Do Cedar Trees Grow In Illinois?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Range & Habitat: Eastern Red Cedar is a common native tree that is

found throughout Illinois

(see Distribution Map); it probably occurs in every county.

What zones do cedar trees grow in?

  • California incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is found in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, although it grows best in zones 6 and 7. …
  • Eastern red cedar is among the most adaptable cedar trees, growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9.

Are cedar trees a problem?

Although they don’t have the best reputation,

cedar trees aren’t entirely bad

. Landowners are encouraged to keep a small population of cedar trees rather than annihilate them entirely from a pasture. … Although cedars are a habitat for some species of birds, the growing populations of the trees hamper many animals.

Is Eastern red cedar native to Illinois?

Though not a true cedar, its aromatic wood is commonly used for cedar chests. Eastern redcedar develops a dense pyramidal crown of scale-like leaves and, planted in a sunny site, is a low-maintenance tree. The species can grow to 40 to 50 feet in height and has a pyramidal habit.

Illinois native species

.

Can cedar trees grow anywhere?

The cedar tree is native to the

Himalayas and countries around the Mediterranean

, but it can be found in many parts of the world with mild climates.

Where is the best place to plant a cedar tree?

Leave plenty of space if you’re planting a cedar tree

near a building or sidewalk

. Avoid locations near water, as cedar trees don’t do well in soggy soil or areas prone to flooding. Select a location where the tree receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

How do you keep cedar trees healthy?

Cedar hedges need regular feeding to produce lush, healthy growth. Feed your cedar hedge in early spring, using an

organic-based tree and shrub plant food with

an NPK ratio such as 18-8-8. Water the hedge thoroughly, as fertilizing dry soil can burn the roots.

What bugs do cedar trees attract?


Juniper scale, mites, root weevil and cypress tip moth

are among the insects that are attracted to cedar trees. Symptoms of insect infestation include yellow or browning foliage, white spun cocoons, depleted plant sap and black sooty mold. Mice, other rodents and even dogs enjoy munching on cedar trees.

How long do cedar trees take to grow?

When grown from seed in nurseries, Eastern red cedar will take

one to two years

to reach an appropriate size for replanting. Trees taking root in the wild will develop large, strong root systems in rocky and shallow soil.

Do cedar trees need a lot of water?

All cedar trees have a shallow root system. It is imperative that the trees have

adequate water

to use soil nutrients and prevent tree death. Cedar trees are drought tolerant but thrive better with a regular watering schedule. Newly transplanted, young cedar trees require more watering than established or older trees.

What animals eat cedar berries?


Robins, mockingbirds, bluebirds, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys

, goldfinches, flickers, and grosbeaks all like the berries, as do a long list of mammals: meadow mice, bears, rabbits, foxes, raccoons, skunks, possums, coyotes, and deer.

How long does an eastern red cedar live?

Although eastern red cedar is listed as moderately long lived, a tree 795 years in age was reported in Missouri and, based on tree-ring chronology records from West Virginia, a red cedar has the potential to live

over 850 years

.

Can you eat red cedar berries?

Eastern red cedar berries are related to common juniper berries but are superior in flavor. They are mild without the turpentine notes and bitterness of common juniper. They are almost sweet with a woodsy, piney flavor. … The berries can be

eaten dried, fresh, chopped, or powdered

.

What is special about cedar trees?

People cultivate cedar because of its

ornamental morphology and fragrant, durable wood

that has application in the construction and furniture industry. Interesting Cedar Facts: Cedar can reach from 98 to 131 feet in height and around 8 feet in diameter (trunk). Cedar has dark-grey or brown bark.

Do cedar trees grow from seed?

Cedar trees are not hard to grow and will give elegance to any space where they have room to spread.

The trees start easily from seed

but require a 48-hour soaking period and another month in the refrigerator, along with some potting soil in a zip lock bag. The soil must be kept moist during this time.

Will blueberries grow under cedar trees?

Pure sawdust tends to be too dense and will mat down, preventing water penetration. Do not use bark, sawdust or bagged mulch from cedar or redwood trees which has tannins which may harm the young plants. It’s a good idea

to allow blueberries to get well established before allowing them to bear fruit

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.