Red Cedar

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Evergreen Privacy & Windbreak Tree for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7)

Quick Expert Summary

The Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a moderate to fast-growing, extremely cold-hardy evergreen tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year and reaches 21–30 ft at maturity. Best for privacy screens, windbreaks, and natural hedges, it offers dense evergreen foliage year-round and excellent tolerance to poor soils, drought, and urban conditions.

Why Choose Red Cedar for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

A native, ultra-resilient evergreen, Red Cedar is one of the best choices for Canadian climates thanks to its year-round screening and exceptional adaptability.

• Hardiness: Zone 3 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Best For: Privacy / Windbreak / Natural hedge
• Maintenance: Low once established
• Key Feature: Evergreen foliage + blue berry-like cones
• Native / Non-native: Native to eastern North America

It adapts well to:

• Sandy soils
• Clay soils
• Dry or rocky soils
• Urban and rural conditions
• Wind, drought, and cold climates

Tree Specifications

Is Red Cedar Right for Your Yard?

Choose Red Cedar if:

• You want privacy within 4–6 years
• You have a medium to large yard
• You live in Zone 3–7
• You want evergreen screening + year-round structure
• You need a tree for windbreaks, hedges, or rural plantings

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small
• You need a tree for shade in dense shade (requires sun)
• You are planting too close to foundations or power lines

Best Uses

• Privacy hedge or screen
• Windbreak or shelterbelt
• Property boundary planting
• Wildlife habitat
• Naturalized landscapes

Why it works: Red Cedar forms a dense, conical evergreen canopy, providing year-round privacy and wind protection. Its tough adaptability allows it to thrive where many trees struggle.

What Makes Red Cedar Special?

• Spring: Subtle flowering with new green growth
• Summer: Dense evergreen foliage provides full coverage and structure
• Fall: Blue berry-like cones appear, adding visual interest and wildlife value, while also being used to produce essential oils known for their cleansing, soothing, and scalp-regenerating properties.
• Winter: Evergreen foliage maintains privacy and wind protection

Its year-round evergreen presence makes it one of the most reliable landscape trees for Canadian climates.

Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Red Cedar is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7 and tolerates harsh winters, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures very well.

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:

• 10–15 ft from foundations
• 6–10 ft between trees (for hedges: closer spacing possible)

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply once per week
• Increase during dry periods
• Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage

Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Red 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 very well across Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7.

Does it need another tree for pollination?
No. It does not require another tree for ornamental use.

Are the roots invasive?
No. Roots are not considered invasive, but allow proper spacing from structures.

Is it messy?
Low. It produces small berry-like cones, but overall litter is minimal.

Compare With Similar Trees

Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

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

Explore Related Collections

• Evergreen Trees
• Privacy Trees
• Zone 3 Trees
• Native Trees

Related articles:

• Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy in Canada
• How to Create a Windbreak in Ontario