Watering

Too much or too little water will impact the overall health and growth of the trees. It is important for the cedar trees to be watered regularly and consistently especially in warmer weather.

• Watering in the summer is best done in the evening as not to scorch the trees foliage and to keep evaporation to a minimum.
• Watering in the fall before the ground freezes enables the roots to “bulk-up” before going into winter.
• A water timer will ensure your new hedge is watered, even when you are away.
• Using a soaker hose is the most consistent method of watering. Place the “dripping hose” along the entire length of your new hedge. (Please see diagram below)

The most accurate way to determine soil moisture levels is to purchase a moisture meter

• Place directly into the soil at the base of the hedge. A moisture meter will take the watering guesswork away!
• Water the trees until they reach the maximum wet zone on the mete… then allow the trees to dry into the dry zone (as they require oxygen as well) and continue this cycle until the ground freezes.

Fertilizing
Early spring, when things start to bloom, is the perfect time to fertilize. For warranty purposes, use bone meal or Miracle Gro for shrubs only as it will provide the proper nutrients without burning the hedge (follow label directions closely). The only other time you need to fertilize is in the Fall, again using the same fertilizers, to help provide the roots with nutrients to keep the trees healthy during their winter dormancy.

Cedar Mulch
Cedar mulch at the base of the hedge provides three relatively inexpensive benefits.

1. It provides an excellent barrier against weeds, which are not only unattractive, but also vie for water and nutrients intended for the roots of the cedars. When weeds get too abundant, they will cause the base of the hedge to “thin-out” thus loosing that solid dense look that is so desired.
2. Cedar mulch provides excellent water retention which will maximize all watering, fertilizing and rainfall.
3. Cedar mulch is aesthetically pleasing as it “dresses-up” the base of the hedge to give it a “maintained” or “finished” look which accents well with stonework, decking, gardens and lawns.

Trimming
Do not trim your hedge for one full year, for warranty reasons as well as the general health of your cedar trees. Cedars have very shallow surface roots so the ground surface should not be cultivated. Weeds are best cut off rather than pulled. Mulch helps minimize weed growth. After one full year, your cedars’ roots will have “taken” and snipping the very top will encourage the trees to “bush-out” while still achieving gains in height. You can trim them in the Spring, Summer or Fall as long as they have taken root (one full year from date planted.) Trimming the tops will make the sides grow towards one another to create that desirable solid hedge appearance.

If you have any questions whatsoever, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for choosing The Cedar Guys!