Cedar Tree Plants: Fast-Growing Privacy Screen in 3 Years

Planting cedar trees transforms your yard into a fast-growing privacy screen that outpaces anything from a nursery. 🌲 I planted Eastern Red Cedar last spring, and by summer, they were already 4 feet tall—now they’re a thick, fragrant barrier that blocks wind and noise better than any fence ever could.

These trees thrive in poor soil, need almost no maintenance, and handle drought like champs. The key is spacing them 3-5 feet apart for that dense, hedge-like look, and giving them full sun to grow at their fastest pace.

Even in rocky or sandy soil, they’ll establish roots within a season. By year three, you’ll have a 12-foot-tall living wall that stays evergreen all winter. The aromatic foliage deters pests naturally, and the birds will love nesting in the branches.

It’s the kind of project that pays off in both beauty and practicality. Works in zones 3-9, whether you’re filling a long property line or creating a cozy backyard retreat. Here’s how to plant them right the first time—no green thumb required.

What you need

How to plant cedar trees for a fast-growing privacy screen

Here’s how to plant cedar trees that’ll grow into a lush, wind-blocking screen in just three years.

For fastest growth, select Thuja occidentalis or Thuja plicata—both are hardy, disease-resistant, and grow 3-5 feet per year when planted correctly. Avoid low-lying areas where water pools, as cedars hate soggy roots. Instead, pick a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

I always test drainage first by digging a 12-inch deep hole and filling it with water. If it drains within 30 minutes, the site is perfect. If not, amend the soil with 2-3 inches of compost to improve drainage. Cedar trees thrive in USDA Zones 3-8, so check your local climate zone before purchasing plants.

Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep—cedar roots spread wide but shallow. Space 4-foot-tall plants 4-6 feet apart for a dense screen. If planting 6-foot-tall trees, space them 8 feet apart to allow room for growth.

Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole with a shovel or your hands—this encourages roots to spread outward instead of circling. Mix the excavated soil with a handful of slow-release fertilizer (look for 10-10-10 or 12-12-12) to give your cedars a nutrient boost right away. Avoid heavy amendments like peat moss, which can compact over time.

Remove the cedar from its container and gently tease the roots apart if they’re circling. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball sits 1 inch above ground level—cedars hate having their trunks buried too deep. Fill the hole with soil, pressing lightly to eliminate air pockets but not compacting too firmly.

Water deeply right after planting—1-2 gallons per tree—until water runs out the bottom of the hole. Mulch the base with 2-3 inches of shredded bark or pine needles, keeping mulch 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Water again in 3-4 days to encourage root establishment, then once a week during dry spells.

Prune new growth in early spring to shape the tree and encourage branching. Use clean, sharp shears to trim back any leggy or overcrowded branches by one-third—this redirects energy to fill in gaps. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as cedars need time to harden off before winter.

Fertilize once a year in early spring with ½ cup of slow-release fertilizer per tree. Cedar trees are drought-tolerant once established, but young plants need consistent moisture—water deeply every 7-10 days during the first growing season. Watch for browning needles, which signal underwatering, or yellowing needles, which can mean overwatering or poor drainage.

Check your cedars monthly for signs of pests like bagworms or spider mites—early intervention keeps them from spreading. Spray with neem oil if you spot webbing or tiny bugs. In winter, apply 2-3 inches of mulch to insulate roots from freezing temperatures, especially in Zones 3-5 where cold snaps are common.

By year 3, your cedar screen should reach 8-10 feet tall with minimal gaps. If growth slows, test soil pH—cedars prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Adjust with sulfur or lime if needed. With the right care, your privacy screen will be fully mature in just three years, blocking noise and wind while adding value to your property.

Tips & tricks for planting fast-growing cedar privacy screens

These little details make all the difference between a screen that grows in three years and one that struggles to fill in.

Site Selection Secret: The 30-minute drainage test in Step 1 is non-negotiable. I've seen cedars planted in spots that looked fine until a heavy rain revealed poor drainage—within weeks, the roots were rotting. If your soil doesn't drain within 30 minutes, mix in that 2-3 inches of compost and test again. The goal is to mimic their natural habitat where water flows away quickly. For extra insurance, consider planting on a slight slope if your yard is flat.

Root Ball Handling: When removing cedars from containers in Step 3, don't just yank them out—gently squeeze the sides of the root ball to encourage roots to spread outward. This prevents the "pot-bound" look where roots circle tightly. I like to run my fingers through the root mass to tease apart any circling roots before planting. This gives your trees a head start on establishing in their new home. The 1-inch height adjustment above ground level is crucial too—cedars can develop trunk rot if buried too deeply.

Watering Wisdom: That first 1-2 gallons per tree after planting isn't just about hydration—it's about settling the soil around the roots. I've found that adding a handful of soil conditioner to the watering can helps break up any air pockets that might form. For the 3-4 day follow-up watering, I set a timer to remind me—cedars can dry out quickly in their first weeks. During hot spells, I increase to every 5-7 days rather than sticking to the weekly schedule, especially in containers or sandy soil.

Pruning Pro Tip: When you trim those leggy branches in Step 4, cut just above a leaf node where new growth will emerge. I always make my cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from pooling on the branch stub. For young cedars, I focus on shaping rather than heavy pruning—this encourages bushier growth. The one-third rule is perfect because it gives you room to shape while still maintaining the tree's natural form. Avoid pruning in fall as the wounds won't have time to heal before winter.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about growing cedar tree plants for your privacy screen? Here are some of the most common ones—and their answers!

When is the best time to plant cedar trees for fast growth?

The ideal window is early spring (just as new growth begins) or fall (6 weeks before your first frost). Planting in spring gives cedars a full growing season to establish roots, while fall planting avoids summer heat stress. Avoid planting in winter—cedars are sensitive to cold soil!

How far apart should I space cedar trees for a dense privacy screen?

For a fast-growing, thick hedge, plant cedars 3–4 feet apart in rows spaced 4–6 feet apart. If you want a more open look, stretch spacing to 5–6 feet. Remember: Cedars grow 2–3 feet per year, so plan ahead for future density!

Do cedar trees need a lot of water, or are they drought-tolerant?

Cedars are drought-tolerant once established, but young plants need consistent moisture for the first 1–2 years. Water deeply 1–2 times per week (unless it rains), focusing on the root zone. After that, they thrive with minimal watering—just 1 inch per week in dry spells!

What pests or diseases should I watch for with cedar trees?

Cedars are generally hardy, but keep an eye out for cedar-apple rust (orange pustules on leaves) and bagworms (sack-like nests). Treat rust with fungicide in early spring, and handpick or spray bagworms with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Deer may nibble young cedars—use deer repellent or fencing if needed.

Can I grow cedar trees in containers, or do they need to be planted in the ground?

While cedars prefer ground planting, dwarf varieties (like Green Giant or Emerald Green) can thrive in large containers (20+ gallons) for 3–5 years. Use well-draining soil and repot every 2–3 years. Just know: Container-grown cedars grow slower than in-ground plants!

Wrapping up and next steps

Cedar tree plants offer a fast, fragrant, and functional solution for creating a stunning privacy screen in just three years! 🌲 With their low-maintenance nature and natural pest resistance, they’re perfect for both urban and rural landscapes.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these evergreens deliver beauty and utility with minimal effort.

Ready to transform your space? Start by selecting the right cedar variety for your climate, then gather your tools and plant with confidence. Your future privacy oasis is just a few steps away—happy planting! 🌱