Northern White Cedar Seedlings (7 Pro Tips For Optimal Growth)

Let’s dive into the world of Northern White Cedar!

The world of wood processing is constantly evolving. We’ve seen incredible advancements, from computer-aided sawmill optimization that maximizes lumber yield to the rise of robotic log loaders in large-scale logging operations. Even in firewood preparation, the humble log splitter has seen iterations that boost efficiency and safety, like auto-return wedges and ergonomic designs. But at the heart of it all, it begins with the tree. And for those of us who appreciate the unique qualities of Northern White Cedar, that journey starts with a seedling. Whether you’re aiming to create a cedar hedge for privacy, establish a sustainable woodlot, or simply enjoy the beauty of this versatile tree, understanding how to nurture your Northern White Cedar seedlings is crucial. This article isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about setting the stage for future harvests, creating valuable habitat, and engaging in the timeless craft of woodland management.

I’ve spent years working with various wood species, from the dense hardwoods used in furniture making to the softwoods ideal for construction. Northern White Cedar holds a special place for me, not only for its resistance to decay and pleasant aroma but also for its ecological importance. I remember one particular project where we were tasked with restoring a wetland area. We chose Northern White Cedar as a key species for its ability to thrive in moist conditions and provide excellent cover for wildlife. Successfully establishing those seedlings taught me invaluable lessons about their specific needs, lessons I want to share with you.

The user intent behind searching for “Northern White Cedar Seedlings (7 Pro Tips for Optimal Growth)” is clear: they want a practical, actionable guide to ensure the successful establishment and growth of their cedar seedlings. They’re looking for expert advice that goes beyond basic planting instructions, offering proven techniques to maximize their investment in these trees.

So, let’s get started with these 7 pro tips!

7 Pro Tips for Optimal Growth of Northern White Cedar Seedlings

Tip 1: Understanding Northern White Cedar

Before you even think about planting, let’s understand what we’re working with. Northern White Cedar ( Thuja occidentalis ) is a relatively slow-growing evergreen conifer native to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It’s known for its aromatic wood, resistance to decay, and tolerance of wet conditions.

Key Characteristics:

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, typically adding 1-2 feet per year once established.
Mature Size: Varies depending on conditions, but generally reaches 40-60 feet in height and 10-20 feet in width.
Soil Preference: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poorly drained areas.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Seedlings benefit from some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Hardiness: Extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C).
Wood Properties: Lightweight, soft, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for shingles, siding, and fence posts.

Why Northern White Cedar?

I often get asked why choose cedar over other evergreens. Here’s why:

Natural Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. This means less maintenance and a longer lifespan for your trees.
Wildlife Value: Cedar provides excellent cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds and mammals. Deer will browse on it, especially in winter, so protection might be necessary (more on that later).
Aesthetic Appeal: Its lush green foliage and pleasing aroma make it a beautiful addition to any landscape.
Versatility: Cedar can be used for a variety of purposes, from creating privacy screens and windbreaks to providing valuable timber.

Common Challenges:

Deer Browsing: Deer love cedar, especially young seedlings.
Competition: Weeds and grasses can compete with seedlings for resources.
Poor Drainage: While cedar tolerates moist conditions, prolonged standing water can be detrimental.
Dry Conditions: Seedlings need consistent moisture, especially during their first year.

Key Terms:

Green Wood: Freshly cut wood with high moisture content.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to reduce its moisture content, making it more stable and less prone to decay.
Board Foot: A unit of measurement for lumber, equal to 144 cubic inches (e.g., a piece of wood 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long).

Tip 2: Site Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right location is paramount to the success of your cedar seedlings. I’ve seen countless projects fail simply because the site wasn’t adequately prepared.

Factors to Consider:

Sunlight: Cedar prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
Soil Drainage: While cedar tolerates moist conditions, it doesn’t like to be waterlogged. Ensure the soil drains well. Conduct a simple drainage test by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water doesn’t drain within 24 hours, the site may need improvement.
Soil Type: Cedar adapts to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.0). A soil test can help you determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil.
Competition: Clear the area of weeds, grasses, and other vegetation that could compete with the seedlings for resources. This is especially important in the first few years.
Deer Pressure: Assess the deer population in your area. If deer are abundant, you’ll need to take steps to protect your seedlings.

Site Preparation Steps:

Clear Vegetation: Remove all existing vegetation from a 3-foot diameter circle around each planting site. This can be done manually with a hoe or shovel, or with herbicides. If using herbicides, follow the label instructions carefully. I prefer manual clearing for smaller plantings to avoid the use of chemicals.
Soil Amendment (Optional): If your soil is poor or compacted, amend it with organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss. This will improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient content. Incorporate the amendment into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Soil Testing: As mentioned earlier, a soil test can provide valuable information about the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. Based on the results, you can amend the soil with lime to raise the pH or fertilizer to address nutrient deficiencies. Follow the recommendations of the soil test.
Tilling (Optional): If the soil is heavily compacted, tilling can help to break it up and improve drainage. Till the area to a depth of 6-8 inches. Be careful not to till too deeply, as this can disrupt the soil structure.
Mulching: After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around each seedling. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulches such as wood chips, bark, or straw. Avoid using rocks or gravel as mulch, as these can heat up the soil and damage the seedlings.

My Experience:

I once worked on a project where we were planting a large number of cedar seedlings in a reclaimed gravel pit. The soil was extremely poor, compacted, and lacking in nutrients. We spent considerable time and effort amending the soil with compost and tilling it to improve drainage. We also installed a drip irrigation system to ensure the seedlings received adequate moisture. The results were remarkable. The seedlings thrived, and the area was transformed into a lush green space.

Tip 3: Choosing the Right Seedlings

Not all seedlings are created equal. Selecting healthy, vigorous seedlings is crucial for successful establishment.

What to Look For:

Healthy Appearance: The seedlings should have vibrant green needles and a sturdy stem. Avoid seedlings with brown or yellow needles, damaged stems, or signs of disease or insect infestation.
Well-Developed Root System: The root system should be dense and fibrous, filling the container without being root-bound. Gently remove a seedling from its container to inspect the roots. If the roots are circling the inside of the container, the seedling is root-bound and may not establish well.
Size: Choose seedlings that are appropriate for your planting site. Smaller seedlings (1-2 feet tall) are generally easier to handle and transplant, but larger seedlings (2-3 feet tall) may be more resistant to deer browsing and competition from weeds.
Source: Purchase seedlings from a reputable nursery or tree farm. Ask about the source of the seedlings and their growing conditions. Local nurseries are often a good choice, as they are likely to have seedlings that are adapted to your local climate.

Bare-Root vs. Containerized Seedlings:

Bare-Root Seedlings: These seedlings are grown in nurseries and then dug up and sold without soil around their roots. They are typically less expensive than containerized seedlings, but they are also more susceptible to drying out and damage. Bare-root seedlings should be planted as soon as possible after receiving them. Keep the roots moist by wrapping them in damp burlap or placing them in a bucket of water until planting.
Containerized Seedlings: These seedlings are grown in containers and sold with the soil intact around their roots. They are generally more expensive than bare-root seedlings, but they are also easier to handle and transplant. Containerized seedlings can be planted at any time during the growing season, as long as the ground is not frozen.

My Recommendation:

For most homeowners, containerized seedlings are the best choice. They are easier to handle, have a higher survival rate, and can be planted at any time during the growing season. If you are planting a large number of seedlings, bare-root seedlings may be a more economical option, but be prepared to take extra care in handling and planting them.

Tip 4: Planting Techniques

Proper planting techniques are essential for ensuring the survival and growth of your cedar seedlings.

Timing:

Spring Planting: The best time to plant cedar seedlings is in the spring, after the ground has thawed and the risk of frost has passed. This gives the seedlings a full growing season to establish their roots before winter.
Fall Planting: Cedar seedlings can also be planted in the fall, but it is important to plant them early enough so that they have time to establish their roots before the ground freezes. Aim to plant at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost.

Planting Steps:

Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the seedling.
Prepare the Hole: If the soil is compacted, loosen the sides and bottom of the hole with a shovel or trowel.
Remove the Seedling from the Container: Gently remove the seedling from its container, being careful not to damage the roots. If the roots are circling the inside of the container, gently loosen them with your fingers or a knife.
Place the Seedling in the Hole: Place the seedling in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the Hole: Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the root ball.
Water Thoroughly: Water the seedling thoroughly after planting.
Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the seedling, keeping the mulch away from the stem.

Spacing:

The spacing between seedlings will depend on your desired outcome.

Hedge: For a dense hedge, space seedlings 2-3 feet apart.
Windbreak: For a windbreak, space seedlings 6-8 feet apart in multiple rows.
Woodlot: For a woodlot, space seedlings 8-12 feet apart.

My Tip:

When planting, I always add a small amount of mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole. Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of the cedar seedlings, helping them to absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. This can significantly improve the survival and growth of the seedlings, especially in poor soils. You can purchase mycorrhizal fungi inoculants at most nurseries and garden centers.

Tip 5: Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering and occasional fertilization are crucial for the healthy growth of your cedar seedlings.

Watering:

First Year: Water seedlings deeply and regularly during their first year, especially during dry periods. Aim to water at least once a week, providing enough water to soak the soil around the root ball.
Established Trees: Once the trees are established, they will be more drought-tolerant, but they will still benefit from occasional watering during dry periods.
Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing needles, wilting, and root rot are signs of overwatering. If you notice these symptoms, reduce the frequency of watering.
Signs of Underwatering: Brown or crispy needles, stunted growth, and wilting are signs of underwatering. If you notice these symptoms, increase the frequency of watering.

Fertilizing:

Soil Test: Before fertilizing, it is important to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient levels of your soil. This will help you to choose the right fertilizer and avoid over-fertilizing.
Slow-Release Fertilizer: Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreens. Apply the fertilizer in the spring, following the label instructions.
Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers such as compost, well-rotted manure, and bone meal can also be used to fertilize cedar seedlings. These fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time and improve the soil structure.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Over-fertilizing can damage the roots of the seedlings and lead to excessive growth, which can make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.

My Approach:

I prefer to use organic fertilizers whenever possible. Compost is a great option, as it provides a wide range of nutrients and improves the soil structure. I also like to use mycorrhizal fungi inoculants, which help the seedlings to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Tip 6: Protection from Pests and Diseases

Cedar seedlings are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Protecting them from these threats is essential for their survival and growth.

Common Pests:

Deer: Deer are the most common pest of cedar seedlings. They will browse on the needles, especially in winter.
Bagworms: Bagworms are caterpillars that build protective bags around themselves and feed on the needles of cedar trees.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the needles, causing them to turn yellow or brown.
Cedar Leaf Miners: Cedar leaf miners are small insects that tunnel inside the needles, causing them to turn brown and die.

Common Diseases:

Cedar-Apple Rust: Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that causes galls to form on the branches of cedar trees.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of cedar trees, causing them to rot and die.
Tip Blight: Tip blight is a fungal disease that causes the tips of the branches to turn brown and die.

Protection Strategies:

Deer Fencing: Install a deer fence around the planting area to protect the seedlings from browsing. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall.
Tree Shelters: Individual tree shelters can also be used to protect seedlings from deer browsing and other damage.
Insecticides: Insecticides can be used to control insect pests such as bagworms, spider mites, and cedar leaf miners. Follow the label instructions carefully. I try to avoid using insecticides unless absolutely necessary, as they can harm beneficial insects.
Fungicides: Fungicides can be used to control fungal diseases such as cedar-apple rust, root rot, and tip blight. Follow the label instructions carefully.
Pruning: Prune away any infected branches to prevent the spread of disease.
Good Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the seedlings to prevent fungal diseases.
Healthy Soil: Maintain healthy soil to promote the overall health and vigor of the seedlings, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.

My Experience with Deer:

Deer browsing is a major challenge in many areas. I’ve found that a combination of strategies is often the most effective. In addition to deer fencing, I also use tree shelters and apply deer repellent to the seedlings. I also try to plant cedar seedlings in areas where deer pressure is lower, such as near buildings or in areas with dense vegetation.

Tip 7: Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning and maintenance will help to ensure the long-term health and beauty of your cedar trees.

Pruning:

Timing: The best time to prune cedar trees is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Purpose: Pruning can be used to shape the trees, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve air circulation.
Technique: Use sharp, clean pruning shears or a saw to make clean cuts. Avoid tearing the bark.
Hedges: For hedges, prune regularly to maintain the desired shape and density.
Natural Shape: For trees that are allowed to grow naturally, prune only to remove dead or damaged branches.

Maintenance:

Weed Control: Continue to control weeds around the base of the trees, especially during the first few years.
Mulching: Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the trees to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Watering: Water the trees during dry periods, especially during the first few years.
Fertilizing: Fertilize the trees as needed, based on soil test results.
Pest and Disease Monitoring: Monitor the trees regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Take action promptly if any problems are detected.

My Pruning Philosophy:

I believe in minimal pruning for cedar trees, especially if they are allowed to grow naturally. I only prune to remove dead or damaged branches or to improve air circulation. For hedges, I prune more regularly to maintain the desired shape and density. I always use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid tearing the bark.

Strategic Insights:

Long-Term Planning: Consider your long-term goals for your cedar trees. Are you planting them for privacy, windbreaks, or timber? Your long-term goals will influence your planting spacing, pruning techniques, and maintenance practices.
Sustainable Practices: Use sustainable practices whenever possible. This includes using organic fertilizers, avoiding pesticides, and conserving water.
Local Resources: Take advantage of local resources such as nurseries, tree farms, and extension services. These resources can provide valuable information and support.
Observation: Observe your trees regularly and learn to recognize the signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious problems.

Next Steps:

Assess Your Site: Evaluate your site’s sunlight, soil drainage, soil type, and deer pressure.
Prepare Your Site: Clear vegetation, amend the soil (if necessary), and install deer fencing (if needed).
Choose Your Seedlings: Select healthy, vigorous seedlings from a reputable nursery.
Plant Your Seedlings: Follow the planting techniques outlined in this guide.
Water and Fertilize: Water regularly and fertilize as needed.
Protect from Pests and Diseases: Monitor for pests and diseases and take action promptly.
Prune and Maintain: Prune and maintain your trees regularly to ensure their long-term health and beauty.

By following these pro tips, you can ensure the successful establishment and growth of your Northern White Cedar seedlings, creating a valuable asset for your property and the environment.

Final Thoughts:

Growing Northern White Cedar seedlings is a rewarding experience that connects you with nature and provides numerous benefits. With careful planning, proper techniques, and ongoing maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty and value of these versatile trees for many years to come. Remember to adapt these tips to your specific site conditions and local climate. Happy planting!

Northern White Cedar Seedlings (7 Pro Tips for Optimal Growth)

7 Pro Tips for Optimal Growth of Northern White Cedar Seedlings