5 Western Red Cedar Live Plants (Thuja plicata) – 6-12 in Tall Bare Root

Overview

Bring the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest to your landscape with this offer of 5 Western Red Cedar live plant specimens. Scientifically known as Thuja plicata, this magnificent evergreen is revered for its impressive size, longevity, and the versatility of its wood. Often called the “tree of life,” the Thuja plicata tree is a foundational species, despite not being a true cedar (Cedrus). These 6-12 inch tall starter trees are shipped as bare root cedar, making them an economical and effective way to establish a beautiful, long-lived presence in your outdoor space. Whether you’re planning a windbreak, a natural fence, or simply desire a stately evergreen, the Western Red Cedar offers timeless appeal and ecological benefits.

This offering provides young, vigorous Western Red Cedar live plant stock, ready to establish in your garden. Their resilient nature and relatively fast growth rate make them a rewarding choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to enhance their property with a significant and beautiful conifer. Embrace the opportunity to grow these iconic trees, which will mature into towering giants, providing shade, shelter, and year-round greenery.

Key Benefits

Investing in a Western Red Cedar live plant brings a multitude of advantages to your home and garden. These trees are not only beautiful but also highly functional and beneficial for the environment:

• Excellent Privacy Screen: The dense foliage and rapid growth make the Thuja plicata tree an ideal choice for creating a natural and effective privacy hedge plant, blocking unsightly views and reducing noise.
• Year-Round Greenery: As an evergreen, the Western Red Cedar maintains its lush green color throughout all seasons, providing consistent beauty and structure to your landscape even in winter.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, these trees are quite hardy and require minimal care, making them a great option for those seeking a majestic yet easy-to-manage landscape feature.
• Wildlife Habitat: The dense branches offer excellent shelter and nesting sites for various bird species and small animals, contributing to local biodiversity.
• Durable and Long-Lived: Known for its longevity, a Western Red Cedar live plant can thrive for hundreds of years, becoming a lasting legacy on your property.
• Aromatic Foliage: The distinctive, pleasant aroma released by the foliage adds another sensory layer to your garden experience.
• Erosion Control: Their extensive root systems help stabilize soil, making them beneficial for sloped areas prone to erosion.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Western Red Cedar live plant ensures its healthy establishment and vigorous growth into a magnificent tree. These trees are generally robust, but proper initial care is crucial, especially for bare root cedar specimens. Upon arrival, soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade; while they tolerate some shade, they will grow denser and faster in more sunlight. Ensure the soil is well-draining but consistently moist. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils.

When planting your Thuja plicata tree, dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably and deep enough so the root collar is level with the ground. Backfill with native soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. For the first year, consistent watering is key, especially during dry spells, to help the root system establish. Fertilize sparingly in the spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer designed for evergreens, or use compost. Pruning is generally not required for shape but can be done to remove dead or damaged branches. These trees are naturally a fast growing evergreen, so give them ample space to spread.

Protection from strong winds during their first winter can also be beneficial in colder climates. While generally pest and disease resistant, monitor for any signs of stress. Proper spacing is important if planting as a privacy hedge plant; allow enough room for air circulation and light penetration to prevent fungal issues as they mature. With good care, your Western Red Cedars will flourish and become a prominent feature in your landscape.

Size & Details

This package includes 5 individual Western Red Cedar live plant specimens, each measuring approximately 6-12 inches in height from the root collar to the tip of the foliage. These are young, healthy starter trees, shipped in a bare root cedar format during their dormant period, which allows for easier transplanting and establishment. During the growing season, they may be shipped in pots to ensure optimal health. The Thuja plicata is known for its moderate to fast growing evergreen rate, typically adding 1-2 feet per year under ideal conditions, eventually reaching heights of 50-70 feet or more and spreads of 15-25 feet at maturity, though they can be kept smaller with pruning if used as a privacy hedge plant. They develop a conical to pyramidal shape with distinctive flat, scale-like foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big will the Western Red Cedar live plant get? A: A mature Western Red Cedar can reach impressive heights of 50-70 feet or more with a spread of 15-25 feet, though growth can be managed with pruning.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Thuja plicata tree is an outdoor plant, best suited for landscaping in USDA Zones 5-7. It requires ample space and sunlight to thrive.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Western Red Cedars perform best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) but can tolerate partial shade. More sun generally leads to denser growth.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Once established, the bare root cedar is relatively low-maintenance. The most critical period is the first year after planting, requiring consistent watering.
• Q: What condition will the plants arrive in? A: These Western Red Cedar live plant specimens are shipped bare root when dormant, meaning they will arrive without soil around their roots. During the growing season, they may be shipped in small pots.
• Q: When is the best time to plant these trees? A: The best time to plant bare root Western Red Cedars is in early spring or late fall when the trees are dormant. Potted plants can be planted throughout the growing season.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: Western Red Cedars are hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 7, meaning they can withstand winter temperatures down to -20°F (-28.9°C).
• Q: How fast is the growth rate of this evergreen? A: This is a fast growing evergreen, typically adding 1-2 feet of height per year under optimal growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for a quick privacy hedge plant.
• Q: Can I use these for a privacy hedge? A: Absolutely! Western Red Cedars are an excellent choice for privacy hedges due to their dense foliage and ability to grow tall and wide. Plant them 5-8 feet apart for a solid screen.