Cedar Hedge Maintenance 🌿 Practical Tips for a Healthy Hedge
- Émondage Simard
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
The thuja, commonly known as cedar, is a fast-growing conifer that can reach up to 20 meters in its natural environment. To keep your hedge compact, dense, and aesthetically pleasing, you just need to apply the right care… at the right time.
💡 A well-maintained hedge is more vigorous and resistant to diseases, insects, and climatic stress.
🗓️ Seasonal Cedar Hedge Care Made Simple!
🌱 Spring (March to May)
Watering: Especially important for young hedges – 1 bucket per week, 2 during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 21-6.5-6.5) or apply dormant oil (late March to mid-April).
Prevention: Add mulch around the base to protect the roots and prevent spring burns.
✂️ Early Summer (June to mid-July)
Trimming: Cut no more than half of the new growth.
Use manual pruners and avoid cutting into old wood.
Shape the hedge in a trapezoid (wider at the base) for better sunlight exposure.
Fertilizer (13-13-13): Promotes foliage growth.
🔥 Summer (July to August)
Deep watering: Especially during heatwaves. Avoid overwatering. Choose well-drained soil.
Evening misting: Helps reduce dust and cools the foliage.
Last trim of the season, if needed.
Final watering: Before putting your watering cans away in late October to help the hedge store energy for winter.
🛡️ Winter Protection
Use geotextile fabric if the hedge is exposed to wind, road salt, or deer.
Add a rigid support underneath if heavy snow accumulation is expected.
🐛 Protect Your Hedge from Common Threats
Harmful insects: Watch for scale insects, gnats, and weevils in the fall.
Fungal diseases: Such as brown blight, phytophthora, or necrosis – treat with Fitosporin, HOM, or copper-based fungicides.
Unsuitable soil: Avoid flood-prone or compact soils. Opt for a mix of topsoil, sand, and peat moss.
🟡 Why Is My Cedar Turning Yellow?
Natural cycle: Needles live 3 to 6 years. Yellowing inside the hedge is normal.
Seasonal changes: Bronze or brown color in winter = normal cold reaction.
Water stress: Too much or too little water can lead to yellowing, weakening, or disease.
Animal urine: Causes leaf burns. Protect the hedge if needed.
✅ Summary: 5 Essential Cedar Hedge Care Tips
💧 Water smart: Deeply, but not excessively.
✂️ Trim at the right time: To promote shape and density.
🌱 Fertilize seasonally: Nitrogen in spring, potassium in fall.
🛡️ Protect against pests and fungal infections.
👀 Inspect regularly: Check the leaves, soil, and trunk often.
💚 Your Hedge Deserves the Best
A well-cared-for cedar means a lush, upright, vibrant-green hedge all year long. It’s always better to prevent than to treat — and good maintenance is your best health insurance for your cedars!
📞 Need an expert opinion or a quote?
Contact Émondage Simard: 514-755-7578
Comments