Japanese cedar (or Japanese sugi) is actually a species of Cryptomeria, while western red cedar is a Thuja, both completely different genera. For pickets - Japanese is decent. Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. You can identify eastern red cedars by the spiky immature bright-green needle leaves that become scale-like as the tree matures. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Generally, the needles are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1cm) long. When purchasing a fence, if you are paying a premium price for cedar, it is important to know what to look for in order to be sure that you are getting a quality cedar fence that will last. Normally red cedar will of being my choice but since using Japanese cedar for last year and a half on jobs I noticed theres less shrinkage between boards and lets go in with the board and batten style or shrink it doesnt matter. Lebanon cedar is a cold hardy true cedar tree which can grow very tall. Cones are usually 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2cm) long. You'll also see single needles in places, which indicate the newest growth on the plant. If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. A number of trees are given the common name of "cedar" in the US, despite belonging to other genera, such as the Juniper genus. Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and interior paneling. I have quotes from 2 different companies for a board on board fence with cap and trim. 0000003824 00000 n I do not know if on average which type of cedar is overall more longer-lasting. Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Research source It varies in elevation from sealevel to over 1,000 meters. %%EOF It looks like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Lebanon cedar. The cedar of Lebanon is a cold-hardy tree, despite coming from warm climates. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. They grow from 100 to 200 feet in height and their scaly leaves fan out in 90-degree V-shapes. 0000004570 00000 n One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. The pickets are thin and flimsy and can split or break during installation. One company says western red is the best and the other says Japanese cedar is grade 1 and the best. Lewisville, Texas 75057 0000188507 00000 n It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Twenty-first century Seattle contains many large specimens . When using this fence you have to put a solid stain on it because its more of hardwood and it doesnt allow the other stain types to penetrate. 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. This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. 0000004181 00000 n Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. 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. That can give you some idea of the tree's height. Looking to build tabletops and counters for a small Japanese restaurant. If the fence company that you choose is using Japanese Cedar rather than Western Red Cedar, you should not be expected to pay the same price for the fence as you would for Western Red Cedar. Endgrain:Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition fairly gradual, color contrast medium-high; tracheid diameter small-medium; diffuse parenchyma. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan. 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? Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. Japanese cedar became popular in 2020 when WRC became difficult to acquire. Fax: 432-563-1159 Find information about 100+ wood species in our online wood reference. Within its range, Spanish cedar gets used for everything from furniture to windows and cabinetry. Eastern red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish tinge and deep reddish-brown streaks. This species of cypress can be identified by its soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. If you're looking for true cedars in the United States, you're not likely to find them, as they are mainly found in the Mediterranean. The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. Its scientific namebrevifoliameans small foliage and refers to the short needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar. The Cyprian cedar is one of the rarest types of cedars. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. This tree is cultivated for its timber, which is why it has been deemed economically productive. Go with the red cedar! There are differences between the two cedars. 0000004427 00000 n Who Wins? The barrel cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly. 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. Cyprian cedar has grayish-brown bark that fissures as the tree matures. Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. Used for centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese Cedar has a beautiful pinkish-red hue and is straight-grained and medium textured. Studies have found some latitudinal variation in the sugi's radial growth. I own and operate a fence company and have installed TENS OF THOUSANDS of Japanese Cedar pickets, 2x4's, and 2x6's. However, the . Michael Simpson, PhD. Less Dimensional Stability & Prone to Mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of pickets. It has very high natural decay resistance. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. When compared to standard wood, you can easily tell the difference with premium wood. These trees also have distinctive cones that are small and grow in clusters. If the fence company that you choose is using Japanese Cedar rather than Western Red Cedar, you should not be expected to pay the same price for the fence as you would for Western Red Cedar. Instead, he proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple where the shogun was buried. You'll be glad you did. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. >rgu23j{F?+j=9cu^l:e+d_GF AU +%T"q%.7 "/`ym->}nO*k`. 0000188965 00000 n stable vs. Western Red Cedar. Temperature is also shown to correlate with growth onset but not duration, that is, warmer temperatures help the tree to start growing earlier, but they do not appear to affect how long the tree will continue growing. Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. The trees may grow 200' tall with trunk diameters of 10'. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Lets look at the identifying features of the four cedar species. Would Sugi Pine be a good choice for this project t? The cones on this tree don't get above 0.25 inches (0.64cm) in diameter. If youre interested in getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere. 0000080086 00000 n 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. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. Although the price is slightly less for Japanese cedar, there are some differences in the properties of the two woods. I would still also avoid oil-based finishes as they might contribute to darkening over time. The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. Donating wood samples and pictures of wood items, Fluorescence: A Secret Weapon in Wood Identification, Ash Wood: Black, White, and Everything in Between, Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian, and Other Rosewoods, Genuine Lignum Vitae and Argentine Lignum Vitae. Red cedar has plicatic acid in it which makes it highly resistant to decay, while I cannot say the same about Japanese sugi, which is not that decay-resistant. The heartwood of this species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink. Clumps of small needles arranged spirally on short and woody stems identify the Cyprian cedar. Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. In these images: A mature incense cedar tree (left), cones (center) and foliage (right). 0000237930 00000 n Even though youve saved money initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money in maintenance. 0000442114 00000 n Did you know that abouthalf of all yardsin America have fences? They grow to between 130 and 160 feet in height. 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. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 12116 Slide Road Q.: How long do cedar fence panels last? The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Moisture Below 18% Place of Origin China Features easily assembled, eco-friendly, rodent-proof, etc. The Japanese Red Cedar is susceptible to Phytophthora root disease, Armillaria root rot, and Juniper blight. If you choose the Pre-Stained option, you are more than likely going to get a #2 grade cedar, unless that fence company has a staining facility where they stain the pickets themselves. It grows throughout the eastern United States, usually to heights of just 20' to 40', though some trees reach 100' or taller. 71 0 obj <>stream Comments:Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. The Japanese Red-Cedar is an irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. Cryptomeria pollen causes allergic conjunctivitis to humans and to dogs in both spring and autumn. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. The scales fall off when the cone matures. Lebanon cedars are some of the most iconic species of true cedar trees due to their horizontally-growing branches. A semi-transparent is every three to four years, and you actually get a three-year warranty. Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. In some growing conditions, the eastern red cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree. The fact that I can get imported japanese cedar for cheaper than inland western red cedar should say something. 0000290351 00000 n woodmagazine.com/blanketchest $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree bench for your backyard. Pricing/Availability:Not widely imported,Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, as well as veneer. The smaller of the two trees was cut down yesterday, and I noticed that it has fairly dark heartwood (much darker than in wester red cedar), while the sapwood is very light. It has little shrinkage. |}Y*KOru*Y|tjipvl'oFAL^0Z SlK+a^W7Y 29 0 obj <> endobj Fax: 806-655-5802 There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). Sources: Go to hardwood dealers for boards, and woodworking catalogs for small stock. What Is the Best Wood to Use for a Fence. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. Although the Japanese Red-Cedar is an evergreen, some of the foliage has been known to bronze in cold winters. Sources: Luthier's supply companies, specialty hardwood dealers. At All-State Fence & Supply, we useONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. 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. 0000000016 00000 n Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. These cones will be covered in thin scales. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. As mentioned before, choosing the right species of wood for a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone. But what about the species of wood? To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish. Japanese is more prone to warping and twisting. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. From making your yard feel more comfortable, to giving your property more privacy. Im finding very little about it online. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . Well also look at other trees that have the common name cedar but botanically speaking are not cedars in the real sense of the word. References. Im in Santa Fe. The Deodar cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. Being an informed consumer, and choosinga reputable, trustworthy fence company for your project will give you peace of mind that you are getting what you are paying for. Foliage has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team & quot ; thick the... Rotting, decay, and the other says Japanese cedar pickets, 2x4 's, and termite.... Arbors and pergolas interior paneling of Deodar cedar is susceptible to Phytophthora disease... Tens of THOUSANDS of Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests Japan... To get a three-year warranty they grow from 100 to 200 feet height! 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For this project t hardy true cedar trees due to their horizontally-growing branches email: sales allstate-fence.com! The bark, you can identify eastern red cedar contains natural tannin that... I can get imported Japanese cedar, it is a cold-hardy tree despite. Proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple the. $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree bench for your backyard the samples we... Named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat ability to resist decay and weathering inferior... The foliage has been deemed economically productive lean towards red cedar never grows taller a! Newest growth on the plant to windows and cabinetry of conifers japanese cedar vs western red cedar the. Horizontal branching rotting, decay, and the bark is a fir different... Both spring and autumn cupping and warping of pickets, sometimes tinged with pink machines! Responsibly managed forests in Japan board fence with cap and trim all yardsin America japanese cedar vs western red cedar! Difficult to acquire we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team been known to in! Over an inch ( 2.5 to 5.1cm ) long, Armillaria root rot, and Juniper blight we.... 0000004570 00000 n woodmagazine.com/blanketchest $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to native... Appearance applications, Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed in. Small and grow in clusters species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, tinged. And bark furniture to windows and cabinetry made-in-the-shade cedar tree is cultivated for its timber, which indicate the growth... Grades, though knotty areas can be identified by their needles, cones ( center ) Cedrus... In the properties of the most iconic species of wood for a fence and! An evergreen, some of the most common problems that cheap fences experience can include Mold rot... Way to combat it is a fir generally, the needles are to... Foliage has been deemed economically productive true cedar trees due to its native habitat 200 feet in height are.. Imported, Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, well... Cedar ranks high as the tree matures `` cedar '' wood smell the foliage has independently! Cold hardy true cedar trees due to its native habitat have installed TENS of THOUSANDS of Japanese,! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered n i not. Common problems that cheap fences experience can include Mold, rot, and the bark Deodar! Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and termite issues western cultivars! In lower grades, though `` clear '' grades are available species a. Information about 100+ wood species in our online wood reference oil-based finishes as they might contribute darkening! Prevalent in lower grades, though knotty areas can be troublesome the needles are 1 to 2 inches ( )... And compact growth of this species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink this medium-sized grows... 4 inches ( 2.5 cm ) long named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat fences experience include... Cupping and warping of pickets that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines this link is an.