Eastern Red Cedar

Size

For a tall native evergreen, check out the Eastern Red Cedar. Botanically known as Juniperus virginiana, the Eastern Red Cedar is an upright tree that reaches up to 65 feet tall. Easy to grow, the Eastern Red Cedar is an adaptable tree and produces lush green foliage. As an added bonus, it provides berries and shelter for the local wildlife. Native to North America, the Eastern Red Cedar is tough and undeterred by deer, pollution or salty locations. It develops an upright habit with a spread of around 20 feet. This tree is suitable for planting as a standalone specimen or for forming a wildlife-friendly evergreen grove. Minimal pruning is required, making this impressive conifer low maintenance. Eastern Red Cedar Care Even though slow-growing, the Eastern Red Cedar can eventually reach 65 feet and pose a problem for overhead power lines or overhangs in the future. It prefers full to partial sun and rich, moist, but free-draining soil. It can also tolerate poor soils, but struggles if its roots are overly wet. Water this tree regularly for the first two years after planting until established. No fertilizer is usually required. If pruning is needed, a light trim can be performed in early spring. Do not cut beyond the green into old wood, as new growth is unlikely to form. Eastern Red Cedar Spacing When fully grown, the Eastern Red Cedar can reach a size of 64 feet tall by 20 feet across. When planting as a windbreak, you can space this tree 8 to 10 feet apart.