Looking to create a privacy hedge or add a feature to your landscape? Planting conifers is a critical step to ensure healthy, fast growth. Our guide shows you when and how to plant your cedars step-by-step for a dense, beautiful hedge that will thrive, even in the Quebec climate.
Our conifers are sold in pots to protect the root system as much as possible, which helps them establish quickly after transplanting. Get ready to watch your trees take root and flourish!
When to plant your cedars or conifers?
The ideal time to plant cedars is from May to October. For best results, aim for periods with more moderate weather:
- In the spring (May to mid-June): The soil is cool and the nights are mild. This is the perfect time for plants of all sizes.
- In late summer and fall (September and October): Cooler temperatures and soil moisture help the roots establish before winter.
- Avoid heatwaves: It's best to postpone planting if an intense heatwave is forecasted. The water evaporates quickly, and the plants can suffer from hydric shock.
How to plant a cedar hedge?
For a strong and healthy cedar hedge, everything starts with good ground preparation. A well-planned hedge will save you headaches and guarantee a flawless result. If you haven't yet defined your goals or planned the location of your hedge, consult our guide to planning your cedar hedge before you start. Follow these steps for an outcome that will exceed your expectations:
- Prepare the plants. Before planting, soak the root ball in a bucket of water for 10 to 15 minutes. This hydrates the roots and reduces transplant stress.
- Mark the planting area. Use a string line or a non-toxic, water-based marking paint to mark a straight line for your future hedge. This will be your guide for a perfectly aligned hedge.
- Remove the sod. Along the marked line, remove the sod over a width of about 60 cm (24 in). If you're planning a shared hedge, remove sod 30 cm (12 in) on each side of the property line. Otherwise, leave a 25 cm (10 in) margin between your property line and the planting area.
- Dig the trench. Dig a trench 60 cm (24 in) wide and 45 cm (18 in) deep. A wider trench allows the surface roots to establish properly.
- Improve the soil quality.
- Loose, rich soil: Loosen it up and put about 20 cm (8 in) back in the bottom of the trench.
- Clayey soil: Add a 10 cm (4 in) layer of gravel to the bottom of the trench to ensure good drainage, then add 20 cm (8 in) of lawn soil or planting soil.
- Sandy soil: Fill the trench with 20 cm (8 in) of compost-enriched lawn soil, which will retain water and nutrients better.
- Add rooting fertilizer and mycorhizae. Sprinkle a phosphorus-rich fertilizer like bone meal at the bottom of the trench. To promote better rooting and vitality, add the Myke Trees and Shrubs with mycorhizae growth supplement. Mix it all well with the soil.
- Position the cedars. Place the first cedar, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Add soil as needed. Firmly pack the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Keep the roots protected from drying out.
- Continue planting. Repeat the process for the other cedars, leaving a space of 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) from trunk to trunk, to allow the trees to develop well and form a dense hedge.
- Water. Water each plant generously.
- Finalize. After planting about ten trees, go back to the first nine. Make sure they are straight and stable, then fill the trench with the mix of planting soil and the previously excavated soil. It's important not to cover the roots with more than 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil.
- Maintenance. Apply a little bone meal to the surface on each side of the hedge. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, for the first 3 to 4 weeks. Good, regular watering is essential.
The first year
The first year after planting is the most critical. To ensure your young cedars survive, it’s recommended to protect them from the harsh winter. The most effective method is to install a winter protection cover for trees, shrubs and conifers. Create a sturdy rectangular structure around the hedge with stakes and wrap the cover around it. Make sure it doesn't touch the branches to allow for good air circulation. This protection acts as a windbreak, prevents sunscald from winter sun, and protects the hedge from the weight of snow.
Subsequent years
Once the cedars are well-established, they are more resilient. Still, consider protecting them from damage caused by snow and wind. Gently tie the branches together with a rope or protective netting to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow. You can also install a protective coverto shield them from icy winds. Remove the protection in early spring, as soon as the snow has completely melted.
