Planting Time for a Deodar Cedar

Keep the soil moist while the deodar cedar is still growing in its container. You may need to water it every day until planting time to keep the soil moist, especially if it's sitting in full sun.

Plant a deodar cedar in the spring after the last frost or in the fall about four to six weeks before the first expected frost. Spring and fall are both mild times of year and ideal for planting an evergreen. During this time of year, it is less likely to dry out and it has plenty of time to become established before the harsher conditions of summer or winter arrive.

Observe the weather. A humid and cloudy morning with a forecasted rain shower is an excellent time to plant a deodar cedar. It should not be windy, though. Lots of sun and wind can cause further stress on a newly planted tree and rain helps keep the soil moist right after planting.

Dig a hole that is two times as wide and one-and-a-half times as deep as the deodar cedar's container. It should be in an area that receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day. If you are planting the tree near grass, lay down a tarp first to put the soil on so you don't harm the grass. Mix in five or six inches of compost into the evacuated soil and put enough soil back in the hole to make it as deep as the deodar cedar's container.

Tilt the deodar cedar on the side and gently tug at the trunk to pull it out of the container. You may need to take a flat trowel or knife and slide it between the soil and container to get the tree free. Then place the tree in the center of the hole and back fill the soil, tamping it lightly to eliminate large pockets of air. Water the tree with one inch of water after planting.