How to Transplant a Cedar Tree

Cedar trees are graceful, disease and drought resistant evergreens of the tree family Cupressaceae. Cedar trees will usually grow to a height of up to 40 to 60 feet, but some species can reach majestic heights of 300 feet or more. Cedar trees are native to forested areas that have a an abundance of filtered sunlight, acid soil and abundant rainfall. Young ceder seedlings can be transplanted from their forest setting to a location in the home garden or landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Garden gloves
• Shovel
• Bucket
• Organic compost
• Peat moss
• Top soil

Instructions

1. Choose young, well developed and disease free seedlings with 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick stems. Transplant cedar trees in late spring.

2. Dig a circle about 1 foot out from around the seedling. Carefully lift the root ball, removing roots and surrounding soil. Place the tree and soil in a bucket for transport and water well.

3. Choose a planting location. Consider the size the tree will reach at maturity and plant in a spot where the tree will not interfere with power lines, buildings or underground utilities. Cedar trees are best planted at least 5 feet apart. They will grow at a rate of about a 1 foot per year.

4. Prepare a planting mixture of equal parts of the soil from the previous location, top soil, peat moss and organic compost. Do not use green manure or commercial fertilizer as they will burn the young roots.

5. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the tree roots. Plant at the same depth it was previously growing. Align the tree vertically and centered in hole. Add the soil mixture and tamp down gently to prevent air pockets around the roots. Water well.

References

• Questions On Cedar
• Dying Cedar Hedges - What Is The Cause