Back to blog

Plant a cedars hedge: when and how

All conifers are sold bare root, balled and burlaped, or in containers. The aim is to minimize damage to the root system when transplanting and to enable plants to take root more quickly.

When to plant cedars or conifers

You can plant cedars any time from May to October.

  • May or the end of the summer is preferable,particularly if your cedars are more than 5 feet tall.
  • Do not plant in periods of excessive heat.

How to plant conifers

  1. Remove the grass and ground cover on a strip 60 cm wide where you want to plant your hedge. If your understanding with your neighbor is for a medium-sized hedge, remove the grass 30 cm on either side of the line. Otherwise, leave a 25 cm margin between the property line and the section without grass.
  2. Dig a trench 60 cm wide and 45 cm deep. The width exceeds the depth, since cedars have surface roots.
  3. Check the soil quality
    1. Good earth - loosen, then put back 20 cm in the trench.
    2. Sandy - opt for enriched lawn soil.
    3. Loamy - put a layer of gravel at the bottom of the trench to improve drainage. Cover the gravel with 20 cm of enriched lawn soil.
  4. Sprinkle rooting fertilizer rich in phosphorous such as Bone Meal Fertilizer or 10-52-10 Plant Starter Fertilizer in the trench and mix with the earth.
  5. Put in the first cedar. Make sure the root collar is at ground level. Add soil if necessary. Protect the roots from drying out. Pack the earth well around the roots to eliminate all air pockets.
  6. Proceed in the same way for the remaining cedars.
  7. Depending on the degree of privacy you're looking for, leave a 60-90 cm space between trees, from trunk to trunk, to allow enough room for the foliage to develop.
  8. Water each plant generously.
  9. After planting 10 trees, go back to the first 9, make sure they are straight and solid, then fill in the trench with a mix of planting soil and previously excavated earth. There should not be more than 2-3 cm of earth above the roots.
  10. Proceed in the same way, 10 trees at a time, for the entire layout of the hedge.
  11. Add a little more fertilizer (bone meal) to the surface, a foot on either side of the hedge.
  12. Keep the soil moist, without soaking, for 3 to 4 weeks after planting.