How to Care for Cedar Bushes

Cedar is the common name for three unrelated genera, including Cedrus, Thuja and Juniperus. A cedar tree in the United Stated is typically a member of the Thuja genus, such as northern white cedar or western red cedar. These trees produce commercial quality lumber, and cedar trees are also popular landscaping trees. Gardeners frequently grow cedar trees as bushes in a landscape setting rather than allowing them to reach their full height.

Mulch
Nitrogen fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Grow cedar bushes in full sun to achieve the fastest growth. These plants also tolerate partial shade.
- 2
  Water cedar bushes with 1 to 2 inches of water a week to keep the soil moist. Cedar bushes are drought tolerant but they produce the thickest growth with regular watering.
- 3
  Apply a layer of mulch at least 2 inches thick around the cedar bushes to help the soil retain moisture and discourage the growth of weeds. A layer of mulch also protects cedar bushes from cold, which may be necessary if you are below U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 5.
- 4
  Fertilize cedar bushes with a high-nitrogen formula that encourages leafy growth rather than woody growth. This helps the plant maintain a more bush-like appearance.
- 5
  Cut woody growth in early spring with pruning shears if needed to encourage new growth from the old wood. This is known as shearing, which causes the cedar tree to grow thicker foliage. Allow the plant to develop multiple trunks if you wish to grow cedar plants as a bush.
- 6
  Trim the leafy growth of a cedar bush in late spring or early summer to achieve the desired shape. Avoid pruning cedar bushes later in the year after they produce growth buds.

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