Plant Eastern Red Cedar Trees To Maintain Privacy And Add A Soft Pop Of Color

Planting large trees is one of the best ways to create some privacy, allowing you to enjoy nature from the comfort of your own backyard. Eastern red cedars are an excellent addition to this kind of landscape. Not only are they evergreen, meaning they won't stop blocking the view of a busy road just because it's winter, but they're also native to North America. Whether you plant them alone or combine them with other trees and plants, their bluish-green color adds a serene element to the landscape and provides privacy for your yard. 

Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) aren't just beautiful, they also smell amazing. Additionally, they're host plants for native butterfly larva and attract songbirds. They're a great way to bring the sights, sounds, and smells of the wild to suburbia. Who wouldn't want to trade their view of a neighbor's garage for a living fence that attracts birds and pollinators? You don't have to worry about deer either, as the trees are deer-resistant.

Hardy in zones 2 through 9, eastern red cedars are a good living fence option for much of North America thanks to their mature height of over 30 feet and spread of 10 feet or more which many cultivars have. If that height is excessive for your needs, consider growing the 'Grey Owl' cultivar, which only grows about 4 feet high, but has a spread of about 8 feet. It could be perfect for creating a hedge. 

Eastern red cedars require full to part sun locations, but they aren't picky about their soil, and can grow even in poor soil, as long as it is well-draining. These trees are good options for coastal gardeners as well, as they are salt-tolerant. Because the trees are drought-tolerant once established, they're a great way to keep your water bill low while still having beautiful landscaping. Even if you don't think you have a green thumb, you can likely enjoy the benefits eastern red cedars as they're quite low maintenance and perfect beginner-friendly trees.