Lawn Guardian

Eastern Red Cedar Care Guide

Juniperus virginiana

evergreenZones 2–9nativedeer resistant

Tough, adaptable native conifer with aromatic reddish wood. Pyramidal form when young becoming irregular with age. Blue berry-like cones on female trees feed dozens of bird species.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Check for cedar-apple rust Early spring

Look for orange gelatinous galls on branches. Remove galls before they release spores (spores infect nearby apple trees).

Summer

No care needed Summer

Eastern red cedar is extremely low-maintenance once established. No watering, fertilizing, or pruning needed.

Fall

Enjoy berry display and birds Fall through winter

Blue berry-like cones attract flocks of cedar waxwings and other birds.

Ecological value

One of the most important native wildlife trees. Blue berries eaten by cedar waxwings (named for this tree), bluebirds, and 50+ bird species. Dense evergreen cover provides critical winter roosting habitat.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns