Cedar Trees Growth Rate: How Quick Cedar Grows?

How fast do cedar grow

Cedar trees are known for their majestic appearance, moderately rapid growth rate and fairly long lifespan. Owing to its large size, it is not very often that you find this evergreen tree in a residential garden. However, cedar trees are an excellent choice for windbreaks, privacy screens or hedges on larger properties.

If you are planning to add this stately species to your yard, we have some great news! Other than looking simply stunning throughout the year, cedars are quite hardy and trouble-free. But before making up your mind to plant a variety of cedar tree, you’d probably like to know how long you may have to wait to see it reach its magnificent size and form.

True Cedar vs. False Cedar

Let us first find out a little more about this amazing tree. Did you know that not all trees that are commonly referred to as cedars are true cedars? In fact, true Cedar and false cedars actually belong to a different genus.

True Cedar

True Cedar species belong to the Cedrus genus. These are not native to North America and hail from various regions including the eastern Mediterranean, Himalayas, North Africa and Lebanon.

However, 3 true cedar species (Atlas cedar, Deodar cedar and Cedar of Lebonan) can be grown in some North American regions. True cedars bear large, barrel-shaped cones and have evergreen needles that grow in clusters on woody spurs.

False Cedar

Most of the cedars found in North America are faux cedars and are a part of the family Cupressaceae (Cypress). False cedars bear small cones and have feather-like leaves that are soft and scaly. Examples of false cedar are western red cedar and Eastern red Cedar.

Factors That Affect Cedar Trees Growth Rate

The growth rate of a cedar tree largely depends on its variety and Cedar care. However, there are a few other factors that may play a role in determining how quickly do cedar trees grow.

1. Temperature

While some Cedar varieties are impressively cold hardy, others can tolerate heat pretty well. For a healthy growth rate, it is best to choose a cedar variety that will do well in your region.

2. Soil

Cedar trees thrive in moist, rich and well-drained soils.

3. Fertilizer

Feeding your cedar tree high-nitrogen fertilizer in the growing season may help boost the growth rate of cedars.

4. Water

Adequate watering can also affect how quickly do cedar trees grow. Young trees may require more watering. Once the tree is established, let the soil dry out between watering sessions.

5. Variety

Different types of cedar trees have different growth rates. While varieties like Blue atlas cedar, Western red cedar and Incense cedar have a moderately fast growth rate, others like Weeping cider, White cider and Cyprus cedar are slow growers.

How Fast Do Cedar Trees Grow?

Depending upon its variety and a few other factors, a cedar tree can live and grow anywhere between 10 to 25 inches per year. Here’s an account of annual cedar trees growth rate.

1. Eastern red cedar growth rate

An Eastern red cedar tree has a medium growth rate and can grow anywhere between 12 to 24 inches in a year.

2. Western red cedar growth rate

The growth rate of a Western red cedar tree is around 24 inches (or more) per year. This variety has a fast annual growth rate.

3. Deodar cedar growth rate
This variety of cedar trees has a medium growth rate of 13 to 24 inches per year.

4. White cedar growth rate

The white cedar has a slow to medium growth rate. Given optimal conditions, this cedar variety can grow up to 13 to 24 inches per year.

5. Blue atlas cedar growth rate

With a fast growth rate, the blue atlas cedar can grow anywhere between 12 to 24 inches in one year.

6. Eastern white cedar growth rate

The eastern white cedar has a moderate growth rate of 13 to 24 inches.

7. Black cedar growth rate

Under ideal conditions, this cedar variety can add anywhere between 13 to 24 inches to its height in a year.

8. Brandon cedar growth rate

Brandon cedar can grow up to 1 foot (or more) per year.

9. Skybound cedar growth rate

This hardy cedar variety has a growth rate of between 1 to 2 feet per year.

10. Weeping cedar growth rate

This slow-growing cedar grows at the rate of 1 foot per year. It is a slow-growing cedar variety.

11. Brodie cedar growth rate

The average growth rate of Brodie cedar is around 2 feet per year.

12. Japanese cedar growth rate

This fast-growing cedar has an annual growth rate of about 2 to 3 feet.

How To Make Cedar Trees Grow Faster?

Now that you know how fast do cedar trees grow, let’s find out if there is anything we can do to make a cedar tree grow faster. The key to increasing the cedar tree growth rate is choosing the right variety according to your location and providing the tree with optimal care. These tips can help you boost the growth of your cedar tree:

Keep a layer of mulch (around 5 cm) around the cedar tree to keep away weeds and avoid moisture loss. However, make sure that the mulch does not touch the tree trunk.
Add nitrogen-rich fertilizer, preferably in early spring.
Make sure to water your young cedar tree more often.
Make sure to plant your cedar in an area that receives full sun. cedar trees thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Shelter your tree from strong winds, especially until it’s established.
Light, more frequent pruning will keep your cedar healthy.
Prune dead or diseased branches as soon as you spot them.
Although cedars are fairly sturdy, be on the lookout for insect infestations and act immediately if you spot one.

Facts and Questions

Q1. How long does it take for a cedar tree to mature?

Ans. On an average, cedar trees can grow up to be between 60 to 180 feet tall. However, a few varieties may grow even taller. The time a cedar tree takes to mature depends on various factors including the type of cedar, location, growing conditions etc.

While varieties with fast cedar trees growth rate may take 25 to 30 years to reach full size, others may take just 10 to 15 years. Also, the growth rate of a tree slows down as it ages.

Q2. Are cedar trees valuable?

Ans. Yes. Cedar wood is weather, bug and rot resistant and is commonly used for making furniture as well as building products like siding, window trim, panelling, beams etc. Mulch made from cedar wood and bark is commonly used in gardens.

Q3. Do cedar trees keep bugs away?

Ans. Yes. Cedar trees, or more specifically, cedar wood has the power to keep away bugs through releasing chemicals, oils and a strong aroma (which, by the way, is quite pleasant!). Thujone is the main bug and insect-repelling chemical released by Cedar.

Q4. How Tall Do Cedar Trees Grow?

Ans. On an average, cedar trees can grow up to be anywhere from 50 to 180 feet upon reaching maturity, depending upon their variety, growing conditions, location etc.

Q5. Which is the fastest-growing Cedar tree?

Ans. Varieties like Blue Atlas Cedar, Western Red Cedar, Deodar Cedar, Incense Cedar, and Thuja Green Giant belong to the category with fast cedar trees growth rate and can grow up to 2 feet (or more) per year.

Q6. Where do cedar trees grow best?

Ans. Providing the right growing conditions can affect how fast do cedar trees grow per year. Cedar trees usually grow best in spacious areas with moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.