Cedar Tree Maintenance: Watering, Fertilizing, Mulching, and Pest Prevention

Overview

Cedars are low‑maintenance evergreens with moth‑repellent, water‑resistant wood. Planted for fast growth, size, and winter color. Simple care keeps them thriving.

Step 1: Establishment Watering

New trees: 3 hrs morning + 2 hrs evening soaker hose for 2 weeks. Thereafter, only during dry spells.

Step 2: Light Feeding

5 months post‑plant: handful of bone meal. Annually in spring: 15‑30‑15 fertilizer if soil is poor. Cedars are light feeders.

Step 3: Weed Control & Mulch

Hand‑weed first season. Fall: 5 in. cedar mulch to hold moisture, suppress spring weeds. Renew annually.

Step 4: Winter Animal Protection

Chicken‑wire cage around young trees fall–mid‑spring. Prevents rabbit/deer browse.

Step 5: Spider Mite Prevention

Early spring: spray horticultural oil. If mites present, treat with miticide first.

Additional Tips

• Avoid wounding trunk—entry for disease.
• Prune only dead/damaged branches.
• Monitor for cedar‑apple rust galls.