Planting Thuja Plicata (Western Red Cedar) in winter

andy1977

Hi

I have purchased 3 thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) that I need to plant soon. They are pot grown and about 1m tall. I think this makes them 1-2 years old?

I have some ericaceous compost, rootgrow and bone meal and am aware of how to use them thanks to youtube and some googling:
- compost mixed with soil in the trench
- bone meal mixed in with backfill - never to touch the roots
- rootgrow - sprinkled in the trench before planting.

As a complete novice with trees I'm looking for any helpful advice/experience please.

e.g.
Do I need to water them every day during winter (if there is no rain)?
Do I need to use bamboo canes or wooden stakes to secure them if they are planted in front of a 6ft fence?
Is bark/mulch necessary to protect from frost/weeds and assist with moisture retention?

Thanks
Andy

Plantminded

Hi there, these are pretty robust plants and grow quite happily without too much attention.  You seem to have done your research well about planting - I'd do that too but wouldn't be concerned about touching the roots, just make sure you don't damage them with a spade or fork. (Rootgrow is best applied to the rootball although its efficacy is debatable and has been debated here!).  In answer to your specific questions above:

Not necessary over winter, the plants will be dormant until spring - overwatering can cause more harm than good, removing oxygen from the soil and causing rotting.

If the fence provides shelter from wind they should be fine without a cane but I'd use one if the plants are not growing vertically to guide them and then remove it after one growing season.

Bark does help, I use it on all my borders, especially to protect new plants - beware, the blackbirds love playing with it!

This care guide may also help you: Thuja Care and Planting Advice - Paramount Plants and Gardens

Good luck and enjoy your plants!

cmarkr

I'd suggest you don't need ericaceous soil, I've just had an ~80ft one removed growing in chalk