Caring For Cedar
Spring
Spread a layer of organic mulch 2 or 3 inches thick on the soil under the tree. Renew the mulch in the fall to keep it at about 3 inches. For more info on mulching click here.
Summer
Cedars are quite drought resistant. They need faithful watering when they are transplanted until they become established and show good new growth. During periods of prolonged drought they welcome and respond to watering. Cedars do not like to stand in puddles, so be sure the soil drains well. For more info on watering trees click here.
Fall
For the first 3 or 4 years after planting, feed cedars every fall with an all-purpose, granular fertilizer. Sprinkle it on the soil under the tree out to 1 1/2 feet beyond the tips of the branches (the drip line). The next rain will soak it into the soil. Do not allow fertilizer to touch the trunk. Use about 1 pound of fertilizer for each inch of trunk diameter. Cedars respond well to feeding, but do not overdo.
For more info on fertilizing trees click here.
Winter
Occasionally rodents nest in winter mulch under young trees and gnaw at their tender bark. Wait until the ground freezes hard before spreading the thicker winter mulch to deny them a nesting spot.. Wrap cedar stems with hardware cloth or commercial tree guards.
Prune cedars only to remove broken, rubbing or awkward branches.