Lawn Guardian

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria) Care Guide

Cryptomeria japonica

evergreenZones 5–9deer resistant

Graceful pyramidal evergreen with soft, dense foliage. Attractive reddish-brown bark. An elegant alternative to arborvitae and Leyland cypress for screens.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Remove winter-browned foliage Early spring

Foliage may bronze in cold winters. Green color returns in spring. Remove any dead brown areas.

Summer

Prune for shape if needed Early summer

Selectively prune to maintain natural pyramidal form. Avoid shearing.

Fall

Deep water before winter Late fall

Thorough watering in fall prevents winter burn.

Never miss a japanese cedar (cryptomeria) care window again

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

Get your free plan

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