Cedars are some of the most popular and dependable hedging plants used across Metro Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Their year round greenery, natural density and ability to grow into tall screens make them excellent choices for privacy, wind protection and property boundaries. Whether you are looking to block a neighbour’s window, create a sheltered outdoor space or simply add structure to your garden, hedging cedars offer a practical and attractive solution.
This introduction to hedging cedars will help you understand the differences between the most common varieties, how to plant them, how to keep them healthy and what to do if they begin to show stress. Because our region offers ideal conditions for these evergreens, choosing the right cedar and caring for it properly will reward you with decades of beauty and privacy.
Understanding Hedging Cedars
Although many people call them all “cedars,” the plants commonly used for hedges include several species and hybrids within the genus Thuja. These include cultivars of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and hybrid varieties that offer unique growth habits. Collectively, these plants are sometimes referred to as arborvitae, a name meaning “tree of life.”
Most hedging cedars share similar traits: evergreen foliage, year round screening, tolerance for pruning and adaptability to a range of soils. The key differences relate to speed of growth, width, height and overall appearance. Knowing these differences helps you choose the right cedar for your space.
Comparing the Most Popular Hedging Cedars
Thuja occidentalis Smaragd
Smaragd, also known as Emerald Cedar, is the most popular choice for smaller urban gardens. It grows in a narrow, upright column and keeps its shape with little trimming. Smaragd typically matures around 10 to 15 feet tall but remains quite narrow. Its bright green foliage holds its colour well through winter. Because it grows more slowly than other cedars, it requires patience but rewards gardeners with a neat, uniform hedge that fits tight spaces.
Thuja plicata Excelsa
Excelsa is a selected form of Western Red Cedar, which is native to the Pacific Northwest. It grows quickly and produces a large, dense hedge ideal for privacy screens and windbreaks. Excelsa can reach 20 to 30 feet if left unclipped, though it trims well and can be maintained at almost any desired height. It tolerates both sun and partial shade and adapts well to our climate’s natural moisture patterns. For large properties or those looking to create privacy in a short time, Excelsa is a strong choice.
Thuja occidentalis Brandon
Brandon cedar is similar to Smaragd but slightly denser and a bit more upright. It holds its shape well and maintains good winter colour. Brandon is often chosen for colder areas or places where wind exposure may be higher. Its moderate growth rate and naturally uniform form make it a dependable option for homeowners who want a tidy hedge without excessive maintenance.
Thuja occidentalis Pyramidalis
Pyramidalis cedar forms a slender, upright cone that works well in more formal landscapes or narrow side yards. It has a slightly looser texture than Smaragd but still forms an attractive, controlled hedge. It grows faster than Smaragd yet remains far narrower than Excelsa. Gardeners often choose Pyramidalis when they want a hybrid look between the narrow form of Smaragd and the more vigorous growth of larger cedars.
Thuja plicata x standishii Green Giant
Green Giant is one of the fastest growing hedging cedars available. It is a hybrid cedar that grows vigorously and forms a tall, wide, robust hedge in a short period of time. This makes it ideal for large properties or rural landscapes where quick screening is needed. Green Giant has a lovely texture, rich green foliage and excellent disease resistance. Because of its size, it is best avoided in small urban lots unless you have room to allow it to grow.
How to Plant Hedging Cedars
Proper planting plays a major role in the long term success of any cedar hedge. Cedars prefer well drained soil that stays evenly moist, especially during their first few years. Here are the basic steps for planting:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root mass.
- Loosen the roots if they appear tight or circling from the pot.
- Plant at the same depth as the nursery container. Planting too deep can cause decline.
- Amend the soil with Organic Bonemeal for and/or Myke for better rooting
- Backfill with native soil mixed with compost to improve structure.
- Water deeply after planting and continue to water regularly for the first one to two seasons.
- Using Liquid Transplant Fertilizer for the first couple of months is beneficial
- Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep roots cool in summer.
Spacing varies by variety. Smaragd, Brandon and Pyramidalis are typically planted 2 to 3 feet apart, while Excelsa and Green Giant often require 4 to 6 feet of spacing depending on the desired height and width.
How to Care for Hedging Cedars
Once established, cedars are generally low maintenance, but consistent care ensures a lush, healthy hedge. The most important elements are water, mulch and proper feeding.
Watering
Cedars prefer soil that stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the first few years, water regularly through summer and fall. New growth pushes best when the plant is not allowed to dry out completely. Even mature hedges can suffer damage during extended drought, so deep watering once or twice a month in summer is beneficial.
Mulching
Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture. A two to three inch layer of bark mulch or wood chips around the base of your hedge reduces summer stress and improves plant health.
Fertilizing
Cedars benefit from a slow release fertilizer in early spring. Choose a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for evergreens. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in summer, as they may stimulate tender growth prone to winter damage.
Pruning Hedging Cedars
Most cedars respond well to pruning, but each variety has slightly different habits. In general, light pruning once or twice a year helps shape the hedge and encourages dense growth.
- Prune in late spring or early summer after new growth has emerged.
- A second light trim in early fall can help maintain shape for winter.
- Avoid cutting back into old wood with no green growth, as cedars rarely regenerate from bare stems.
- Shear lightly and regularly rather than making heavy cuts.
Excelsa and Green Giant can be trimmed more aggressively to maintain size, while narrower cedars like Smaragd should be pruned lightly to preserve their natural form.
Common Issues and Solutions
Even though cedars are hardy and adaptable, they can show stress under certain conditions. Here are a few common issues:
Winter Browning
Some browning in winter is normal and often temporary. If large patches brown dramatically, it may indicate cold damage or drought stress. Deep watering in fall and early spring usually helps prevent this.
Drought Stress
Extended periods without rain can cause cedars to turn brown or shed interior foliage. Deep, infrequent watering is the best remedy. Mulch also reduces water loss.
Root Rot
If a cedar is planted in poorly drained soil, root rot can occur. Improving drainage or raising the planting height helps prevent this. Avoid overwatering in winter.
Spider Mites
In hot, dry summers, spider mites may appear. Look for fine webbing and speckled foliage. A strong spray of water and improved irrigation usually control them. Hedges in shaded, cool areas rarely experience mite issues.
Compacted Soil
Cedars growing near construction areas, walkways or driveways may suffer from compacted soil. Mulching and seasonal feeding help restore vigour.
Conclusion
Hedging cedars remain one of the most effective and attractive ways to create privacy in Metro Vancouver gardens. With a range of varieties suited to different spaces and growth habits, there is a cedar for every property. By choosing the right type, planting it properly and caring for it as it becomes established, you can enjoy a living screen that enhances your landscape for decades.
If you need help selecting the right cedar hedge for your space, visit Art’s Nursery. Our team is happy to guide you through the best choices for your soil, sun exposure and long term goals.