evergreen tree
Western Red Cedar: pruning, storm risk and removal
Thuja plicata. Also called giant arborvitae, Pacific red cedar, canoe cedar.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Western Red Cedar at a glance
| Height | 50-70 ft in yards, 150-200 ft in old forest |
|---|---|
| Spread | 15-25 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 5-8 |
| Lifespan | Typically 500-1,000+ years in forest |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | The Pacific Northwest from southeast Alaska and British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to northern California, and inland into the northern Rockies. |
| Roots | Shallow and fibrous, with a wide spread. It likes moist, well-drained soil. The roots handle wet ground better than dry, compacted soil. |
| Wood | Light, soft, straight-grained and aromatic. The heartwood resists rot very well and is used for shingles, siding, decks and fences. |
| Storm risk | mediumShallow roots in saturated soil can let a tree tip over in strong wind. Old trees often have hollow or decayed centers that can snap the trunk. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a western red cedar
Best time to prune
Prune in late winter or early spring before growth starts, or lightly in summer. Remove dead or crowded branches, and cut back to a live side branch.
Avoid pruning
Do not cut back into old, brown, needle-free wood. Western red cedar typically does not grow new shoots from bare wood. Do not top the tree or shear it into a hard shape each year.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Western red cedar is not a true cedar. It is in the cypress family.
- Plant it in moist, well-drained soil with room to grow. Hot, dry sites stress it.
- Brown flagging in the top or sides often points to drought, root trouble or a hot summer. Water deeply in dry months.
- Cedar dust and pollen can bother some people. Wear a mask when cutting or sanding the wood.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on western red cedar
- 1Sound the trunk for hollow butts and check for conks or soft wood before climbing.
- 2Foliage is dense and makes a lot of brush, so plan chipper loads and drop zones.
- 3Cedar dust is an irritant. Use a dust mask and clean the saw often.
- 4Do not promise regrowth from bare wood. Tell the customer cuts into dead-looking branches will not green up.
Removal notes
Old cedars are tall and often have hollow, decayed butts, so crews check the trunk before climbing. Sections are lightweight for their size but the trunk can be wide. The stringy bark and branchy foliage make a lot of brush. Stump grinding works well. Get a written quote.
Wood
Light, soft, straight-grained and aromatic. The heartwood resists rot very well and is used for shingles, siding, decks and fences.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for western red cedar
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where western red cedar grows
Native range: The Pacific Northwest from southeast Alaska and British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to northern California, and inland into the northern Rockies.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Western Red Cedar: common questions
Is western red cedar a real cedar?
No. True cedars are in the genus Cedrus. Western red cedar is in the cypress family, which is why its scientific name is Thuja plicata.
How fast does western red cedar grow?
It typically grows at a moderate pace, roughly 1-2 ft a year in good conditions. It grows faster in moist, rich soil and slower in poor or dry soil.
Why is my western red cedar turning brown?
Common causes are drought, root rot from soggy soil, or a hot spell. Some browning of inner needles in fall is normal. If the tips and whole branches turn brown, ask a certified arborist.
Can I use western red cedar as a hedge?
Yes, a smaller plant is often used as a screen. Plan the space, because it gets big if left alone. Do not cut back into bare wood.
Is cedar wood really rot resistant?
The heartwood is known for its rot resistance. It is a popular wood for siding, shingles and decks. The outer sapwood is not as durable.
Is western red cedar dangerous in a storm?
Healthy trees stand up well, but trees with shallow roots in wet ground or hollow trunks can fall. If you see leaning, cracks or fungus at the base, ask a certified arborist before the next storm.
More trees in the same regions
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