How far apart to plant cedars for privacy?

For privacy screening in New Brunswick, plant cedar trees 4-6 feet apart on center for a solid privacy barrier within 3-5 years. This spacing allows the trees to grow together naturally while preventing overcrowding as they mature.

The exact spacing depends on your timeline and budget. Closer spacing (4 feet apart) creates privacy faster but costs more upfront and may require selective removal in 15-20 years as trees compete. Wider spacing (6-8 feet apart) is more economical and gives trees room to develop their natural shape, but takes 5-7 years for complete privacy.

For New Brunswick's climate zones (4a-5b), Eastern White Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar are your best options. Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is particularly popular because it tolerates our clay soils, handles Maritime humidity well, and provides dense year-round screening. These typically grow 12-24 inches per year in good conditions and can reach 15-25 feet at maturity.

Consider your mature size when spacing. Eastern White Cedar spreads 8-12 feet wide at maturity, so 6-foot spacing allows them to just touch when fully grown. If you're planting along a property line, ensure you're staying within your boundaries - a 10-foot tall cedar planted 2 feet from the line will eventually overhang your neighbor's property.

Plant in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September) in New Brunswick when soil moisture is adequate and trees can establish before winter stress. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, and amend our typically acidic clay soils with compost. Water deeply once weekly during the first two growing seasons, especially during July-August dry spells.

For a professional installation with proper spacing, soil preparation, and plant selection, consider hiring a landscaper who understands NB growing conditions. They can also advise on drainage needs and help you choose varieties that will thrive in your specific microclimate, whether you're dealing with coastal winds in Saint John or inland clay soils around Fredericton.

A 100-foot privacy screen typically costs $1,500-$4,000 installed, depending on tree size and site preparation needs.