Cedar Spacing Considerations

If you are using cedars for hedging then you may be wondering about how to space them. Keep in mind that there is no one correct answer for this. How far apart you space your hedge cedars depends and should depend on what variety you choose, how long you are willing to wait for them to fill in, your budget, and the application. We are going to briefly discuss these considerations today in our blog article. 

Variety 

The two most common hedge cedars are Western Red Cedars (Thuja plicata), and Emerald Cedars (Thuja occidentalis “Smaragd”). Right off the bat, we can tell you that Western Red Cedars are larger than Emerald Cedars, and left unpruned, the Western Red Cedars will become giant trees. 

What this means for spacing is that if all things are equal, you would typically space Western Red Cedars slightly further apart than the Emerald Cedars because the Reds will have a larger root base. But cedar variety is just one factor to consider. 

Patience 

The closer hedge cedars or any other kind of shrub are spaced, the faster they will fill in to make a continuous hedge. So, if you do not have a lot of patience, then you will want to plant them closer together. Just remember that giving your cedars room to flourish is good for them, and everything grows fast, here, on the Lower Mainland. 

Budget 

Obviously, cedars that are spaced closer together use more cedars than those spaced further apart. This may not be a big budgetary expense over 50 feet, but it will be significant over 500 feet, for example. So, your budget should be a consideration. 

Application 

If you are installing a hedge for your house to look good, then you probably have time for a hedge to grow in. However, if you intend for your hedge to replace a fence, so you do not need to also install a fence or if your hedge is intended to be a windbreak, then you may want the hedge to fill in faster. In that case, you may want the cedars planted slightly closer together. 

For all of these reasons above, it is a good idea to give careful thought to your hedge before you plant it. And remember to keep it thoroughly watered throughout the first year and the first two summers. 

For new cedar hedging, give us a call on the Lower Mainland at (778) 241-5664. This is our business and area of expertise. 

Pacific West Cedars, based in Langley, British Columbia, farms, supplies, and installs cedar hedging on the Lower Mainland. They offer two kinds of cedars plus boxwoods: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), and Emerald Cedars (Thuja occidentalis “Smaragd”). They work with landscapers, contractors, and also directly with the public. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about cedars, we encourage you to call us at (778) 241-5664.