Why You Want An Eastern Redcedar Tree In Your Yard
If you're looking for a tree that works as hard as you do, the Eastern Redcedar is a top contender. It isn't actually a true cedar, it's a juniper that has lived alongside North American homeowners for centuries, a tried and true classic for many reasons. Let's look at why this resilient evergreen might be the perfect fit for your home's landscape.
Privacy Screen
One of the best reasons to plant an Eastern Redcedar is its dense, year-round foliage. Because it keeps its needles through the winter, it makes for a great privacy screen between you and your neighbors, unlike deciduous trees that leave you exposed in the fall. If you plant a row of them, they'll quickly grow into a thick hedge that will have you feeling safe, secluded, and protected.
Built For Tough Soils
You don't need a green thumb or perfect soil to keep this tree happy. It thrives in conditions that would kill off more delicate species. Whether your yard has heavy clay, rocky ground, or high salt content near a road, the redcedar will likely still take root. It's also incredibly drought-tolerant once it's established, so you won't have to spend your entire summer hauling a garden hose around just to keep it alive.
Hotel For Birds
If you enjoy watching local wildlife, this tree is a magnet for birds like the Cedar Waxwing. The dense branches provide a safe place for nesting and protection from predators. During the coldest months, the tree produces small, blue, berry-like cones that serve as a vital food source. By planting one, you're creating a tiny ecosystem that supports biodiversity right outside your window, meaning you'll get to see all the visitors it brings.
Wind Protection
Strategic planting can actually save you money on utility bills, as Eastern Redcedars are excellent windbreaks. By blocking harsh north winds in the winter, they reduce the amount of heat your house loses through the walls and windows. Their sturdy trunks and flexible branches handle heavy snow and ice better than many other evergreens, too, making them a great tree to have around your property in the colder months.
Iconic Scent
There's something deeply nostalgic about the smell of a Redcedar. When you trim the branches or when the sun warms the needles, it releases lovely aromatic oils that seemingly transport you to a different time. Not only does it smell nice, that scent is also a natural deterrent for many common pests like moths and certain beetles. Your yard will feel clean and crisp, both thanks to the scent and the lower bug population.
Beautiful Colors All Year Long
While many people think of evergreens as strictly green, the Eastern Redcedar has a colorful side. In the summer, it of course sports a rich emerald green, but when the temperatures drop, many varieties shift into a beautiful reddish-purple or bronze tone. This color change adds visual interest to an otherwise dormant winter landscape. It prevents your yard from looking bleak when the rest of the world has turned grey and brown.
Timber That Lasts A Lifetime
Even if you eventually have to remove a limb or a whole tree, the wood remains incredibly valuable. Redcedar heartwood is famous for being rot-resistant and insect-repellent. You can use the fallen timber for fence posts, garden stakes, or small woodworking projects without worrying about it decaying in the rain. It's one of the few trees that remains useful long after its life in the ground has ended.
The Eastern Redcedar is a no-nonsense addition to any property. It asks for very little, but gives back in the form of privacy, protection, and beauty. If you want a tree that's as tough as it is functional, this is the one for you.