There are many types of cedar trees, but the two most common are Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar. Both of these trees are used for a variety of purposes, but there are some key differences between them. Eastern red cedar is native to the eastern United States and Canada, while Western red cedar is native to the western United States and Canada.
Eastern red cedar is a smaller tree than Western red cedar, with a height of 30-50 feet compared to 50-80 feet for Western red Cedar. The leaves of Eastern and Western red Cedar are also different. Eastern Red Cedar has scale-like leaves that grow in pairs, while Western Red Cedar has needles that grow in clusters of three.
One of the most important differences between Eastern and Western Red Cedar is their wood. Eastern Red Cedar heartwood is light reddish brown, while Western Red Cedar heartwood is pinkish or reddish brown. The sapwood of both trees is white or pale yellow.
But only Eastern Red Cedar produces the aromatic oil that gives it its characteristic scent.
Difference Between Eastern And Western Red Cedar?
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) are two species of evergreen trees that are often confused with one another. Though they share some similarities, there are also many differences between these two species. For one, Eastern Red Cedar is native to the eastern United States while Western Red Cedar is native to the western United States.
This difference in location is due to different soil and climate preferences; Eastern Red Cedars prefer drier soils and warmer climates while Western Red Cedars prefer moister soils and cooler climates. Another difference between these two species is their size; Eastern Red Cedars typically grow to be 30-60 feet tall while Western Red Cedars can grow to be 100-200 feet tall! Additionally, Eastern Red Cedars have smaller leaves (1/8”-1/2” long) than Western Red Cedars (3/4”-1 1/2” long).
Finally, the wood of these two species differs in color and strength. Eastern Red Cedar wood is reddish brown with a streaked or mottled appearance, while Western Red Cedar wood is yellowish brown with a straight grain. In terms of strength, EasternRed Cedar wood is considered soft while WesternRed Cedar wood is considered very strong.
Is Western Red Cedar the Same As Eastern Red Cedar?
There are actually two different types of red cedar trees – western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Both types of trees are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round, but that’s about where the similarities end. Western red cedars are much taller than eastern red cedars, growing up to 200 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 12 feet.
Eastern red cedars only grow to be about 50-60 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 3-4 feet. Western red cedars also have a much longer lifespan – they can live for over 1,000 years! Eastern red cedars only live for around 100-200 years.
The wood from these two types of trees is also very different. Western red Cedar wood is soft and lightweight, making it easy to work with. It’s often used in furniture and cabinetry because it has a beautiful reddish color and a pleasant smell.
Eastern red Cedar wood is much harder and denser, making it better suited for things like fence posts and firewood.
Eastern Red Cedar Vs Western Red Cedar for Fence
Here’s a look at the key differences between these two types of wood to help you make your decision: Eastern Red Cedar is more widely available than Western Red Cedar, making it the less expensive option.
It’s also easier to work with, so it’s a good choice if you’re planning on installing your own fence. Western Red Cedar is more durable than Eastern Red Cedar and is often used in commercial applications. It’s also less likely to warp or shrink, making it a good choice for high-wind areas.
Both types of wood are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, but Western Red Cedar has better moisture resistance. This makes it a good choice for areas with high humidity or rainfall.
Difference between Red And White Cedar Trees
When it comes to cedar trees, there are two main types that people often confuse with one another: red cedar and white cedar. While these two types of trees may look similar, they actually have quite a few differences that set them apart. Here is a closer look at the key difference between red and white cedar trees:
Red Cedar Trees:
Red cedar trees are actually a type of juniper tree, which is part of the cypress family. They are native to North America and can be found in areas from Canada all the way down to Mexico.
These trees typically grow to be between 30 and 50 feet tall, with some specimens reaching up to 80 feet tall. The bark of red cedar trees is thin and reddish-brown in color, while the leaves are small scale-like needles that are arranged in pairs along the branchlets. The cones produced by red cedars are berry-like fruits that range in color from blue to purple.
White Cedar Trees:
White cedar trees, on the other hand, belong to the pine family. They are also native to North America and can be found growing throughout eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
White cedars typically grow to be between 40 and 60 feet tall, but some specimens can reach up to 100 feet tall! The bark of white cedars is thick and scaly, ranging in color from brownish-red to almost black. The leaves of these trees are needle-like but much larger than those of red cedars; they also tend to be bluish-green in coloration.
White cedars produce cones that contain large seeds; these cones usually mature within 18 months after pollination occurs.
White Cedar Vs Red Cedar Cost
When it comes to choosing a type of cedar for your home, there are two main types you can choose white cedar and red cedar. Both of these types of cedar have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks that you should take into consideration before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll be comparing the two types of cedar in terms of cost so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
White Cedar:
White cedar is typically more expensive than red cedar due to its higher quality and durability. It’s also less likely to warp or rot over time, making it a great choice for long-term projects. However, white cedar can be difficult to find since it’s not as widely available as red cedar.
Red Cedar:
Red Cedar is a more affordable option when compared to white cedars. While it’s not as durable as its counterpart, it is still a sturdy wood that can withstand the elements. Plus, it’s easier to find since it’s more widely available at most lumberyards and home improvement stores.
Key Characteristics of the Eastern Red Cedar
If you’re looking for a tough, durable tree that can withstand a wide range of conditions, the Eastern red cedar is a great option. Also known as Juniperus virginiana, this evergreen conifer is native to North America and can be found from Canada to Florida. Here are some of the key characteristics of the Eastern red cedar:
Height and Spread:
The Eastern red cedar typically grows to between 30 and 50 feet tall, with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. However, they can occasionally reach heights of 80 feet. Growth Rate: This tree grows relatively quickly for its size, adding around 2 feet per year.
Foliage:
The small-scale-like leaves of the Eastern red cedar are arranged in whorls around the branches. They are dark green in color and turn bronze-tinged in winter. Each leaf is just 1/8 inch long and has a sharp point at the tip.
Flowers and Fruit:
The flowers of this tree are very small (just 1/16 inch across) and grouped together in cones. They bloom in May or June, followed by clusters of blue-black berries that ripen in September or October. Birds love these berries!
What Should You Consider Using Eastern Red Cedar Decking?
If you’re looking for a beautiful, natural option for your decking, look no further than Eastern red cedar decking. This type of decking is made from real cedar wood, which gives it a rustic look that’s perfect for any outdoor space. Not only does it look great, but it’s also extremely durable and easy to maintain.
Here are all the reasons you should consider using Eastern red cedar decking for your next project:
1. It’s naturally beautiful. There’s no need to stain or paint cedar decking – it looks gorgeous just the way it is. The rich reddish hue of the wood will add warmth and character to any space.
2. It’s extremely durable. Cedar is one of the most durable woods on the market, so you can rest assured your deck will last for years to come.
3. It’s easy to maintain. Unlike other types of wood, cedar doesn’t require much maintenance – a simple cleaning with soap and water will keep it looking like new.
4. It resists rot and decay. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, so you won’t have to worry about your deck deteriorating over time.
5. It’s insect-resistant. Insects are attracted to many types of wood, but they don’t stand a chance against cedar!
Two Best Ways to Improve Eastern Red Cedar
Although Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) is a naturally durable species, it is not immune to decay. The heartwood of this tree contains high concentrations of natural preservatives, which give the wood its resistance to rot and insect damage. However, when the wood is exposed to excessive moisture or humidity, these preservatives can leach out, leaving the wood vulnerable to fungal attack.
There are several ways to improve the rot resistance of Eastern red cedar. One is to use a preservative treatment before construction. This can be done by applying a water-repellent sealer or stain to the lumber before it is used in construction.
Another way to improve rot resistance is by proper installation and ventilation. Make sure that any structure built with Eastern red cedar has adequate ventilation so that the wood can dry out if it becomes wet. Eastern red cedar is a beautiful and durable lumber species that can last for many years if properly cared for.
By taking some simple precautions during construction and installation, you can ensure that your Eastern red cedar structures will stand up to the elements for years to come.
Credit: treefrogcreative.ca
How Do I Identify Eastern Red Cedar?
If you’re looking to identify an eastern red cedar, also known as Juniperus virginiana, there are a few key characteristics you can look for. For one, this tree is relatively small, only growing to about 30-60 feet tall. It has a conical shape with a dense crown of branches and scale-like leaves.
The bark is thin and reddish brown in color, often with shredding or peeling strips. And finally, the cones produced by this tree are berry-like and blue-gray in color. If you see a tree that matches these descriptions, it’s likely an eastern red cedar!
Alternatively, when you’re looking for Western red cedar, also known as Thuja plicata, there are a few things you can look for. The first is the tree’s needles. They should be soft to the touch and arranged in flat sprays.
The second is the cones. They should be small and round with scaly scales. Finally, take a look at the bark.
It should be reddish-brown in color and have a strong, aromatic smell.
Is Eastern Red Cedar Good for Outdoor Use?
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a species of juniper native to eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It occurs in humid areas, often along rivers and streams. Eastern red cedar is a large evergreen coniferous tree growing to 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
It has a conical crown, with horizontal branches spreading outwards at the tips. The foliage forms dense sprays, green above and blue-green below. The leaves are scale-like, 2–5 mm long and 1–2 mm broad on most shoots; they are arranged in decussate opposite pairs or whorls of three on older trees.
On young trees and on side shoots, they are needle-like and 5–10 mm long. The cones are berry-like, 6–9 mm in diameter, blue-black with a white waxy coating; they contain one seed each but remain closed until maturity when the woody scales open slightly at the tip to release the seeds for dispersal by birds that eat them. The eastern redcedar is specially adapted to fire.[8]
Its thin bark chars easily which kills competing for vegetation[citation needed], allowing it room to grow as other trees succumb after fires.[citation needed] The hardiness of this hickory makes it an ideal tree for outdoor use in harsh weather conditions.