How to Plant Blue Atlas Cedar Trees

The blue Atlas cedar tree is from the family Pinaceae and it is a native tree to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 8. When mature, this tree can grow to heights of 40 to 60 feet, with a spread of 25 to 40 feet. If you have a big area without other vegetation, this would be the perfect tree to fill that area. While young, this tree may look scrawny, almost like a Charlie Brown tree. But don’t let this fool you. The Atlas cedar tree is a fast grower when it is young. As it gets older, the growth slows and the tree fills out to look beautiful.

Blue Atlas cedar trees are wonderful to grow for several reasons. The blue Atlas tree can grow well in a number of soils like clay, loam, sand, slightly alkaline, acidic soils. This tree is bug and disease resistant and it requires no pruning. I love cedar trees, but I am not a fan when they are pruned of their lower branches. I prefer them to keep that natural look.

Location

Find an area that will allow plenty of room for the blue Atlas to grow. Because the bottom branches will have a spread of 25 to 40 feet, keep that in mind as you plant it. You should lave adequate space between this tree and other trees, buildings, driveways, and sidewalks.

For a healthier tree, choose a location that has the full sun exposure. It can grow in an area that has part shade, but it won’t be as spectacular.

Prepare the Planting Site

Remove the vegetation in a 3 to 4 foot diameter circle. Cedar trees grow better in an area where it does not have to compete for moisture and nutrients. In the center of the circle, dig a hole with a diameter double the width of the cedar’s rootball, but keep the planting depth the same. Scuff the bottom and sides of the planting hole with the edge of your shovel or spade. This loosens the soil so the roots have an easier time growing beyond the walls of the hole.

Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain away naturally. This insures adequate moisture deep in the ground for the roots to seek out.

Remove the blue Atlas cedar tree from its container, keeping the rootball intact. If you have trouble removing the pot, cut the plastic away with a knife. Don’t cut too deep or you will cut damage the root system. If your tree comes wrapped in natural burlap, you can plant the burlap-wrapped rootball in the hole. Do not remove the burlap until the rootball is in the hole so you don’t break the soil around the rootball. After you have it in the hole, pull down the top half of the burlap to expose the top part of the rootball.

Planting the Rootball

Insert the rootball in the center of the hole. Check the to make sure that the top of the rootball is level with surrounding ground. If your tree was wrapped in natural burlap, remove the top fastener holding the burlap in place and pull the burlap down so it is 1 or 2 inches below the soil line

Fill in around the rootball with soil. As you fill in the hole, gently firm the soil with your hands to remove air pockets. Don’t pack the soil, or it will turn hard and the roots will struggle to grow through.

Set the water hose to a slow flow and water the blue Atlas cedar tree thoroughly. For the first month, water your tree every other day. After that, gradually decrease the watering to once a week for the first year.

Mulch

Cover the cleared section with 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch. This helps stop the weeds from growing and maintains soil moisture.

Souces:

University of Florida: Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’ pdf

· “American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants”; Christopher Brickell; 2004

· “National Garden Book”; Sunset Books; 1997