Do you want to plant cedars ? Nice project !

Here are the steps for successful planting :

1. To minimize stress for your cedars, protect them well during transportation and keep them in a shady spot until planting. Plant them as soon as possible and make sure they do not run out of water;
2. Delineate the planting area with a rope and stakes to get a straight line;
3. Remove the top of the clod to locate the collar of the plant. Measure the height of the clod relative to this point. The trench should be 1 times the height and 1.5 times the width of the clod. It is important not to dig deeper. Even with a job well done, clod will continue to compress with the rain, the weight of the snow, etc. At all costs, the trench must not be below ground level;
4. Dig the trench at the indicated width and depth. If the soil is adequate, incorporate an amendment to the land that has been removed. Planting soil or good compost is ideal for improving the composition. However, if the existing soil is not of good quality, mix it with a good, slightly sandy brown garden soil, commonly known as “topsoil”. It is also important to add some transplant fertilizer from ground bone and mycorrhizae to stimulate rooting;
5. Place the cedars in the trench:

Fielded Cedars: Remove the cedar from its container taking care not to break the root ball. Put the clod in the plantation pit. Make sure the cedar is straight and the collar is flush with the ground, or even 1 inch or 2 above.

Cedar rooted in pot: Cut the pot with a utility knife and remove the cedar from its container. Detach the roots that have rolled up if necessary. Put the root ball in the plantation pit. Make sure the cedar is straight and the collar is flush with the ground, or even 1 inch or 2 above.

Cedars sold in a basket of brooch, jute and cords: Deposit the root ball in the trench. Clear the top of the root ball without breaking it. To do this, cut and fold the jute to the bottom of the pit. Do the same with the spit basket. Make sure the cedar is straight and the collar is flush with the ground, or even 1 inch or 2 above. Do not remove the basket.

6. Add the soil that has been set aside or your potting mix, as the case may be, to fill the pit to a little more than half. Water thoroughly to get the soil to settle well and to fill any pockets of air that may have formed near the roots. Once the water has drained, add potting soil and compact around the roots. Add soil up to the collar level, but NEVER cover the collar;
7. Stake or hold the hedge at your fence with a rope if you are exposed to the wind. Cedars should not move until they take root. This is one of the reasons why we recommend the “topsoil” instead of a plantation soil that would be too light;
8. Install a perforated hose at the cedar’s feet. This type of system uses water efficiently, without waste, and allows water to be applied directly to the roots. It should be known that this system is used to maintain soil moisture. Under no circumstances should watering mentioned in step 5 be neglected. If you wish, add a timer;
9. Cover the trench with 10 cm of mulch and water to keep it in place. Mulch should not be in contact with the trunk;
10. Now, all you have to do is maintain your hedge. To learn more about watering, fertilizers, cut and protection against desiccation, see our different articles.

A few tips

• Handle cedars with care;
• Avoid extreme temperatures;
• Do not bury the branches or the collar of the cedars;
• Do not shorten the roots.

Questions ?

Please contact us !