tallest, capable of reaching 150 to 250 feet in the Himalayas. In landscape settings, expect 40 to 70 feet.
Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica): Grows to about 40 to 60 feet in cultivation, but can reach 120 feet in its native North African mountains.
Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani): Famous and historic, it grows 40 to 60 feet tall in gardens, but mature wild trees can be over 100 feet.
Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia): The smallest true cedar, usually staying under 40 feet tall.

Common “Cedars” of North America

Many trees called cedars here aren’t true cedars. Their growth habits differ.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): A juniper that typically grows 40 to 50 feet tall, but can hit 90 feet.
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): An arborvitae and a Pacific Northwest giant. It commonly grows 150 to 200 feet tall, with record trees over 230 feet!
Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis): Another arborvitae, usually 40 to 50 feet tall in landscapes.
Alaska Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis): Can reach 60 to 90 feet in height under good conditions.

Key Factors That Influence Cedar Height

Why does one cedar soar while another stays modest? Several environmental elements play a huge role.

1. Sunlight Availability

Cedars generally need full sun to achieve there maximum growth potential. In shaded conditions, they grow slower, become leggy, and rarely reach their genetic height limit. Six or more hours of direct sun is ideal for most species.

2. Soil Quality and Drainage

This is critical. Cedars prefer deep, fertile, and well-drained soil. Poor, compacted, or waterlogged soil stunts root development, which directly limits height. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral for optimal nutrient uptake.

3. Climate and Hardiness Zone

A cedar planted outside its preferred climate zone will struggle. Cold winters can damage tender growth, while excessive heat and humidity can stress some species. Always check your tree’s USDA hardiness zone rating.

4. Water and Nutrients

Consistent moisture, especially for young trees, is vital for growth spurts. However, overwatering is a common mistake. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing.

5. Available Space and Competition

A cedar with ample space for its roots and canopy will grow taller and faster. Trees planted too close to buildings, other trees, or power lines will be naturally restricted and may require pruning that limits height.

How to Encourage Healthy, Tall Growth

If you want your cedar to reach a impressive size, proactive care makes all the difference. Follow these steps to give your tree the best start.

Choose the Right Species: Match the tree’s mature size to your available space. Don’t plant a Western Red Cedar in a small backyard.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Planting too deep is a major cause of failure. Loosen the soil around the hole so roots can expand easily.
Water Deeply and Regularly: For the first two years, water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. This encourages deep root growth.
Apply Mulch: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. This conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Prune Wisely: Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Avoid topping the tree, as this ruins its natural form and can invite disease.
Monitor for Pests and Disease: Watch for bagworms, cedar-apple rust, or root rot. Early intervention prevents stress that hampers growth.

Common Mistakes That Stunt Growth

Sometimes, knowing what not to do is just as important. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your cedar thriving.

Planting in the Wrong Spot: Too much shade, poor soil, or exposure to harsh winds will limit growth.
Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Cedar roots need oxygen. Soggy soil leads to root rot, which is often fatal.
Damaging the Trunk: Lawn mower or string trimmer damage to the bark creates wounds that stress the tree and open the door to pests.
Ignoring Soil pH: Extremely alkaline or acidic soil can lock up essential nutrients, causing slow growth and yellowing foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest growing cedar tree?

The Eastern Red Cedar and the Deodar Cedar are among the faster-growing types, often adding 1 to 2 feet per year under good conditions.

How tall do cedar trees get in residential yards?

In yards, cedars are often limited by space, soil, and care. Most large species will reach 30 to 60 feet over several decades, but they can grow taller if conditions are perfect.

What is the tallest cedar tree ever recorded?

The tallest are often Western Red Cedars. The current record holder is the “Cheewhat Lake Cedar” in British Columbia, measuring over 179 feet tall and 59 feet in circumference.

How long does it take for a cedar tree to reach its full height?

Cedars are long-lived, slow-maturing trees. It can take 50 to 100 years for many species to approach there maximum height, and they continue growing very slowly for centuries.

Can I control how tall my cedar grows?

You can limit height through pruning, but it’s not ideal for the tree’s health or natural shape. It’s better to choose a dwarf or smaller species if space is limited from the start.

Planning for the Future

When you plant a cedar, your planting for future generations. Their impressive heights are a testament to time and patience. Before you buy, research your specific species’ needs and potential size. Consider the tree’s placement in relation to your house, underground utilities, and other plants.

A cedar given the right start can become a magnificent, towering centerpiece for your landscape. It provides year-round structure, wildlife habitat, and a sense of permanence. By understanding the factors that influence there growth, you can help your cedar thrive and maybe even reach those impressive heights its known for.