Introduction

Eastern red cedar trees are a wonderful addition to any landscape, with their evergreen foliage and their ability to attract wildlife. When it comes to planting these trees, one of the most common questions is how far apart to space them. The answer depends on several factors, including the mature size of the trees, the soil type, and the purpose of the planting. In this article, we will explore these factors and provide guidelines for spacing eastern red cedar trees.

Mature Size of Eastern Red Cedar Trees

The first and most important factor to consider when spacing eastern red cedar trees is their mature size. These trees can grow up to 50 feet tall with a spread of 15-20 feet, although most are smaller than this. If you plan to use the trees as a privacy screen, you will need to space them closer together than if you are planting them for ornamental purposes. For a privacy screen, a spacing of 6-8 feet between trees is ideal. For ornamental plantings, a spacing of 10-15 feet between trees is usually sufficient.

Soil Type

The next factor to consider when spacing eastern red cedar trees is the type of soil in which they will be planted. These trees can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. However, they prefer well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. If your soil is heavy clay or has poor drainage, you will need to space the trees further apart to prevent root competition and ensure good air circulation. In heavy clay soil, a spacing of 15-20 feet between trees is recommended. In sandy soil, a spacing of 8-10 feet between trees is usually sufficient.

Purpose of Planting

The final factor to consider when spacing eastern red cedar trees is the purpose of the planting. If you are planting the trees for wildlife habitat, you may want to space them closer together to create more cover and shelter. A spacing of 4-6 feet between trees is ideal for this purpose. If you are planting the trees for windbreaks or erosion control, a spacing of 10-15 feet between trees is usually sufficient.

Conclusion

The spacing of eastern red cedar trees depends on several factors, including the mature size of the trees, the soil type, and the purpose of the planting. For privacy screens or ornamental plantings, a spacing of 6-15 feet between trees is recommended. In heavy clay soil, a spacing of 15-20 feet between trees is ideal, while in sandy soil, a spacing of 8-10 feet between trees is recommended. For wildlife habitat, a spacing of 4-6 feet between trees is ideal, while for windbreaks or erosion control, a spacing of 10-15 feet between trees is usually sufficient. By taking these factors into consideration, you can create a beautiful and functional planting of eastern red cedar trees.