How to Start a Cedar of Lebanon Tree
Cedar of Lebanon is a tree with a rich historical background. As a native to Lebanon, this tree holds great importance in Arabic society and religion. The Egyptians used cedar of Lebanon sap during mummification and burned its wood during ceremonies. Over and above its historical relevance, the tree is a large, leafy specimen valued for its foliage and shade. You can start a cedar of Lebanon with a few easy steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose your planting location wisely. Cedar of Lebanon needs a site with good sun exposure and drainage, so choose a spot that is elevated and out of the shade. Cedar of Lebanon is resistant to change, so pick a spot that can be a permanent home for the tree. When planting trees, always keep them a safe distance from structures and driveways so their root systems don't interfere.
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Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree's existing root ball. One of the worst mistakes you can make during planting is putting the tree in a hole that is too small. The hole should be at least two feet deep, so the cedar of Lebanon's root/trunk juncture is at soil level once it has been planted.
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Amend the soil you've removed from the hole to give the cedar of Lebanon a quick-draining, nutritious base. Mix the soil with compost so you have 50 percent compost and 50 percent garden soil.
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Remove the cedar from the pot in which it came, place it in the hole, and spread its roots. Pinch off any roots that look unhealthy or are broken. The remaining cedar roots should have plenty of space inside the hole. Pack your soil mixture down around the cedar roots, patting it down firmly to remove air pockets.
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Water the cedar of Lebanon until the soil is moist but not wet. Although this tree is drought-resistant, it will do better with water.
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Fertilize the tree with organic fertilizer after it has been in the ground for a month. Feed the tree using the fertilizer once a month, or use a 20-20-20 fertilizer at half-strength every other week. Never put the fertilizer directly onto the tree's roots--this will cause burning. Instead, sprinkle it into the ground around the tree; the fertilizer will soak into the ground, where the roots can get it.
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Tips & Warnings
The best time to start a cedar of Lebanon is in spring.
Cedars use a specific fungus in their roots for growing. If you ever decide to transplant the cedar of Lebanon, maintain a soil ball around the roots to maintain that fungus.
If the tree is out of the soil for too long during planting, the roots will dry out and kill the tree.
