Hedges: What is the best way to care for my cedars?

Hi. I live in Halifax, N.S. and have recently planted a hedge of pyramidal cedars. They say they grow fast and that they make a great hedge. I have been feeding Starbuck's (!) coffee grounds to my other cedars and was wondering if this is a good thing. My brother in Vancouver says they love the stuff. Is this a good practice? Lots of water too, right? What else can I do to help them grow tall (15ft.) and lush? Also, the emerald cedars I planted last summer got a bit brown over the winter. What can I do to help them?

Thanks!

David