Eastern White Cedar

Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

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

Quick Expert Summary

The Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a slow-to-moderate growing, extremely cold-hardy evergreen tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year (30–60 cm) and reaches 30–50 ft (10–15 m) at maturity. Best for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and natural screens, it offers dense year-round evergreen foliage and excellent adaptability to moist soils and cold climates.

Why Choose Eastern White Cedar for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

A staple of Canadian landscaping, valued for its exceptional hardiness and unmatched performance as a natural privacy screen or windbreak.

• Hardiness: Zone 3 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7)
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Best For: Privacy, windbreak, hedging
• Maintenance: Low once established
• Key Feature: Dense evergreen foliage year-round
• Native / Non-native: Native to Eastern Canada and Northeastern North America

It adapts well to:

• Moist, well-drained soils
• Clay, loam, sandy, or humus-rich soils
• Acidic to alkaline soils
• Rural conditions and naturalized landscapes
• Cold climates, snow load, and wet soils

Tree/Shrub Specifications

Is Eastern White Cedar Right for Your Yard?

Choose Eastern White Cedar if:

• You want a dense privacy hedge within 4–6 years
• You have a medium or large yard
• You live in Zone 3–7
• You want year-round privacy + wind protection
• You need a tree for hedging, screening, or windbreaks

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small (can grow tall and wide)
• You need a drought-tolerant tree (prefers moisture)
• You are planting in areas exposed to heavy road salt

Best Uses

• Privacy hedge
• Windbreak
• Natural screen
• Rural property boundaries
• Wildlife shelter

Why it works: Its dense evergreen foliage, upright pyramidal form, and ability to tolerate cold and wet soils make it one of the best natural privacy and wind protection solutions in Canada.

What Makes Eastern White Cedar Special?

A true Canadian native evergreen that provides structure, privacy, and protection in all seasons.

• Spring: Fresh green new growth emerges
• Summer: Dense, lush green foliage provides full screening
• Fall: Maintains green colour with slight bronzing possible
• Winter: Evergreen structure offers wind protection and visual interest

Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Eastern White Cedar is fully hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7 and tolerates harsh winters, snow accumulation, and freezing temperatures.

First-year tip:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch
• Water deeply before the first hard frost
• Protect from strong winter winds if newly planted

Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada

Best planting time:

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

Spacing:

• 8–12 ft from foundations
• 3–5 ft between plants (for hedging)

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply once per week during the first growing season
• Increase frequency in dry periods

Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Eastern White 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 thrives across Ontario and Eastern Canada.

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

Are the roots invasive?
No. Roots are shallow but generally non-invasive; allow spacing for hedge planting.

Is it messy?
Low. Produces small cones but minimal debris overall.

Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs

Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

• Nursery-grown
• Carefully packaged
• Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
• Healthy root system guarantee

Explore Related Collections

• Collection: Evergreen Trees
• Collection: Privacy Trees
• Collection: Zone 3–4 Hardy Trees
• Collection: Native Trees

Related articles:

• Best Trees for Privacy in Ontario
• How to Plant a Cedar Hedge Successfully