If you get cedar spacing wrong, everything else falls apart.
Plant them too far apart and you’ll be staring at gaps for years. Plant them too close and they compete, thin out, and never establish properly.
This is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes I see in Ontario yards.
Here’s how to space cedar hedges properly so they actually fill in and give you privacy.
The Short Answer
For most Ontario properties:
- 2 feet apart → fastest privacy, denser hedge
- 3 feet apart → balanced growth + lower cost
- Anything beyond 3 feet → noticeable gaps for years
If your goal is privacy, 2–2.5 feet is usually the sweet spot.
Why Spacing Matters So Much
Cedar hedges don’t magically fill space—they grow outward over time.
Spacing determines:
- How quickly the hedge closes in
- How dense it becomes
- How healthy the plants stay long-term
Too much space = slow results
Too little space = competition for water and nutrients
You’re trying to hit the balance between speed and long-term health.
Recommended Spacing by Goal
Fast Privacy (Most Homeowners Want This)
- Spacing: 2 feet on center
- Result: hedge fills in within ~2–3 years
This creates a tighter wall of greenery much sooner. It costs more upfront (more plants), but most people are happier with the result.
Balanced Approach
- Spacing: 2.5–3 feet
- Result: fills in within ~3–5 years
This is a good middle ground if you’re trying to manage cost without sacrificing too much density.
Budget Spacing (Use Carefully)
- Spacing: 3–4 feet
This saves money on day one—but you’ll be waiting significantly longer for privacy, and the hedge may never fully close without extra pruning and patience.
In most cases, I don’t recommend pushing spacing this far unless the budget forces it.
What “On Center” Actually Means
Spacing is measured from the center of one trunk to the center of the next.
Not edge-to-edge.
This is where a lot of DIY installs go wrong.
How Long Until a Cedar Hedge Fills In?
In Ontario conditions, assuming proper care:
- 2 ft spacing: ~2–3 years
- 3 ft spacing: ~3–5 years
- 4 ft spacing: 5+ years (and often uneven)
Growth depends heavily on:
- Sun exposure
- Watering in the first 2 seasons
- Soil conditions
But spacing is still the biggest factor you control upfront.
What Size Cedars Should You Start With?
This affects spacing decisions more than people think.
- 3–4 ft cedars: slower initial fill-in, spacing matters more
- 5–6 ft cedars: faster results, more forgiving
- 7–8 ft cedars: near-instant screening, expensive
If you’re going smaller, tighter spacing becomes even more important.
Common Spacing Mistakes
1. Trying to Save Money by Spreading Them Out
This usually backfires. You save on plants, but lose years of privacy.
2. Planting Too Close Together
Less common, but still happens.
Cedars need airflow and root space. Overcrowding can lead to thinning and weaker growth over time.
3. Not Accounting for Property Lines
Always check your exact layout before planting. A hedge that creeps over the line becomes a long-term issue.
Planting Tips That Make a Big Difference
Spacing is only part of the equation. A few basics go a long way:
- Water deeply and consistently for the first 1–2 years
- Add mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Avoid letting roots dry out during planting
- Consider burlap protection in exposed, windy areas
Most hedge failures aren’t from spacing alone—they’re from poor establishment.
Cost Reality (Why Spacing Decisions Matter)
Let’s say you’re planting along a 50 ft property line:
- 2 ft spacing: ~25 plants
- 3 ft spacing: ~17 plants
That’s a big difference in upfront cost—but also a big difference in how fast you get privacy.
This is where you decide what matters more: saving now vs. waiting later.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is a full, private hedge as quickly as possible, don’t overthink it:
→ Plant cedars 2–2.5 feet apart
It’s the most reliable way to get a dense, consistent screen without regrets a few years down the line.
Choosing the Right Cedar for Your Hedge
Spacing is only half the equation. The type of cedar you choose will affect how fast your hedge fills in, how dense it gets, and how well it handles Ontario winters.
If you’re still deciding between options like white cedar, emerald, or faster-growing varieties, you can read the full breakdown here:
https://thebackyardbreakthrough.com/best-privacy-hedges-ontario-fast-growing-winter-hardy/