How to Grow Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green'
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Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green'
Thuja plicata 'Emerald Green'
treeA narrow, columnar evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant emerald-green foliage year-round. 'Emerald Green' is a cultivar of western red cedar that grows in a tight, vertical form, making it ideal for screening, windbreaks, and ornamental landscapes. This dense, low-maintenance tree retains its color even in cold winters.
When should you plant Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green' in your zone?
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Example Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Western Red Cedar 'Emerald Green' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-7 are optimal; can tolerate zones 2-8 with proper care
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Establishment
First 12-18 monthsYoung tree with developing root system, compact foliage, and green coloring. Height 2-4 feet.
Water regularly (1-2 times weekly). Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid transplant shock by planting in spring or early fall. Protect from strong winds.
Active Growth
Years 2-8Rapid vertical growth phase with dense branching and columnar form becoming prominent. Height 4-15 feet.
Maintain consistent moisture. Prune lightly to shape if needed in early spring. Fertilize annually with balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Mature Form
Years 8-15+Tree reaches full height and width; dense emerald-green foliage throughout. Height 40-60 feet, width 3-6 feet.
Reduce watering frequency as tree is fully established. Prune only for shape or to remove dead wood. Inspect for pests and disease annually.
Full Maturity
15+ years onwardFully established tree providing year-round screening and landscape structure. Foliage maintains vibrant color through seasons.
Minimal care required. Water during extended drought periods. Prune only to maintain desired form or remove damaged branches. Monitor for bagworms and spider mites in warm climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in fall/winter, or treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when caterpillars are young
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil in spring and fall; use miticides if infestation is severe
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Prune and remove infested foliage; apply neem oil or horticultural oil in spring
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Apply horticultural oil spray in dormant season; use systemic insecticides if severely infested
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Install tree guards or fence; use deer repellent sprays; plant in areas less accessible to deer
Uses
Screening and Windbreaks
HouseholdThe narrow columnar form and dense foliage make 'Emerald Green' ideal for creating privacy screens and reducing wind exposure. Excellent for tight spaces where wide trees won't fit. [source]
Fresh Greenery for Arrangements
CraftThe aromatic, feathery foliage is prized by florists and crafters for wreaths, garlands, holiday arrangements, and fresh greenery bouquets. Branches have a pleasant, cedar-like scent. [source]
Wildlife Shelter and Food
WildlifeDense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for songbirds, deer, and small mammals. Important for habitat corridors in landscaping. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Design
HouseholdThe vibrant emerald-green color, columnar form, and low-maintenance nature make it a cornerstone plant for formal gardens, modern landscapes, and hedgerow designs. Provides vertical interest. [source]
Aromatic and Respiratory Support
MedicinalWestern red cedar foliage contains volatile oils traditionally used in steam inhalations and teas for respiratory support. Modern research examines anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental tree, not harvested for food. Prune branches for fresh greenery arrangements or wreaths in late fall or winter. Remove dead or diseased branches as needed year-round. Light pruning to maintain form should be done in early spring before new growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Emerald Green' was given to this cultivar specifically because it maintains an unusually vibrant, bright green color even in harsh winters when many other evergreens turn bronze or yellow.
- 🌱 Western red cedar is not a true cedar (genus Cedrus), but rather a species of arborvitae (Thuja). Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest traditionally used the bark for clothing, baskets, and canoes.
- 🌱 'Emerald Green' is the narrow, columnar equivalent of the species and is often confused with 'Green Giant' (which is Thuja x 'Green Giant' and grows much larger and wider). The two are distinct cultivars with different growth habits.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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