Transplanting and Pruning Cedar Trees in British Columbia

Planting Procedure for Sandy Soil

1. Dig hole twice the root ball width and depth.
2. Remove ALL burlap, wire, and twine before backfilling.
3. Plant at ground level—root ball top = soil surface.
4. Backfill with quality topsoil or potting mix.
5. Mulch 3 inches organic material, not touching trunk.
6. Skip fertilizer first year—encourages root establishment over top growth.
7. Don't add "peameal" pellets; gravel drainage unnecessary in sand.

Cedar Pruning Rules – Critical Timing

Prune ONLY before mid-July (before new growth buds form). Cedars produce new growth solely from the previous year's wood. Cutting into old wood (brown) = permanent bare spots.

Pruning Technique

• Shear lightly—"haircut" style—to maintain shape and limit height.
• Leave ≥1 inch of green growth on EVERY cut branch.
• Remove dead/diseased wood back to healthy tissue.
• Thin downward-growing and crossing branches for light/air penetration.
• Never top the central leader unless you want a bushy, multi-stemmed form. If topping: remove ≤¼ of height, leave green tips on all remaining branches.

Maintenance Goal

At 4–5 feet target height, annual light shearing in June maintains size without risking dieback.