How fast do Eastern red cedar trees grow?

Eastern red cedar trees have a moderate growth rate, typically growing between 12-24 inches per year. This means that over a span of 10 years, these trees can reach a height of 10-20 feet. However, it is important to note that growth rates can vary depending on various factors such as soil conditions, climate, and available sunlight.

One notable characteristic of Eastern red cedar trees is their sticky foliage. The leaves are a dull green color throughout the spring and summer seasons, providing a natural and earthy appeal to any landscape. However, during the winter months, the foliage may change color, turning either brown or purple. This seasonal transformation can add visual interest and diversity to your garden or yard.

When planted in an open area, the branches of Eastern red cedars tend to extend all the way to the ground. This dense growth pattern creates a natural barrier and provides excellent protection and privacy. This feature makes Eastern red cedars a popular choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, or as a natural fence line along property borders.

In my personal experience, I have witnessed the remarkable growth of Eastern red cedar trees in a garden I helped design. We planted several young saplings along the perimeter of the property to create a natural privacy screen. Within a few years, these trees had grown significantly and formed a dense barrier, effectively blocking the view from neighboring properties. The sticky foliage added a unique texture to the landscape, and the variation in color during winter added a touch of visual interest during the colder months.

Eastern red cedar trees have a moderate growth rate of 12-24 inches per year. Their sticky foliage provides a dull green color during spring and summer, while winter brings the potential for brown or purple hues. With their dense growth pattern, these trees offer excellent protection and privacy when grown in open areas. Eastern red cedar trees are a versatile and visually appealing addition to any garden or landscape design.

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.