How to Successfully Plant Emerald Cedar Trees in Ontario

by Jesse Sloetjes

How to Successfully Plant Emerald Cedar Trees in Ontario

Emerald cedar trees (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) are one of the most popular evergreen trees for homeowners who want year-round privacy. Their naturally narrow shape, dense foliage, and bright green color make emerald cedars an ideal choice for hedges, property lines, and backyard screening.

While cedar trees are generally low-maintenance, the way you install them initially can determine how well they establish and grow. Proper soil preparation, planting depth, and watering are essential when planting emerald cedar trees in Ontario’s climate.

This guide explains the most important steps for planting emerald cedar trees so they grow healthy, straight, and full.

Choose the Right Planting Location

The first step in planting emerald cedar trees is selecting a suitable location. These cedar trees grow best in areas that receive full sunlight and have soil that drains reasonably well.

When planning a hedge with emerald cedars, consider spacing and long-term growth. Most homeowners plant emerald cedar trees about 2 to 3 feet apart to create a dense privacy screen as the trees mature.

Also avoid areas where water collects after heavy rain, since standing water can weaken the roots of cedar trees.

Check Soil Drainage Before Planting

Soil drainage is one of the most important factors for healthy emerald cedar trees. Before digging planting holes, perform a quick drainage test.

Simple drainage test

  1. Dig a hole roughly 12 inches deep and wide.

  2. Fill it completely with water.

  3. After it drains, refill the hole and observe how long the water takes to disappear.

Drainage guidelines

  • Less than 2 hours: Excellent conditions for emerald cedar trees

  • 2–4 hours: Acceptable drainage

  • More than 4 hours: Soil may require improvement before planting

If drainage is slow, mixing organic material into the soil can help create better conditions for planting emerald cedar trees.

Prepare the Planting Hole

A properly sized hole allows cedar trees to establish roots more easily.

When digging the hole:

  • Make it slightly wider than the root ball

  • Dig deep enough so the top of the root ball sits level with the ground

Planting emerald cedar trees too deep can limit oxygen around the roots and slow their growth.

Improve the Soil With Triple Mix

Many homeowners in Ontario add triple mix soil when planting emerald cedar trees. This soil blend typically includes compost, peat moss, and topsoil.

Adding triple mix helps:

  • Improve soil structure

  • Provide nutrients

  • Encourage faster root development

Mixing triple mix with your existing soil creates a smooth transition for the roots of your emerald cedars.

Position the Cedar Tree Carefully

When lowering the tree into the hole, leave the burlap and twine intact around the root ball. These materials help keep the root system stable and naturally decompose in the soil over time.

Make sure the emerald cedar tree is standing straight before filling the hole. Taking a moment to align the tree properly now will prevent leaning or uneven growth later.

Add Bone Meal for Root Growth

A small amount of bone meal fertilizer can be added around the root zone while planting emerald cedar trees.

Bone meal contains phosphorus, which encourages strong root development in young cedar trees. Only a light amount is needed, as excessive fertilizer is unnecessary during the early stages of growth.

Backfill the Hole and Stabilize the Tree

Fill the hole with the prepared soil mixture while gently pressing it down to remove air pockets. Firm soil helps anchor emerald cedar trees so they remain stable as the roots establish.

Periodically check that the cedar tree remains straight while backfilling.

Mulch Around the Base

After planting, applying mulch around the base of your emerald cedars can improve soil moisture retention and reduce weed growth.

A 2-inch layer of mulch is typically enough. Be sure to leave a small gap between the mulch and the trunk of the cedar tree to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Water Newly Planted Emerald Cedar Trees

Watering immediately after planting emerald cedar trees helps settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

During the first few weeks, watering should depend on soil conditions:

  • Well-draining soil may require watering every 2–3 days

  • Heavier soils should be monitored to avoid overwatering

Consistent moisture is especially important during the first season as emerald cedar trees establish their root systems.

Tips for Establishing a Healthy Cedar Hedge

When planting emerald cedar trees, keep these additional tips in mind:

  • Space emerald cedars 2–3 feet apart for a thick hedge

  • Avoid pruning during the first year

  • Stake cedar trees only if they are exposed to strong winds

  • Delay heavy fertilization until the following growing season

These simple practices will help your emerald cedar trees grow into a dense, healthy hedge.

Final Thoughts

When installed correctly, emerald cedar trees are one of the best choices for privacy landscaping in Ontario. With proper soil preparation, correct planting depth, and consistent watering, your emerald cedars will establish quickly and grow into strong, beautiful cedar trees that enhance your property for many years.

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