How Far Apart to Plant Western Red Cedar Trees

Western Red Cedar trees, also known as Thuja plicata, are native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. As a popular choice for landscaping and privacy purposes, planting them in the right distance apart ensures their longevity and healthy growth. Here's how far apart you should plant Western Red Cedar trees:

Spacing for Western Red Cedar Trees

When it comes to spacing for Western Red Cedar trees, it's important to consider their ultimate height and width. Mature Western Red Cedar trees can grow up to 230 feet tall and between 15 to 30 feet wide. For privacy barriers, planting them between 6 to 10 feet apart is ideal as they will grow quickly and fill in the gaps. However, if you'd like to give each tree enough space to grow individually, plant them 15 to 20 feet apart.

Factors That Affect Spacing

The spacing of Western Red Cedar trees can be impacted by various factors, such as soil quality, nutrient levels, and water availability. Ultimately, it's crucial to provide enough space for the trees to grow without competing for resources. The distance between each tree should be enough to provide adequate space for their root systems to grow and receive enough nutrients and water to thrive.

Spacing for Windbreaks

If you're planting Western Red Cedar trees for windbreaks, it's important to space them closer together than you would for privacy purposes. This is because a dense group of trees is better at deflecting wind than individual trees with more space between them. For windbreaks, consider spacing the trees between 4 to 6 feet apart.

Conclusion

Planting Western Red Cedar trees requires careful consideration of their growth potential and purpose. For privacy barriers, spacing them between 6 to 10 feet apart allows them to fill in gaps quickly, while spacing them between 15 to 20 feet apart gives them enough space to grow separately. Other factors such as soil quality and water availability can also impact their spacing. For windbreaks, trees should be planted closer together at a spacing of 4 to 6 feet apart. With proper spacing, Western Red Cedar trees can provide beauty, privacy, and protection for decades to come.