Introduction
Planting cedar trees is an excellent way to enhance the aesthetic value of your property. However, to ensure that these trees grow healthy and robust, it is essential to plant them the right way. One of the critical aspects of cedar tree plantation is how far apart you should space them. This article aims to help you understand the proper cedar tree planting spacing to enhance the health, growth, and the overall beauty of your property.
Why Cedar Trees Need Planting Space
All trees need ample space to grow and thrive. Cedar trees are no exception. When cedar trees are planted too close together, they compete for the same nutrients and resources, causing stunted growth, poor health, and ultimately, premature death. Because cedar trees spread their roots wide instead of deep, failure to give them enough space to grow can also lead to structural instability and uprooting during storms.
Factors That Affect Cedar Tree Spacing
The amount of space that you need to leave between cedar trees will depend on several factors. The following are some of the factors that you should consider when determining the cedar tree spacing for your planting:
1. Cedar Tree Species
Different cedar tree species grow to different sizes, and their planting spacing requirements will depend on their expected height and width at maturity. For instance, while the Atlas Cedar Tree can reach up to 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide, the Cedrus Deodara can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide. As such, Atlas Cedar Trees should be spaced at least 20 feet apart, while Cedrus Deodara needs at least 40 feet.
2. Purpose of Planting
Your intended use of the cedar trees will also impact the distance you need to plant them apart. If you are planting cedar trees for privacy shields or windbreaks, you will need to plant them much closer than if you are planting for landscaping purposes. Similarly, if you are growing cedar trees for lumber, you will want to space them further apart to give them ample room to grow straight and tall.
3. Soil and Climate
The kind of soil you will be planting cedar trees on, and the climatic conditions in your area will also affect cedar tree spacing requirements. For instance, sandy soils drain faster and are more drought-prone, while clay soils drain slowly and retain moisture for longer. In drought-prone areas, you may need to space your cedar trees further apart to avoid excessive competition for limited moisture resources.
How Far to Plant Cedar Trees Apart
The recommended cedar tree spacing varies depending on the height and width of the intended species. As such, the following are cedar tree spacing guidelines that you can use as a reference point:
1. For Atlas Cedar Trees
Atlas Cedar Trees will grow to up to 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Therefore, they should be spaced between 20 and 30 feet apart.
2. For Deodar Cedar Trees
Deodar Cedar Trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide. As such, they should be planted about 40 feet apart.
3. For Eastern Red Cedar Trees
Eastern Red Cedar Trees grow up to 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Ideally, they should be spaced about 12-15 feet apart when planted in rows.
4. For Thuja Emerald Green Trees
Thuja Emerald Green Trees can grow to 20 feet high and 4-5 feet wide. Ideally, they should be planted about 3-4 feet apart.
Conclusion
Planting cedar trees is an excellent way to enhance your property. However, to enjoy the full benefits of these trees, it is essential to plant them the right way. Knowing the proper cedar tree planting spacing guidelines for your intended species, the purpose of plantation, soil and climatic conditions will help you to maximize the health and growth of your cedar trees. By using the guidelines provided in this article, you can be sure of planting your cedar trees the right way for a beautiful and healthy property.