
The incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), also known as the California incense cedar, is a slow-growing tree native to California and other western states. It can reach heights of 40 to 70 feet, but how tall it grows depends on various factors, including its environment and whether it is selectively pruned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed | Slow initially, but speeds up once roots are established |
| Final Height | 40-70 ft. with age |
| Height in 10 years | 15-20 ft. |
| Width in 10 years | 8-10 ft. |
| Annual Growth | 12-24 inches |
| Spacing | 10-14 ft. between trees, 12-18 ft. between rows |
| Soil | Regular, slightly acidic, sandy loam |
| Water | Does not survive in wet soil |
| Sunlight | Full to partial |
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What You'll Learn

Incense cedars grow to 25-40 ft in urban settings
Incense cedars, or California incense cedars, are slow-growing trees that thrive in urban settings. While they can reach towering heights in the wild, these trees typically grow to more modest sizes in urban environments, making them well-suited for landscaping and gardens.
In urban areas, incense cedars typically attain heights ranging from 25 to 40 feet. This relatively compact size, compared to their wild counterparts, is due to the slower growth rates often observed in urban settings. The trees' growth is influenced by factors such as soil quality, water availability, and space constraints, which can vary significantly in urban landscapes.
The growth rate of incense cedars in their early years is relatively slow, but it gradually accelerates as their roots become established in their planting location. This characteristic makes them excellent candidates for urban planting, as they can be maintained at a manageable size with proper care and selective pruning.
To optimize the growth of incense cedars in urban settings, several factors should be considered. Firstly, these trees prefer full to partial sunlight and perform well in regular soil. While they are tolerant of poor soil and dry conditions, waterlogged soil should be avoided, as incense cedars do not survive in overly wet conditions.
Additionally, when planting incense cedars in urban spaces, it is crucial to maintain adequate spacing between the trees. Each tree should be afforded a minimum of 10 to 14 feet of space, with rows spaced 12 to 18 feet apart to facilitate mowing and maintenance. Proper spacing ensures that the trees have sufficient room to grow and helps prevent competition for resources, promoting their overall health and vigor.
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They grow 12-24 inches annually
Incense cedar trees are slow-growing plants that can reach a height of 25-40 feet in urban settings. They are native to California and other western states, typically found on mountain slopes in coastal and inland ranges. While they are young, incense cedars grow slowly, but their growth accelerates once the roots are established in the planting location. This is when they truly flourish, growing 12-24 inches annually.
These trees have a preference for full to partial sunlight and regular soil. They are adaptable and can tolerate poor soil and dry growing conditions. However, they are not suited for wet soil, so it is important to keep them away from water features in the landscape. When planting, ensure there is a distance of at least 3 feet from any water sources, and avoid locations near building foundations, underground pipes, or wires.
The ideal spacing for incense cedar trees is 10 to 14 feet between each tree, with rows spaced 12 to 18 feet apart. Proper spacing is crucial to allow the trees to reach their full size. Without trimming, these trees can reach 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide within a decade.
With time, the incense cedar trees mature to impressive heights of 40 to 70 feet. This growth is facilitated by their annual increase of 12 to 24 inches. To maintain a smaller size, selective pruning can be employed. The incense cedar, with its annual growth rate of 12 to 24 inches, showcases nature's beauty through its slow but steady ascent toward the sky.
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They grow best in full to partial sunlight
Incense cedar trees are native to California and other western states, including Oregon and Baja California. They grow best in full to partial sunlight and are highly adaptable to their environment, making them a popular choice for landscaping.
When it comes to sunlight, incense cedars thrive in locations that receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Full to partial sunlight exposure promotes their growth and helps them develop their distinctive tall and slender form. However, it is worth noting that while incense cedars favour abundant sunlight, they can also tolerate partial shade, making them versatile trees for landscaping.
The ideal planting site for incense cedars is in an open area with good sun exposure, away from structures and power lines. They require a minimum of 5 feet of clear space around their trunks to ensure healthy growth. When planted near a water feature, it is essential to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet, as incense cedars do not thrive in wet soil.
In terms of soil conditions, incense cedars are remarkably adaptable. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from regular to slightly acidic sandy loam soils. While they prefer well-drained soil, they are also drought-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions. This adaptability makes them suitable for various planting locations, including urban environments and mountain slopes.
The growth rate of incense cedars is relatively slow during their initial years, but it accelerates once their roots become established. With proper care and favourable conditions, these trees can eventually reach impressive heights of up to 40 to 70 feet. However, with selective pruning, their size can be managed to suit specific landscaping needs.
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They grow well in poor soil
Incense cedar trees (Calocedrus decurrens), also known as California incense cedars, are native to California and other western states, including central Oregon and Baja California. They are slow-growing trees, reaching 15 to 20 feet tall within the first ten years. Eventually, they can grow to heights of 40 to 70 feet. These trees thrive in slightly acidic, sandy loam soils found in meadow habitats, particularly in the central Sierra Nevada at elevations between 2,000 and 8,200 feet.
While they can grow in a range of soil conditions, incense cedars tolerate poor soil and dry growing environments. They are well-adapted to survive in such conditions and do not require rich or fertile soil to thrive. This adaptability makes them suitable for areas with less-than-ideal soil quality.
When planting incense cedar trees, it is important to ensure that the soil is not too waterlogged. Avoid planting them near water features, as the soil in these areas tends to be too wet for the trees' survival. Incense cedars prefer a drier soil environment and can even tolerate dry growing conditions. Therefore, keeping them at a slight distance from water sources or water-prone areas is crucial for their successful growth.
The ideal planting location for incense cedars is in full to partial sunlight with regular soil. They do not require highly fertile or nutrient-rich soil to flourish. This characteristic makes them a good choice for areas with poor soil quality or drought-prone regions. The trees' ability to tolerate and adapt to less-than-ideal soil conditions is a significant advantage, especially in landscapes where soil quality may be a limiting factor for other plant species.
To optimize the growth of incense cedars in poor soil, certain considerations should be made. Firstly, ensure that the planting site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the trees. Additionally, providing organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine straw, can be beneficial. This mulch helps retain moisture around the roots while also suppressing the growth of competing weeds, giving the incense cedars a better chance to thrive even in less fertile soil.
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They grow best when planted in groves
Incense cedar trees, or *Calocedrus decurrens*, are native to California and other western states in the US. They are slow-growing trees that can reach heights of 40 to 70 feet. While they are young, incense cedars grow slowly, but their growth rate increases once the roots are established. These trees are well-suited to poor soil and dry growing conditions, making them a hardy choice for landscapes.
When planting incense cedars, it is important to consider their spacing. These trees require adequate space to grow to their full potential. When planted in a grove, each incense cedar tree should be spaced 10 to 14 feet apart from the next. This spacing allows for the trees to develop their distinctive woodland character. The rows of trees should be separated by 12 to 18 feet, providing ample room for growth and maintenance.
To achieve the desired grove effect, it is recommended to plant incense cedars in the fall through the spring. Proper spacing is crucial, as these trees need at least 5 feet of clear space around their trunks. When planting near a water feature, maintain a distance of at least 3 feet, as incense cedars do not thrive in wet soil. The ideal location for these trees is in full to partial sunlight with regular soil.
The growth of incense cedars can be influenced by selective pruning. While they can reach impressive heights, pruning can help maintain a smaller size. To encourage optimal growth, it is best to allow the trees to grow without interference, adopting a hands-off approach. However, if the main growth leader breaks or dies, it is important to choose a single new leader and remove any competing growth.
In summary, incense cedar trees thrive when planted in groves, providing a beautiful woodland aesthetic. By following the recommended spacing guidelines, these trees can develop into a stunning natural feature. With their slow but steady growth, incense cedars are a wise choice for those seeking to enhance their landscapes with a touch of nature's beauty.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense-cedars typically grow to between 25 and 70 feet tall.
Incense-cedars grow slowly when they are young, but their growth speeds up once the roots are established. They grow between 12 and 24 inches each year.
To help your incense-cedar reach its full height, make sure it has enough space. Each tree needs 10 to 14 feet of space around it, and the rows should be 12 to 18 feet apart.
The best place for an incense-cedar is somewhere with full or partial sunlight and regular soil. They can't survive in wet soil, so don't plant them too close to a water feature. They also need to be kept away from wires, building foundations, and underground pipes.
Incense-cedars require very little pruning, but they can be pruned to keep them smaller.










































