Western Red Cedar: The Ideal Choice for Privacy Hedges

For those seeking the perfect evergreen hedge, western red cedar deserves serious consideration. This tall, elegant conifer makes a striking living fence or boundary while providing excellent year-round privacy Here’s an in-depth look at using western red cedar as an exterior hedge

Overview of Western Red Cedar

With the botanical name Thuja plicata western red cedar is a large conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It’s a member of the cypress family and can reach towering heights of 60-100 feet in its native habitat. The foliage has a sweet, aromatic scent when crushed.

For hedging purposes, a dwarf cultivar called Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ is used. This compact form grows up to 15 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. It has dense, layered branching with short, flattened sprays of deep green scale-like leaves. Tiny brown cones appear in summer.

Benefits of Western Red Cedar Hedges

There are many advantages to choosing western red cedar for hedging and screens:

• Provides excellent privacy and seclusion all year long.

• Has a narrowly upright habit that requires minimal trimming.

• Grows relatively fast, up to 2 feet per year.

• Stays green and lush even in winter.

• Tolerates pruning well to keep a neat, controlled size.

• Has a rich, deep green color and graceful texture.

• Gives an upscale, refined look compared to basic arborvitae.

• Is deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic foliage.

• Grows well across a wide region from USDA zones 5-9.

• Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds.

• Has few pest or disease problems.

Tips for Growing Western Red Cedar Hedges

Here are some top care tips for successfully growing western red cedar hedges:

• Plant in spring or fall in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Avoid overly wet or dry sites.

• Space plants 2-3 feet apart to form a tight hedge. Stagger plants in rows for the fullest coverage.

• Water regularly the first 2 years until well established. Then water during drought.

• Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth.

• Prune as needed to shape and compact the hedge, avoiding cutting into old wood.

• Trim the sides and top of the hedge before new spring growth emerges.

• Situate away from roads or walkways to allow future growth room.

Sourcing High-Quality Hedging Plants

When buying western red cedar hedging plants, check for:

• Healthy foliage with no yellowing, browning, or defoliation.

• Well-established root systems (avoid tiny seedlings).

• Good branching density from top to bottom of the plant.

• Consistent size and shape across all provided plants.

• Local sourcing from within your hardiness zone.

• Clear labeling with full botanical name for Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’.

• Industry certification like #1 grade plants from certified nurseries.

• Availability in convenient pre-finished hedge units for simpler installation.

Alternatives to Western Red Cedar

While western red cedar is a premium hedge choice, some alternatives to consider include:

• Green Giant Arborvitae – Very fast growing and deer resistant.

• Emerald Green Arborvitae – Affordable, hardy, and bright green color.

• Leyland Cypress – Fast growing with feathery texture. Needs warmer climates.

• American Arborvitae – Low maintenance native with softer foliage.

• Portuguese Laurel – Great for mild winter climates. Evergreen and dense.

• European Hornbeam – Beautiful deciduous option with orange fall color.

Bring Privacy and Beauty with Western Red Cedar

With its towering height, lush greenery, and narrow profile, western red cedar instantly creates a graceful, sophisticated hedge. It provides seclusion and screens undesirable views year-round. This aromatic conifer is relatively easy to grow and complements both formal and casual garden designs. For an elegant living fence that delivers privacy, western red cedar is a standout choice.