Buying and Planting Emerald Cedar Trees in the Niagara Region

by Jesse Sloetjes

Whether you’re in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, or Beamsville, Emerald Cedars (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') are the gold standard for creating a lush, year-round privacy screen. With their compact growth and vibrant green color, they are perfectly suited for the unique microclimate of the Niagara Region.

 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying, planting, and maintaining Emerald Cedars in Southern Ontario.

Why Choose Emerald Cedars for Your Niagara Landscape?

Emerald Cedars are a top choice for Ontario homeowners because they are:

  • Space-Efficient: Their narrow, pyramidal shape makes them ideal for smaller suburban lots.

     

  • Low Maintenance: Unlike Eastern White Cedars, they require very little pruning to keep their shape.

  • Cold Hardy: They are rated for Zone 3, meaning they can easily handle a typical Niagara winter.

Where to Buy Emerald Cedar Trees in Niagara

Finding high-quality stock is the first step to a successful hedge. Look for nurseries that provide locally grown trees to ensure they are already acclimated to the local environment.

Top Places to Shop:

  • Niagara Tree Company (Beamsville): A go-to for varied sizes, from 1-gallon pots to 12-foot specimens.

     

  • Local Garden Centres: Stores like Garry’s Garden Gallery or Gauld Nurseries often stock premium Emerald Cedars during peak season.

  • Specialty Installers: Companies like Cedar Kings offer delivery and professional installation services across the Niagara Peninsula.

     

When to Plant Emerald Cedars in Ontario

Timing is everything. In the Niagara Region, the best times to plant are:

  1. Early Spring (April - May): After the last frost but before the summer heat. This gives roots a full season to establish.

     

  2. Early Fall (September - October): The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall reduce transplant shock before winter sets in

5 Steps for Planting Your Emerald Cedar Hedge

To ensure your new trees thrive, follow these planting best practices:

1. Spacing for Privacy

For a dense privacy wall, space your trees 2 to 2.5 feet apart (measured from the center of the trunks). If you aren't in a hurry and want to save money, 3-foot spacing is sufficient.

2. Digging the Hole

The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Planting too deep is a common cause of root rot. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

3. Soil and Drainage

Emerald Cedars love moist, well-drained soil. Niagara’s heavy clay can be a challenge; if your yard has standing water, consider planting on a slight mound or berm to improve drainage

4. Watering: The First 3 Weeks

Newly planted cedars are thirsty!

 

  • First 3 Weeks: Water daily (or every other day) for about 5 minutes per tree.

  • Until Frost: Keep the soil consistently moist but not muddy.

     

5. Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips or bark) around the base. This locks in moisture and protects the roots from temperature swings.


 

Pro Tip: Niagara Winter Protection

Niagara’s winter winds off Lake Ontario can be harsh. For the first two years, wrap your Emerald Cedars in burlap once temperatures stay near 0°C. This prevents "winter burn"—the browning of needles caused by cold winds and winter sun.

 

Need Professional Help?

If you're looking to transform your backyard with a professional-grade privacy screen, we can help you calculate exactly how many trees you need based on your property dimensions.

 

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