Eastern Red Cedar Canaertii

Eastern Red Cedar Canaertii is a stunning evergreen tree prized for its feathered form and rich green needles that provide year-round color and coverage. It grows 25 feet in height and 20 feet in width at maturity. This tree is an excellent choice for a privacy screen, in landscapes, or among other evergreens. Aside from fragrant foliage, this tree produces blue berries, also known as cones, that only adds to its charm.

• Evergreen tree
• Slow to moderate growth rate with a feathered form
• Fragrant, dark green foliage and berry-like cones
• Hardy and adaptable at maturity
• Great for privacy screens and landscapes

This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including drought and poor soils once established. It requires minimal maintenance -  trimming helps keep its neat shape and encourages fresh growth. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, it’s well-suited for many Texas landscapes.

With steady early care, Eastern Red Cedar Canaertii becomes a tough, low-maintenance anchor plant that thrives in both harsh and refined landscapes:

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first 1-2 years to help develop a resilient, drought-tolerant root system. Once established, ‘Canaertii’ requires little supplemental watering and typically needs it only during prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Pruning is minimal thanks to its naturally tidy, pyramidal habit. If shaping is needed, prune lightly in late winter to remove damaged or awkward branches, taking care to preserve its layered, conical silhouette.
• Fertilizing: ‘Canaertii’ thrives in lean soils and often requires no fertilizer once established. If growth slows or foliage dims, apply a light dose of slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and discourage weed competition. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to avoid excess moisture against the bark, and refresh annually to maintain soil quality.
• Winter Care: This cultivar is extremely cold-hardy and rarely requires winter protection. During unusually harsh winters, young trees may develop minor bronzing, but they quickly green up again with spring warmth.

‘Canaertii’ is exceptionally tough, though a few manageable issues can arise under stressful or overly wet conditions:

• Cedar Apple Rust: Bright orange, gelatinous galls form on branches after spring rains. Remove infected twigs and avoid planting near apple or crabapple trees to reduce disease pressure.
• Bagworms: Silky, cone-shaped bags appear on branches and defoliate foliage. Hand-pick bags in winter or apply Bt-based treatments in early summer to interrupt their life cycle.
• Spider Mites: Fine stippling and dull, dusty needles appear during hot, dry spells. Increase humidity and rinse foliage or apply horticultural oil to restore color and health.
• Root Rot: Wilting and browning occur when soil stays waterlogged. Improve drainage and adjust irrigation to prevent further decline.
• Tip Blight: Browning at branch tips appears during extended humidity or fungal pressure. Prune out affected tips and improve airflow around the tree.