whipcord western red cedar on standard

How do I identify western red cedar?

Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. The aromatic leaves emit a pineapple scent when crushed. Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk.

How big do Western red cedar get?

Western Redcedar is another of the dominant trees in westside forests of the Pacific Northwest. These trees can grow to huge sizes, over 60 meters tall with a trunk diameter of over 4 meters.

How fast do western red cedars grow?

It has a growth rate of between 60 and 75cm (2' to 2'6”) a year given ideal conditions for growth. Western Red Cedar is not quite as fast as Green Leylandii but is still a quick growing conifer.

Why are western red cedars dying?

Conclusion. I believe that climate change has over-exerted these trees to a point where this historically non-critical pest has killed many of our western red cedars. As our region is experiencing an increase in warmer nights, our trees are not halting their respiration process and are depleting their carbon resources.

Does Western red cedar warp?

Like all woods, Western Red Cedar is hygroscopic and will absorb or discharge moisture to attain equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere. However, it has a very low shrinkage factor and is superior to all other coniferous woods in its resistance to warping, twisting and checking.

Will Western red cedar rot?

Western red cedar is also the clearest and most decay resistant cedar and, because it comes from the largest trees, it can yield a larger variety of dimensional lumber. Its sapwood is nearly white, its heartwood fragrant reddish or pinkish brown to dull brown.

How long does western red cedar last?

Western Redcedar is immortal!

Well, almost. These trees have been known to live over 1,500 years.

Is Western red cedar expensive?

It typically sells for $5 per board foot. Cedar wood that may exhibit a few minor characteristics which do not detract from their high appearance and quality such as a very light torn grain, very light skips on the non-graded face and very light warp are sold for half the price.

Is Western red cedar toxic to dogs?

Is Red Cedar poisonous to dogs? Cedar mulch is not toxic to dogs. The main benefit of using cedar mulch is its reputation as an insect repellent. However, if you have a dog that likes to dig and chew – ANY mulch may cause vomiting and diarrhea if too much is ingested.

Why are cedar trees bad?

Cedar trees are considered a fire hazard due to the natural oils they contain, which is highly flammable. The cedar tree's natural oils combined with the large surface area of the leaves makes cedar trees highly combustible, especially under low humidity conditions.

Will deer eat western red cedar?

The “Can-Can” western red cedar (Thuja plicata “Can Can”) is a dwarf, deer resistant and pest-free arborvitae. It features thick, deep green foliage with cream tips and grows 7 feet tall by 5 feet wide. This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil of any pH, and full to partial sun.

Will Western red cedar grow in shade?

Western redcedar is a shade-tolerant species that responds well to thinning and removal of larger trees that overtop it.

Why is my western red cedar turning brown?

Cedar trees turn brown, yellow or orange for a few reasons: Seasonal Needle Drop. It's a normal cycle all cedar trees go through. ... Those needles turn yellow/brown as the tree phases them out and makes room for new growth from the tips.

What eats western red cedar?

The Cypress Tip Moth and Other Thuja Plicata Pests

Root weevils may also eat away at the tips of twigs, and the larvae of these insects may consume parts of the roots. ... Similarly, numerous types of beetle – the bark beetle and flatheaded western cedar borer among them – tend to attack old or weakened trees.

How deep are western red cedar roots?

The Western red cedar, hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, has a more shallow root system than the Eastern red cedar. This tree has roots that are closer to the average of 6 to 8 feet, but its roots spread as far as those of the Eastern red cedar.

Why is Western red cedar so expensive?

You may have been surprised by the recent and/or impending price increases on Western Red Cedar lately. This has been caused by a large trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. that has been going on since the 80's on all softwoods imported from Canada.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Disadvantages of Cedar Wood Decking:

Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood.
Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.

Is Western red cedar strong?

Western red cedar lumber is one of the strongest and most stable softwoods on the market. ... The “rings” in the tree are closer together than most other softwoods, giving it more strength and stability.

Will Cedar rot if not stained?

Fading. If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color.

Is Red Cedar rot resistant?

Properties. Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most durable woods, as it has a natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. It has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods due to its low density and shrinkage factors. ... The heartwood is resistant to decay and subterranean termites.

Does Western Red Cedar need to be treated?

Cedar does not need to be chemically treated, making it a good choice for families who prefer to use natural products. A properly installed cedar fence will look great for a long time. Not only will it resist the effects of bad weather, but it will also maintain its straight and aligned appearance.