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How to Grow Western Red Cedar Degroot's Spire

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Western Red Cedar Degroot's Spire

Thuja plicata 'Degroot's Spire'

tree

Degroot's Spire is a narrow, columnar cultivar of Western Red Cedar with a distinctive upright, pencil-like form and feathery, fine-textured foliage. This evergreen conifer is prized for use as a living screen, windbreak, or accent plant in landscapes where vertical interest is desired. The tree retains its rich green color year-round and grows at a moderate to fast rate.

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Example Western Red Cedar Degroot's Spire timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Western Red Cedar Degroot's Spire

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Western Red Cedar Degroot's Spire

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Western Red Cedar Degroot's Spire dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; tolerates shade but becomes less dense
💧
Water: Moderate to regular watering, especially during first 2 years. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More drought-tolerant once established. Increase watering during hot, dry periods.
📏
Spacing: 36-60 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Not applicable for ornamental tree; reaches mature form in 15-20 years
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the base of the trunk

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, slightly moist to moderately moist
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention Compost for organic matter Perlite or sand if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-8, hardy to zone 4b

4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year

Small transplant or newly planted sapling with emerging leader growth; tree focuses energy on root development

Water deeply and regularly; stake if in windy location; apply 2-3 inch mulch layer; protect from harsh winds and frost heave in first winter

2

Young Growth

Years 2-4

Single leader shoots upward with lateral branches beginning to fill out; feathery foliage becomes more prominent

Continue consistent watering; remove competing leaders if multiple develop; monitor for spider mites in dry conditions; light pruning to maintain shape if needed

3

Active Elongation

Years 5-10

Tree grows 12-24 inches annually in ideal conditions; columnar silhouette becomes pronounced; foliage fills in along the entire height

Water during dry spells; minimal pruning needed; fertilize in spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer; check for pest infestations

4

Mature Development

Years 10+

Tree reaches desired height (20-30 feet); dense, narrow columnar form fully established; foliage rich green year-round

Water during drought; occasional light pruning to maintain shape; monitor for cedar leaf miners or bagworms; apply dormant oil in late winter if pest issues arise

5

Full Maturity

20+ years and beyond

Established specimen tree; dense form perfect for screening; minimal new growth; may develop shaggy bark

Prune dead or diseased branches; maintain watering schedule; fertilize minimally; enjoy as focal point or windbreak; remove any crossing or inward-growing branches

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Dwarf Hinoki cypress Juniper Japanese Holly Euonymus Dwarf Alberta Spruce Arborvitae Yew

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring excellent air circulation in humid climates Shallow-rooted perennials that compete for moisture Plants sensitive to root competition from large trees

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in severe infestations; increase humidity; prune affected foliage

  • Prune and destroy infested foliage; apply insecticide in early summer before mining begins; maintain tree health through proper watering

  • Hand-pick bags in fall or winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring; prune out infested branches

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove infected trees; do not plant in poorly drained areas

  • Hand-pick distinctive bags year-round; apply spinosad or neem oil in spring; encourage natural predators

Uses

🏠

Living Windbreak & Privacy Screen

Household

The narrow columnar form of Degroot's Spire makes it ideal for creating tall screens and windbreaks in residential and commercial landscapes. Plant in rows to block wind, noise, and views while occupying minimal ground space. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Accent & Focal Point

Household

The distinctive pencil-like silhouette serves as a striking vertical element in landscapes, adding architectural interest to gardens, courtyards, and entryways. Works well in contemporary and traditional designs. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat & Shelter

Wildlife

Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. The tree's structure offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]

🎨

Aromatic Cedar Wood & Foliage

Craft

Western Red Cedar is traditionally used for cedar chests, closets, and aromatic wood products. Fresh foliage and branches can be used in potpourri and natural moth deterrents. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Historically used in First Nations medicine and traditional herbalism for respiratory support and immune function. Modern herbalists may prepare teas or infusions from fresh or dried foliage. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not a harvest plant; however, prune dead or diseased branches anytime; light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring; never remove more than one-third of foliage in a single season to avoid damage to the tree's form

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Western Red Cedar was revered by Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples as the 'Tree of Life,' used for canoes, longhouses, and clothing; Degroot's Spire brings this heritage to ornamental landscapes.
  • 🌱 Despite its common name 'cedar,' Thuja plicata is actually a true cypress, not a cedar—the name comes from early settlers' association of its aromatic wood with true cedars.
  • 🌱 A single mature Western Red Cedar can live 500-1000+ years; Degroot's Spire, while slower-growing than the species, is a long-lived investment that may outlive several generations of gardeners.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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