Emerald Cedar
Hardiness zone: 4
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Emerald Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)
Elegant Narrow Evergreen Hedge for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The Emerald Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a slow-to-moderate growing, cold-hardy evergreen tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7). It typically grows 0.5–1 ft per year (15–30 cm) and reaches 16–20 ft (5–6 m) at maturity. Best for decorative hedges, narrow screens, and foundation planting, it offers vibrant emerald green foliage year-round and a naturally compact pyramidal form.
Why Choose Emerald Cedar for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
A premium ornamental cedar known for its bright green colour and refined shape, perfect for elegant, low-maintenance hedges in Canadian landscapes.
- Hardiness: Zone 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7)
- Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
- Best For: Privacy, ornament, small yards
- Maintenance: Low once established
- Key Feature: Bright emerald green evergreen foliage
- Native / Non-native: Native species cultivar from Eastern North America
It adapts well to:
- Moist, well-drained soils
- Clay, loam, sandy, or humus-rich soils
- Slightly acidic to alkaline soils
- Urban and residential conditions
- Cold climates, wind, and moderate snow load (less tolerant of stress than other cultivars)
Tree/Shrub Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 16–20 ft (5–6 m) |
| Mature Spread | 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) |
| Growth Rate | 0.5–1 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well-drained; adaptable |
| Water Needs | Moderate (regular first year) |
| Drought Tolerance | Low (sensitive to dry conditions) |
| Deer Resistance | Low |
| Lifespan | 100+ years |
Is Emerald Cedar Right for Your Yard?
Choose Emerald Cedar if:
- You want a refined, decorative hedge within 5–7 years
- You have a small or medium-sized yard
- You live in Zone 4–7
- You want vibrant green colour year-round + clean structure
- You need a tree for formal hedging or foundation planting
Not ideal if:
- You want the fastest-growing privacy hedge
- You are planting in dry or exposed conditions
- You need a very rugged, low-maintenance windbreak
Best Uses
- Decorative hedge
- Narrow privacy screen
- Foundation planting
- Formal landscape design
- Accent or standalone conifer
Why it works: Its naturally narrow pyramidal shape, dense branching, and consistent emerald colour make it one of the most elegant cedar cultivars for structured landscapes.
What Makes Emerald Cedar Special?
A highly ornamental cedar that stands out for its color stability and refined silhouette.
- Spring: Bright emerald green new growth
- Summer: Dense, vibrant foliage with a uniform shape
- Fall: Maintains strong green colour
- Winter: Retains colour better than most cedars with minimal bronzing
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, Emerald Cedar is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7 and tolerates typical Canadian winter conditions, though it benefits from some protection against winter burn in exposed sites.
First-year tip:
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before the first hard frost
- Protect from winter wind and sun exposure
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 6–10 ft from foundations
- 2–3 ft between plants (for tight hedge)
Watering (first year):
- Water deeply once per week for the first growing season
- Increase frequency during dry periods
Quick Answers (FAQ)
How fast does Emerald Cedar grow in Ontario?
Typically 0.5–1 ft per year in good conditions.
Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 4 and performs well 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 and non-invasive, ideal for residential planting.
Is it messy?
Low. Minimal cone production and very clean appearance.
Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs
| Tree | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Cedar | Slow | Bright green colour | Decorative hedges |
| Brandon Cedar | Slow-Moderate | Narrow dense hedge | Cold climates & privacy |
| Eastern White Cedar | Slow–Moderate | Native adaptability | Large hedges & windbreaks |
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
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Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At TreesOnline.ca, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
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$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada
Delivery across Canada
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants within a few business days.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $28, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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