The Best Time to Plant a Cedar Hedge in Ottawa
The best times to plant a cedar hedge in Ottawa are spring, from as soon as the ground has thawed and is workable until early summer, and early fall, from late August through September while the soil is still warm. Cedars planted in those windows have time to root before summer heat or winter freeze. Planting in November is possible only while the ground is not frozen, and it needs extra care. If you want it done properly in the right window, Hedge King's hedge planting service handles the whole job.
Why timing matters for cedars
A newly planted cedar has a small root system compared with the foliage above it. Until the roots spread into the surrounding soil, the tree can lose water through its needles faster than it can take it up. The goal of good timing is to give the roots as many mild, moist weeks as possible before the tree faces either a hot dry spell or a frozen winter.
Eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is native here and is hardy, so the issue is not whether it can survive an Ottawa winter. It is whether a young plant has had time to anchor itself first.
Spring planting
Spring is the most forgiving time to plant. The soil is moist from the thaw, the air is cool, and the tree has a full growing season ahead to root in before its first winter. Plant as soon as the ground is thawed and no longer soggy, and keep going into early summer.
The one caution is that spring soil in Ottawa can stay wet and cold, especially on heavy clay. Do not dig or plant into mud, because working wet clay compacts it and can leave the root ball sitting in a pool of water. Wait until a handful of soil crumbles instead of smearing.
Early fall planting
Early fall is the other good window. The soil has held the summer's warmth, which encourages root growth, while cooler air means less stress on the foliage. A common rule of thumb is to finish planting at least four to six weeks before the ground freezes, which in Ottawa usually means getting cedars in by the end of September or early October.
Fall-planted cedars still need regular watering. The mild weather can hide how dry the soil is getting.
Summer planting
Cedars can be planted in July and August, but only if you are ready to water deeply and often. A hot, dry week can dry out a young cedar fast, and browning from drought stress can show up weeks later. If a summer planting is unavoidable, choose a cool, overcast day and soak the root ball and the hole at planting.
Planting in November or later
If you are reading this in November and the ground is still workable, you can still plant, but treat it as a late planting and expect the hedge to need protection:
- **Check the ground first.** If the soil is frozen, do not try to plant. Frozen ground cannot be dug properly and roots cannot settle into it.
- **Water deeply at planting** and again before freeze-up, so the root ball goes into winter moist.
- **Mulch the base** with a few inches of shredded bark or wood chips, kept off the trunk, to slow the freezing of the soil.
- **Consider a burlap screen** on the south and west side of the row, or on the side facing prevailing wind, to cut winter burn on young foliage.
- **Tie loosely** with soft twine if the plants are narrow forms, to help them carry snow load.
What to plant in the window
Timing is only part of it. Spacing, depth and variety decide whether the hedge fills in. Plant at about 18 to 24 inches between trees, with the top of the root ball level with the ground, as set out in our cedar hedge spacing guide. If you are still choosing between types, see the best cedar for a privacy hedge. Our planting walkthrough covers soil preparation and the planting hole.
A simple planting-season checklist
The aftercare matters as much as the date. See the cedar hedge care guide for the watering routine.
- Mark the row with a string line and a tape measure before digging.
- Confirm the soil is thawed and crumbly, not frozen and not waterlogged.
- Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper.
- Set each cedar so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill with the soil you dug out, firm it gently, and water in slowly.
- Mulch a few inches deep, away from the trunk.
- Water deeply on a regular schedule through the first two growing seasons, and give a long soak before the ground freezes each fall.
When to call a professional
A long row is a lot of digging, and mistakes such as planting too deep or too close are hard to undo once the hedge grows. If you would rather have a straight, evenly spaced hedge planted in the right season, Hedge King plants cedar hedges across Ottawa.
Need a cedar hedge planted? Call 613-265-0908 or get a free quote for hedge planting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant a cedar hedge in the fall in Ottawa?
Yes. Early fall, from late August through September, is one of the two best windows. Aim to finish four to six weeks before the ground freezes and keep watering until freeze-up.
Is spring or fall better for planting cedars?
Both work. Spring gives a full growing season to root before winter, and early fall gives warm soil and cool air. Avoid planting into soggy spring clay or into frozen ground.
Can I plant cedars in November?
Only while the soil is workable and not frozen. Water deeply, mulch the base and protect exposed plants from winter wind and sun.
Can I plant cedars in the middle of summer?
It can be done, but young cedars dry out quickly in heat. Plant on a cool day and be ready to water deeply and often.
How long should I keep watering a new cedar hedge?
Plan on regular deep watering through the first two growing seasons, plus a good soak before the ground freezes each fall.