80 Emerald Cedar Privacy Hedge Installation: Spacing, Grading & Planting
This project involved the installation of approximately 80 Emerald Cedar trees, approximately 10 ft tall, to create a long, continuous privacy hedge on a residential property.
Because the property had noticeable changes in grade and slope, the project required more than simply placing the trees in a straight row. Proper spacing, grading, alignment and planting depth all had to be considered so the finished hedge would look as even and natural as possible.
For homeowners planning a similar project, this installation is a useful example of why the apparent height of a cedar hedge can look different depending on the surrounding ground level, fence height and slope of the property.
Project Overview
The goal was to create a dense evergreen privacy screen using 10 ft Emerald Cedar trees. The project required approximately 80 trees, with the planting line extending across a long section of the property.
Large cedar projects like this need careful planning because even small changes in spacing or elevation become noticeable once dozens of trees are planted in a continuous row.
Why Grading Matters for Emerald Cedar Installation
One of the biggest considerations on this property was the uneven grade. When a yard slopes, the soil level at one tree may be higher or lower than the soil level only a few feet away.
This can make trees of the same actual height appear visually different after planting. A cedar installed on a lower section of the property may appear shorter when compared with a nearby fence or neighboring tree, even when the trees themselves are similar in height.
For this reason, fence height should not be used as the only reference when judging the actual height of an Emerald Cedar. Tree height should be measured from the soil line at the base of the tree to the top of the leader.
Emerald Cedar Spacing for a Large Privacy Hedge
Spacing is another important part of creating a consistent hedge. The correct spacing depends on the width of the trees, the level of privacy the homeowner wants and how quickly the hedge should fill in.
For many residential Emerald Cedar hedges, approximately 2.5 to 3 ft centre-to-centre is a common starting point. Larger and fuller cedars may sometimes require slightly more space.
For a detailed explanation, see our Emerald Cedar Spacing Guide.
Planting 10 Ft Emerald Cedars on a Sloped Property
On sloped properties, the goal is not necessarily to force every tree into exactly the same visual line relative to a fence. Instead, the planting should work with the grade of the property while maintaining a natural, consistent hedge line.
This can involve adjusting the planting position, preparing the soil, correcting uneven areas and carefully setting each root ball so the trees establish properly.
Once planted, a large row of Emerald Cedars may still look slightly uneven at first because every tree has its own natural shape. Over time, with proper watering and maintenance, the hedge becomes more visually connected.
How Should Emerald Cedar Height Be Measured?
Emerald Cedar height should be measured from the soil line at the base of the tree to the top of the tree.
Nearby fences, retaining walls and changes in grade can create a misleading visual reference. This is especially noticeable when trees are installed along a slope.
For this project, the cedars were approximately 10 ft tall. Using a measuring tape from the actual soil line gives a much more accurate result than comparing the tree visually against a fence.
Why 10 Ft Emerald Cedars Are Popular for Privacy
10 ft Emerald Cedars are popular because they can provide substantial privacy immediately after installation. Instead of waiting several years for smaller trees to reach screening height, large cedars can create an established look from the beginning.
They are especially useful for backyard privacy, property-line screening, pools, patios and homes where neighboring properties are close together.
You can view our current Emerald Cedar trees for sale to compare available sizes.
Professional Emerald Cedar Installation
Large privacy hedge projects often involve more than planting alone. Depending on the property, installation may include layout planning, grading, soil preparation, spacing adjustments, tree alignment, planting, cleanup and aftercare recommendations.
Z Force Farm provides professional Emerald Cedar installation in Toronto, Markham, North York, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Scarborough and surrounding areas.
Planning a Large Emerald Cedar Hedge?
If you are planning a hedge with 20, 40, 80 or more Emerald Cedars, it is important to consider the total hedge length, tree size, spacing, property grade and desired privacy level before ordering.
Our team can help calculate the approximate number of trees required and recommend suitable spacing based on the actual site conditions.