How Fast Do Cedar Hedges Grow?

Soil and Water

• Widely utilized in ornamental landscape design, cedar has more than 120 named varieties. All varieties of cedar thrive best in full sun to part shade. Cedar plants prefer a semi-moist soil, so extremely wet or extremely dry conditions do not support healthy development. In a garden setting, water is essential in the absence of rainfall; however, deep soaking should take place no more than once per week. Fertilization should be used sparingly, and stopped after July to prepare for winter dormancy.

Growth Speed

• Cedar seedlings grow slowly in both natural forest and nursery conditions. Seedling transplants in the northern Lakes states averaged about 3 feet high at nine years, and 8 ½ feet high at 12 years. Nursery stock purchased for landscape installations will produce more satisfying results if the plants are at least 2 feet high when planted. After planting, a hedge may not show significant growth for a year or two. However, once established, plants can grow up to 3 feet each year. Most cedar varieties receive slow to medium growth ratings. The designation "slow" means the plant grows 12 inches or less per year; "medium" refers to 13 to 24 inches growth per year; and "fast" denotes 25 inches or greater.

Maintenance

• All hedges require some maintenance, but cedar hedges need less than most. In addition to maintaining moist soil, and providing light fertilization, pruning should take place two to three times annually. In the spring, before the growing season begins, shape plants, making sure that the tops are slightly narrower than the bases, to provide even sun exposure. In the mid-season, prune stragglers to maintain shape. In the fall, remove dead growth or broken branches. In severely cold climate zones, wrapping young hedges in burlap may help prevent winter damage until the plants are established.

Special Features

• Cedar plantings may be pruned to any desired height for a custom landscape design. In landscape settings, cedar varieties are generally deer- and rabbit-resistant. The plants are also unusually resistant to disease. Fragrant cedar branches make lovely additions to bouquets for the holidays, and throughout the year. A variety of songbirds may use the dense branches for nesting habitats. The attractive green screens can reduce temperatures in enclosed spaces during the heat of summer.