How to Care for Eastern Red Cedar Seedlings

How to Plant:

• Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.

• Remove the seedling gently and loosen any bound roots.

• Place it in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.

• Backfill and tamp lightly to remove air pockets.

• Water thoroughly after planting, and add 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it off the trunk.

Where to Plant:

• Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct light daily).

• Thrives in well-drained, rocky, sandy, or clay soils—very adaptable.

• Excellent for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, erosion control, or privacy screens.

• Space seedlings 5 to 10 feet apart depending on the intended use.

Watering:

• Water 2–3 times per week for the first month or two.

• Once established, Eastern Red Cedars are highly drought-tolerant.

• Avoid overwatering—allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Maintenance:

• Fertilizing is optional—if desired, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

• Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches, preferably in late winter.

• Monitor for bagworms or cedar-apple rust, especially if planted near apple/crabapple trees.

• Mulch annually and keep the area around the base clear of weeds.