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.