Black Cedar

Black Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’)

Dense Evergreen Privacy Hedge for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7)

Quick Expert Summary

The Black Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’) is a moderate-growing, extremely cold-hardy evergreen ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year (30–60 cm) and reaches 23–30 ft (7–9 m) at maturity. Best for privacy hedges, wind protection, and landscape screening, it offers dense dark green foliage year-round and excellent adaptability to various soil and climate conditions.

Why Choose Black Cedar for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

A durable, cold-hardy evergreen perfect for creating dense, long-lasting hedges in challenging Canadian climates.

• Hardiness: Zone 3 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Best For: Privacy, windbreak, hedging
• Maintenance: Low once established
• Key Feature: Dense evergreen screen
• Native / Non-native: Native species cultivar widely planted in Canada

It adapts well to:

• Well-drained soils
• Moist to wet soils
• Clay and heavy soils
• Urban and rural conditions
• Cold climates, wind, and snow load

Tree/Shrub Specifications

Is Black Cedar Right for Your Yard?

Choose Black Cedar if:

• You want a dense privacy hedge within 3–5 years
• You have a medium to large yard
• You live in Zone 3–7
• You want year-round greenery and wind protection
• You need a tree for hedging, screening, or property boundaries

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small
• You need a plant for deep shade
• You are planting too close to foundations or sidewalks

Best Uses

• Privacy hedges and screens
• Windbreaks
• Property borders
• Evergreen backdrops
• Noise and visual barriers

Why it works:
Dense foliage creates an effective visual barrier, while its evergreen habit ensures year-round coverage. Its adaptability allows it to perform well in a wide range of conditions.

What Makes Black Cedar Special?

• Spring: Fresh green growth emerges
• Summer: Dense, dark green foliage forms a thick screen
• Fall: Maintains rich green colour
• Winter: Retains deep green foliage, unlike many cedars that bronze

Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Black Cedar is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7 and tolerates typical Canadian winter conditions including snow load and freezing temperatures.

First-year tip:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch
• Water deeply before the first hard frost
• Consider wind protection if your site is exposed

Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada

Best planting time:

• Spring (April–June)
• Early fall (September–October)

Spacing:

• 6–10 ft from foundations
• 3–4 ft between plants (for hedges)

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply once per week for the first growing season
• Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage

Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Black Cedar grow in Ontario?
Typically 1–2 ft per year in good conditions.

Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 3 and performs well in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7.

Does it need another tree for pollination?
No, it does not require another plant.

Are the roots invasive?
No. Roots are not considered invasive but allow spacing for hedge development.

Is it messy?
No—minimal debris; maintains a clean evergreen appearance.

Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs

Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

• Nursery-grown
• Carefully packaged
• Shipped to your door in Ontario and Eastern Canada
• Healthy root system guarantee

Explore Related Collections

• Evergreen Trees
• Privacy Trees
• Zone 3 Hardy Plants
• Hedge Plants

Related Articles:

• How to Choose the Right Cedar Hedge
• Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy in Canada