How Fast Do Emerald Cedars Grow? Ontario Growth Guide

How Fast Do Emerald Cedars Grow in Ontario?

Emerald Cedars are one of the most popular evergreen trees for privacy hedges in Toronto and across Ontario. Their dense green foliage, narrow upright shape, and year-round colour make them an excellent choice for backyard fences, property lines, patios, pools, and other areas where additional privacy is needed.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask before buying is:

How fast do Emerald Cedars grow?

Emerald Cedars are generally considered slow to moderate-growing evergreens. Under good growing conditions, a healthy and established Emerald Cedar can typically add approximately 6–12 inches of height per year, although actual growth can vary considerably depending on sunlight, soil, watering, weather, and the age and condition of the tree.

If your main goal is privacy, it is important to consider not only how fast the trees grow, but also what size you should start with.

You can browse our current Emerald Cedar selection to compare different sizes available at Z Force Farm.

How Much Do Emerald Cedars Grow Each Year?

There is no exact growth rate that applies to every Emerald Cedar.

Under suitable conditions, established Emerald Cedars may grow approximately 6–12 inches per year, but some trees may grow more slowly or quickly depending on their environment.

Several factors influence growth, including:

  • Sunlight

  • Water availability

  • Soil quality

  • Drainage

  • Root establishment

  • Planting location

  • Competition from nearby trees

  • Weather conditions

  • Overall plant health

Newly planted Emerald Cedars may also spend part of their first growing season establishing their root systems rather than producing significant visible top growth.

For this reason, don't be concerned if a newly planted cedar does not immediately grow as quickly as expected.

How Long Does It Take Emerald Cedars to Reach Full Size?

Emerald Cedars are not fast-growing trees that suddenly become huge within a few seasons.

They develop gradually, which is actually one reason they work so well in residential landscapes.

Their relatively controlled growth makes them easier to maintain in narrow spaces and along property lines compared with some much larger evergreen trees.

However, if you're starting with a small cedar and your goal is an 8–10 ft privacy screen, you should expect the process to take several years.

This is why the starting size of the tree is important when planning a privacy hedge.

Small vs. Large Emerald Cedars: Which Should You Buy?

The right size depends on your budget and how quickly you want privacy.

Smaller Emerald Cedars

Smaller trees are generally more affordable and easier to handle.

They can be a good choice if:

  • You have a larger property and need many trees

  • Budget is an important consideration

  • You don't need immediate privacy

  • You're comfortable waiting for the hedge to develop

The main disadvantage is time.

If your trees are several feet shorter than the privacy height you ultimately want, it may take a number of growing seasons before they reach that height.

Larger Emerald Cedars

Larger Emerald Cedars cost more initially, but they can provide a much more established appearance immediately after planting.

They can be a better choice if:

  • Privacy is needed immediately

  • You're screening a neighbouring property

  • You're creating privacy around a pool

  • You want to screen windows or a patio

  • You don't want to wait several years for smaller trees to grow

  • You want the landscape to look mature immediately

At Z Force Farm, we carry Emerald Cedars in multiple sizes throughout the season, including larger specimens when available.

How Long Will a 6 ft Emerald Cedar Take to Reach 10 ft?

This is a common question, but there isn't an exact answer.

If a healthy Emerald Cedar grows approximately 6–12 inches in height during a good growing season, moving from approximately 6 ft to 10 ft could take several years.

However, you should not simply calculate four feet of growth and divide it by an assumed annual growth rate.

Trees do not grow at exactly the same rate every year.

Growth can change depending on:

  • Establishment after transplanting

  • Summer temperatures

  • Rainfall

  • Watering

  • Soil conditions

  • Winter stress

  • Sunlight

  • Competition from surrounding plants

If achieving a 10 ft privacy screen quickly is important, purchasing a larger tree may make more sense than relying on several years of future growth.

Do Emerald Cedars Grow Faster After They Are Established?

They can.

After planting, a cedar needs time to establish new roots in the surrounding soil.

During this period, some of the plant's energy is directed toward root development rather than visible height growth.

Once the root system becomes better established, the tree may produce stronger and more consistent growth.

This is why proper planting and aftercare are so important during the first few growing seasons.

Does Sunlight Affect Emerald Cedar Growth?

Yes.

Emerald Cedars generally perform best when they receive adequate sunlight.

Trees growing in good light conditions usually develop fuller foliage and stronger growth than trees planted in very deep shade.

Partial shade can still be suitable, but very limited sunlight may result in slower or less dense growth.

When planting a privacy hedge, consider how surrounding buildings, fences, and mature trees may affect the amount of sunlight the cedars receive.

Does Watering Help Emerald Cedars Grow Faster?

Proper watering is essential, particularly for newly planted Emerald Cedars.

However, more water does not automatically mean faster growth.

The goal is consistent moisture around the root zone without leaving the roots constantly saturated.

Too little water can cause drought stress and browning.

Too much water, particularly in poorly drained soil, can stress the root system and also negatively affect growth.

Newly planted cedars should be monitored carefully while their roots become established.

Does Fertilizer Make Emerald Cedars Grow Faster?

Fertilizer can support plant growth when nutrients are actually needed, but it should not be viewed as a shortcut for creating a large hedge quickly.

Healthy growth depends first on:

  • Proper planting

  • Adequate sunlight

  • Consistent watering

  • Good drainage

  • Healthy roots

  • Suitable soil conditions

Applying excessive fertilizer to a stressed or newly planted tree does not correct problems such as poor drainage or inadequate watering.

The priority should always be creating healthy growing conditions.

How Can You Help Emerald Cedars Grow Well?

If you want your Emerald Cedars to establish successfully and produce healthy growth, focus on the basics.

Water Properly

Newly planted cedars need consistent moisture while their roots establish.

Avoid allowing the root ball to become completely dry, particularly during hot summer weather.

Provide Good Drainage

Emerald Cedars need moisture, but they should not remain in constantly waterlogged soil.

Give Them Enough Sunlight

Adequate light encourages healthy, dense growth.

Plant at the Correct Depth

Avoid planting the root ball unnecessarily deep.

Use Proper Spacing

Crowding trees too closely can increase competition for water, nutrients, sunlight, and root space.

If you're unsure about spacing, read our guide on How Far Apart Should You Plant Emerald Cedars?

Monitor Newly Planted Trees

Pay particular attention during the first growing season and periods of extreme heat or drought.

Early identification of stress can help prevent more serious problems.

How Fast Will an Emerald Cedar Hedge Fill In?

Height is only part of the equation.

For privacy hedges, homeowners also want the trees to grow together and create a continuous green screen.

How quickly this happens depends on:

  • Starting tree width

  • Tree height

  • Spacing

  • Growing conditions

  • Watering

  • Overall health

Trees planted closer together will visually connect sooner, while trees planted farther apart will take longer to fill the gaps.

However, planting extremely close together is not necessarily better because each tree still needs sufficient growing space.

For most residential privacy projects, the goal is to balance immediate coverage with healthy long-term growth.

Should You Buy Bigger Emerald Cedars for Privacy?

If immediate privacy is your priority, larger Emerald Cedars can make a significant difference.

For example, if the privacy height you want is approximately 8–10 ft, starting with a small tree means waiting several growing seasons before reaching that height.

Starting with an 8–10 ft or 10–11 ft Emerald Cedar can provide much of that screening immediately.

This is especially valuable for:

  • New backyard landscaping

  • New fences with little existing privacy

  • Pool areas

  • Properties facing neighbouring windows

  • Patios and decks

  • Newly constructed homes

On the other hand, if immediate privacy is not necessary, starting with smaller trees can be a more economical way to establish a long-term hedge.

There is no universally correct size—the best option depends on your budget, timeline, and desired level of privacy.

Emerald Cedar Growth in Toronto & Ontario

Ontario's seasonal climate means Emerald Cedars experience active growth during the warmer months followed by winter dormancy.

Their performance can vary from property to property depending on local growing conditions.

A cedar planted in suitable soil with good drainage, adequate sunlight, and proper watering may establish and grow very differently from the same variety planted in compacted soil, deep shade, or an area with poor drainage.

For this reason, it is better to think of annual growth rates as general estimates rather than guarantees.

Shop Emerald Cedars in Toronto

At Z Force Farm, we carry Emerald Cedars for sale in Toronto and the GTA in a range of sizes throughout the season.

Whether you want smaller trees for a long-term hedge or larger Emerald Cedars for more immediate privacy, choosing the right starting size can make a significant difference in the final result.

Shop our current Emerald Cedar selection →

Pickup, delivery, and professional planting services are available throughout Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Stouffville, Aurora, North York, Scarborough, Ajax, and surrounding GTA communities.

If you're unsure what size Emerald Cedar is best for your property, measure the length of your planting area and consider the height of the privacy screen you would like to achieve. Our team can help you determine the appropriate tree size, quantity, and spacing for your project.

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