| Japanese cryptomeria is a beautiful evergreen | | | | Begin by digging a hole in your desired location at |
| with an attractive pyramid shape and feathery, | | | | least twice the size of your tree's root ball. |
| bluish-green foliage that sometimes turns bronze | | | | Before placing your tree in the hole, carefully |
| in the winter. It is sometimes called Japanese | | | | loosen the roots with your fingers. Backfill with |
| Cedar, which is a misnomer, as it is not actually a | | | | soil, and water deeply. Place a good layer of mulch |
| cedar at all. | | | | around the tree, to help retain moisture and |
| Most cryptomeria trees will reach heights of 60 | | | | control weeds. |
| feet or more, with a spread of 25 to 30 feet, | | | | Maintenance and Care |
| although there are smaller cultivars available. For all | | | | As your tree's root system is getting established, |
| of its beauty, it is a relatively easy-to-grow tree. | | | | you will need to keep it watered very well. Once |
| It thrives in a wide range of soil types, tolerates | | | | it is established, it will still need supplemental water |
| moderate winds and tends to grow quickly. Here | | | | in times of drought or whenever conditions are |
| are some tips for growing cryptomeria in your | | | | very dry. You can fertilize you tree every couple |
| yard. | | | | of years, but be sure to apply fertilizer early in |
| Choosing a Location | | | | the growing season. Crytomeria does require |
| Cryptomeria trees prefer a sunny location, but | | | | regular pruning, both for shaping and to keep the |
| they can handle some shade. They grow best in | | | | tree healthy by allowing light and air to circulate |
| an area with moist, rich soil, although they will | | | | through the inner branches. This type of regular |
| tolerate other types of soil as well. Since your | | | | pruning can help your tree avoid fungal and pest |
| cryptomeria will grow to be quite large, be sure to | | | | problems. |
| allow plenty of clearance near buildings, power | | | | Cryptomeria is an attractive alternative to more |
| lines and other trees. When planted in rows, | | | | common types of evergreens. With very little |
| cryptomeria make an unusual and attractive | | | | care, it will add lovely color and interest to your |
| privacy screen or tall hedge. | | | | landscape year round. |
| Planting | | | | |