Watering cedar

• Cedar origin
• Cedar care and location
• Cutting cedar
• Watering cedar
• Fertilizing cedar

Cedar origin

The cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree genus in the pine family (Pinaceae). There are four recognized species: the Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani), the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), the Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), and the Cyprus cedar (Cedrus brevifolia).

These trees originally come from the Mediterranean region, the Himalayas, and Asia Minor. They grow in mountainous regions at altitudes between 1.000 and 2.000 meters, where they are adapted to dry summers and cold winters. In Europe, the Atlas cedar is primarily cultivated in parks, large gardens, and botanical gardens. It is considered an impressive solitary tree and is very popular for its elegant, spreading crown and blue-green needles. The Lebanon cedar also has a long tradition – it was already of great importance in ancient times. The famous cedar wood was used for temple buildings, ships, and palaces.

In many cultures, the cedar symbolizes strength, eternity, and protection. Cedars can grow over 30 meters tall and live for several hundred years. Their needles grow in clusters; they are short and soft, and over time, they form a dense, umbrella-like crown. The cones stand upright and mature over several years. Cedar wood is light, aromatic, and resistant to pests—it is still widely used today in furniture and interior design.  

Cedar care and location

Cedars prefer sunny and warm locations. They thrive best in well-drained, calcareous soils. Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs, as they are sensitive to persistently wet feet. In cooler regions, young cedars require a sheltered location, as they can be sensitive to frost in their first few years.  

Once established, cedars are easy to care for and resilient to drought and heat. A location with sufficient space is important, as the spreading crown can only develop well in an open environment. In nutrient-rich soils, cedars require no special care. During the first few years, regular checks should be made to ensure the young plants are growing well and receiving sufficient water.  

Cutting cedar

Pruning is usually not necessary for cedars. They naturally develop a regular crown. If pruning is necessary—for example, to remove damaged or broken branches—it should be done carefully. The ideal time is late winter or early spring. Major pruning should be avoided, as it can negatively impact growth and shape.  

Water cedar properly!

Despite their origins in arid regions, cedars require regular watering in the first few years after planting to establish a strong root system. It's especially important to water young cedars selectively during dry summers. The soil around the trunk should be thoroughly moistened—consistent soil moisture is crucial.

Older, well-established cedars are drought-resistant, but during extended periods of heat without rain, supplemental irrigation may be beneficial, even for large trees. The water should be allowed to slowly seep into the soil to reach deeper roots.

Here we offer baumbad watering bags A practical solution: They provide a continuous, drop-by-drop release of water over several hours. The bag is placed around the trunk, zipped shut, and then filled with up to 100 liters of water. This slow release of water ensures that the soil is evenly moistened without any water running off or evaporating.

Another advantage: The bag covers the soil surface around the trunk, providing additional protection against evaporation. This can make a decisive difference, especially in very dry or hot regions. For older cedars with a wide trunk circumference, two or more bags can be connected together. Installation is straightforward – the bag is aligned, filled, and then automatically provides an efficient water supply for hours.    

Do you need to fertilize cedar?

Cedars generally don't require additional fertilization. On very nutrient-poor soils, a little compost or a slow-release organic fertilizer can be added in the spring. A mulch layer of bark compost further protects the soil from drying out and improves its structure in the long term. It's important to fertilize sparingly, as cedars can react sensitively to excess nutrients. Chemical fertilizers should be avoided.