The Japanese red-cedar prefers warmer climates with wet or moist woodlands. Big? These elegant, ornamental trees are excellent as specimen trees in large garden landscapes. Japanese cedar fencing comes in two options: Flat Top and Dog Ear. Hello! Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable and stable than cedar in general. Price: $1.75 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. The Japanese red-cedar, otherwise called the "Japanese sugi pine" - known to the Japanese as Sugi - is a large evergreen tree which is native to Japan, can reach up to 70 m in height, and can reach trunk diameters of 4m. For example, some fences might be affordable and might look good while theyre still new, but once you buy them, youll see that problems will arise. The four types of cedar trees are Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) with dark green foliage, Cyprian cedar (Cedrus brevifolia) with bluish-green needle-leaves, Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) with bright green needles and moderately large cones, and cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) with its glaucous, bluish-green foliage. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. hi, can I use Sugi for coorwood wall building? Smooth and supple as butter, straighter, and they never crack or split or warp like western red cedar. Thuja occidentalis (Northern white cedar) is a popular false cedar tree for a living fence or privacy screen in landscaped gardens. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. When it comes to maintenance on a Western red cedar fence, youre going to restain it about every five years. In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. Would you need to treat first? If you have a faade siding or interior wall siding project, and you love the beautiful and naturally durable, go with Western Red Cedar. Responds poorly to steam bending. 0000003556 00000 n This is especially true when you have professional fence installers likeTexas Best Fenceput up your fence for you. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Quick facts Cedar-apple rust and related rust fungi need plants from two plant families to complete their life cycle; Cupressaceae family (eastern red cedar and other junipers) and Rosaceae (apple, hawthorn, serviceberry). 0000003293 00000 n With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. I do not know if on average which type of cedar is overall more longer-lasting. Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. However, the Spanish faux cedar is a semi-deciduous, broad-leafed tree with ovate leaflets making up the leaves. Good Luck. Unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting the look and curb appeal of your fence. %PDF-1.5 % There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. It is a handsome tree and only grows prettier with age, with the most striking feature being its pyramidal shape with dense branches, spreading in concentric circles. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. The large woody, barrel-shaped cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long and 2.4 (6 cm) wide. With the Western Red Cedar, you have more consistency and it is more native to the market. What makes certain species of wood differ from others? Sometimes thewood is traditionally charred black (increasing its fire and rot resistance) using a Japanese technique known as shou sugi ban; such flame-treated planks are commonly used as siding. Depending on the weather and climate it lasts 15-30 years. 0000002094 00000 n You can tell if you are looking at a yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), or western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and not at a pine tree because these species dont have needles like pine or spruce trees. Northern white cedar resists decay and insect infestation like its western red cousin, making it similarly suitable for outdoor projects, such as shingles, posts, and decking. These cones will be covered in thin scales. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . https://sciencetrends.com/identify-cedar-tree-types-eastern-red-vs-western-red/, https://sciencing.com/juniper-trees-called-cedar-trees-6638095.html, https://oregonstate.edu/trees/conifer_genera/true_cedar.html, http://www.livius.org/articles/misc/cedar/, https://sciencing.com/cedar-tree-identification-5378794.html, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/eastern_redcedar.html, http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/publications/handbooks_guides/forest_trees/pdf/eastern_redcedar.pdf, https://www.slowfoodusa.org/ark-item/eastern-red-cedar-berries, http://www.bluebulbprojects.com/measureofthings/results.php?comp=length&unit=ft&amt=60&sort=pr&p=1, http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/publications/handbooks_guides/forest_trees/pdf/atlantic_white_cedar.pdf, https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_chth2.pdf. Just beware of the knotty areas. The cones mature in the fall, and turn a reddish brown with small scales. Go with the red cedar! The Eastern Red Cedar is much shorter overall than the Western Red Cedar, typically being between 16 to 66 feet tall (5 to 20 m) with a trunk between 12 to 39 inches (30 to 100 cm) in diameter. True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. 2. However, how should you go about choosing the best wood for your fence? It varies in elevation from sealevel to over 1,000 meters. 0000001156 00000 n sales@allstate-fence.com, Fence Repair & Fence Installation - Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland. Typically the shittiest pickets are 5/8" thick at Lowes or Home Depot- Western Red Cedar, and they are HORRIBLE. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). You generally find western red cedars in the Midwestern United States. Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. Difficult? The timber is fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, strong, and has a very low density, which makes it useful for furniture making and home construction. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. The Cyprian cedar is one of the rarest types of cedars. It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. Our Japanese Red-Cedar won't reach the height of a full grown Red-Cedar since cultivation in the US is associated with much smaller (50-60 ft) versions. These trees still line the path to the temple, andare considered some of the most stately and impressive displays of trees in all of Japan. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. Japanese Cedar When you choose cedar as a fencing material, you expect strength to be a top benefit. For example, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are false cedars in the cypress family. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource. Common Uses: Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. X Moderate natural luster. Poplar, Cottonwood, and Aspen: Whats What? However, these types of wood need to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Common Uses:Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. Unfortunately, Japanese cedar fencing falls short in this regard. A thin band of creamy white sapwood surrounds the wood's light brown heartwood, with knots often present. Knots are common. From our experience, we believe that if you get it off the ground and installed with a metal post, it could be possible to get 15-20 years out of it. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. 29 0 obj <> endobj Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. 0000044399 00000 n Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. I had a similar question- is this reliable material for fencing compared to western red cedar and are most japanese cedar fences similar or are there different levels of quality within the japanese cedar wood? A Sub-Reddit dedicating to fences & barriers; showing your labor, sharing your wisdom, pretty pictures and learning from others. 0000003824 00000 n Reply SnobbyDobby Additional comment actions Expert here. The Japanese red-cedar, otherwise called the "Japanese sugi pine" - known to the Japanese as Sugi - is a large evergreen tree which is native to Japan, can reach up to 70 m in height, and can reach trunk diameters of 4m. Cedar however, makes the guitar sound darker, warmer and generally fuller. They dont grow to more than 40 ft. (12 m) tall in garden landscapes and are ideal for full sun and hot, arid conditions. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. By using our site, you agree to our. 0000188853 00000 n Check out our Tips for Choosing a Reputable Fence Company here.. Request a Free Estimate From A Better Fence Company Today! The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. For pickets - Japanese is decent. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. HWr}WL*U)2~yHHQ, The specific links on this site are affiliate links (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) and help support the site at no extra cost to you. Saturday 8:00 AM 1:00 PM. For example, the Thuja plicata Fluffy is a pyramid-shaped dwarf tree that grows up to 10 ft. (3 m). What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Both western red cedars and eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that adapt to various growing conditions. Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to decay. Registered Professional Biologist. Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) reigns supreme for the production of decking, siding, shingles, and outdoor structures because of its natural decay resistance, ability to repel water, and abundance. 1-866-812-1994 This is because of how you will either need to spend a lot of money on repairs for your fence, or you might need to get a new fence completely. Period. 0000004086 00000 n Moisture Below 18% Place of Origin China Features easily assembled, eco-friendly, rodent-proof, etc. These trees have a pyramid shape. When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Cedar board is typically closer to a true 1 thickness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4 thick. Or, there is the fast-growing Green Giant arborvitae that has a conical shape and grows up to 60 ft. (18 m). woodmagazine.com/woodprofiles, Aromatic Cedar: Myth or Mothbuster, woodmagazine.com/aromatic, Cedrus libani, the cedar of the Bible: woodmagazine.com/biblicalcedar, Build a mahogany and aromatic cedar blanket chest. Western Red Cedar Fence will last for 20 years and Japanese Cedar is unknown because its new to the market. Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. Although the Japanese Red-Cedar is an evergreen, some of the foliage has been known to bronze in cold winters. Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. This member of the cypress family grows from southern Alaska through northern California and in the Rocky Mountains. 0000003258 00000 n Also known as Alaska cedar, this tree (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) grows in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska through British Columbia and into Oregon. Though categorized as a softwood, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is exceptionally dense. The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. There are differences between the two cedars. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/aid10122095-v4-728px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"