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White cedar trees are also known as eastern white cedar, northern white cedar, arborvitae and swamp-cedar. They are native to a wide range, extending from the southern part of the eastern half of Canada through the adjoining neighboring states of the United States. White cedars grow naturally in two different environments under two different soil conditions. The one similarity is that the soil must contain a somewhat high level of pH.
Lowlands
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Cedar lowland swamp habitats are found in multiple landscapes -- in former glacial drainways, on outwash plains, between glacial drumlins, or along the margin of lakes and streams, according to Michigan State University's forestry department. Over the centuries since the glaciers, the resulting pockets filled with organic peat. Cedar prefers locations where decomposition is rapid, with peat from 1 to 6 feet thick, mixed with decomposed wood. Active movement of groundwater containing large amounts of oxygen, resulting in high pH, is also essential.
Uplands
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White cedar is also found in upland sites with limestone soils that are moist and well drained. They reseed and establish seedlings in open fields, sandy regions and on limestone ridges, where limestone or calcium carbonate is close to the soil surface.
pH in the Soil
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The pH of soil is its acidity. The lower the number, the more the acidity. White cedar prefers soil with a higher pH, which means that it prefers an alkaline soil. Limestone, creates alkaline soil. Before planting a white cedar in your own landscape, be sure to check the soil for acidity. Soil test kits for testing pH are available at most garden shops. A pH level of 6 to 8 is ideal.
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