How Do You Plant An Eastern Red Cedar Tree?
The eastern red cedar is not a true cedar but rather belongs to the juniper family. It is found naturally throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and also in Oregon. Historic uses by various Native American tribes include brewing leaves as a tea, burning as incense and in construction and fuel as the wood is highly aromatic and durable. The most common and successful method for planting an eastern red cedar tree is by cuttings. It also can be done from seed but the success rate is only 50 percent. Find a new lateral growth point on an existing eastern red cedar that extends from an old branch. Cut the new growth point off the cedar so it is between 2 and 65 inches long, including a small section of wood, referred to as the heel, at the end of your cutting that is part of the old branch. This heel should measure 1 to 2 inches in length. Bring your cutting into the greenhouse. Successful rooting and subsequent growth depend upon keeping the cutting warm and moist. Fill a
