Cedrus Atlantica: How To Grow An Atlas Cedar Tree

If you love cedar trees and have a large space for growing one, an atlas cedar tree (Cedrus atlantica) is a fine ornamental choice. One of the true cedar trees, it takes its common name from its home region, the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa. It is an evergreen conifer with a pyramidal shape when young, but it develops spreading branches and becomes more flat-topped as it matures. 

Mature trees typically reach 60 feet (18m) or less, but sometimes grow taller. The one-inch (1.5 cm) curved needles on this conifer grow in clusters and are an eye-popping silver blue. These stay on the tree year-round and are a primary ornamental feature.

Although growing cedar trees like these is not tricky, there are a few basic requirements. The atlas cedar growth rate is fairly slow, less than 12in (30cm) a year. However, the tree needs plenty of room to expand. Be careful when choosing a planting site for the atlas cedar, since it works best as a specimen tree, standing alone and allowed to grow to its mature height and width. However, once established, you should find that it doesn’t require much care. 

Make sure atlas cedars get plenty of sun. It grows best in a site with full sun, although it will tolerate partial sunlight. These trees can handle moderate drought, but they prefer moist soil. 

While atlas cedar trees can cope with sandy and clay soils, they do best in deep, acidic loam soil with excellent drainage. Fortunately, you don’t need to add fertilizer to keep these trees in good condition.

Strong wind and heavy snowfall can damage or break the branches. The tree is also susceptible to several atlas cedar diseases, including Phytophthora, root rot, sooty mold and tip blight.

Planting is relatively straightforward – just