Photo by Steven Smith

Tree Planting & Care Tips

Western Red Cedar

  • Sun: partial sun (4-6 hrs of direct sun into afternoon)​
  • Soil: medium moist​
  • Will attract birds​
  • Mature height: 100’+​
  • Mature spread: 30’+​
  • Evergreen coniferous tree​
  • Cone bearing tree


Get Ready to Plant Your Tree!

Tools Needed:

  • Shovel
  • Gloves​
  • Optional tools: Hori hori or hand trowel

Step One:

Dig a hole as wide and deep as the pot of your tree. To test, place your pot in the hole and see if it completely fits inside.

Step Two:

Loosen the roots from the soil it was in. Some trimming might be needed (1/3 off at most) or some ripping apart.

Step Three:

Place your tree in the hole and refill with natural soil. Be sure to line your root crown up to where the ground is level.

Important Note:​ To avoid the roots drying out, pack down the soil as you’re filling it in to remove air pockets.​

Roots should also be pointed downward to avoid J-rooting, where the root tips start growing towards to surface causing the tips to dry out.


Next Steps

  • Continue to water your tree!​
  • Mulch in the summer if possible​
  • Cage if you’re concerned about critters eating your tree​
  • Make sure to clear weeds around your tree​
  • Trees can stay potted up to 3 years if you don’t have a perfect spot for it now​
  • Google is your friend!

Love trees? Get involved with the Greenway!

Removing invasive weeds and planting native trees in their place is a big part of keeping the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area healthy! We’d love to have you stay in touch and get involved in our work.