Hi everyone, I'm new to the boards here. I'm having a difficult time finding answers to these questions, so I decided to join and post them myself. We live in Brampton, the soil in our area is fairly clay based (I believe it's primarily clay anyway). We are planning to plant 13 Emerald Cedars next week, which we have recently purchased from a local garden center. They are healthy and are a nice sized tree, roughly standing 4 feet tall right now. There are existing beds that currently hold a few leafy bushes, and that is where we plan to place our cedars after ripping out the bushes. The bushes in there now have grown and done well - so I'm guessing the soil isn't that bad. We also have an irrigation system (although we do plan to water them and care for them with a hose too.) The goal we are aiming for is a privacy type fencing/wind barrier. While I know the Emerald Cedar is not the ideal tree for the job, it's what fits in, looks decent, and didn't break the bank to buy - no going back now! The garden center recommended a spacing of 2 feet from stem to stem. Is this adequate, or too close/far? I'm also curious as to how far we should be planting the first tree that is closest to the house? I don't want the roots to cause problems to our foundation, but I also don't want a huge gap to see through. I purchased a fertilizer starter recommended by the garden center also. I guess the only thing left is if I should be beefing up the soil that is existing, and if so, with what? I will be putting down some mulch in the coming weeks, but not just yet. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Have a look at this. http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda chalker-scott/FactSheets/Planting fact sheet.pdf
