Why the Eastern Cedar Tree is a Perfect Addition to Your Landscape

The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a juniper tree native to eastern North America. In USDA zones 2–9, this evergreen tree is known for its aromatic wood, dense foliage, and distinctive columnar or conical shape.

This adaptable tree can grow in multiple soil types, including poor, rocky, and dry soils. It's commonly found in pastures, fence lines, and open fields, where it can spread rapidly.

Typically this tree reaches 30-65 feet in height. The scale-like leaves grow densely on the branches, giving the tree a feathery, soft appearance from a distance, but a closer look reveals that the foliage has a somewhat rough texture.

The juvenile leaves are needle-like, especially on younger trees or new growth, but as the tree matures, the leaves become more scale-like, overlapping tightly against the twigs.

Eastern Red Cedar foliage can shift to a bronzed or purplish color in winter, especially in colder climates. The foliage returns to its usual green once temperatures warm up in spring.

The foliage gives off a pleasant cedar-like aroma when crushed, much like the wood.

How to Care for and Maintain Your Eastern Cedar Tree

Caring for this tree is relatively straightforward.

• Newly planted trees need watered once a week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
• Once established, Eastern Red Cedar is fairly drought-tolerant. However, regular watering during prolonged dry periods, especially in its first few years, is recommended.
• It prefers full sun for at least 6 hours a day. It can tolerate partial shade, but it is likely to become less dense in shady spots.
• Eastern Red Cedars generally require little pruning, but occasional trimming of dead or damaged branches can promote a healthier appearance.
• Pruning can also be done to maintain a desired shape if used in hedges or windbreaks. Be cautious not to prune too deeply into old wood, as it may not regrow from there.

Benefits of Planting the Eastern Cedar Tree in Your Yard

Eastern Red Cedars are commonly planted as ornamental trees in parks, gardens, and landscapes due to their columnar shape and year-round greenery.

Because of their dense, tall growth, they are often used as windbreaks or privacy screens.

Planting in rows can effectively block wind, reduce soil erosion, and provide a visual barrier.

The dense, year-round foliage of the Eastern Red Cedar provides excellent cover for birds and small animals, making it an important species for wildlife habitats.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

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