Cedar differences

(Question)

We are planning to install cedars in our backyard for both privacy and landscaping. What is the characteristic/species difference between an Emerald Cedar vs a White Eastern Cedar? For a 5′ tall tree is about $100 for an Emerald Cedar and White Eastern is $22? I’ve gone online and have asked a few nurseries but just haven’t received a clear answer. We just want to ensure we are choosing the right tree for us. Thank you, Joe.

(Answer)

I am not sure exactly what you are asking but I have a good idea how you might find the answers you want. Our website has pages and pages of questions and answers about both types of Cedars.  You can explore the uses, care, and problems of both of these trees by going to our homepage, www.torontomastergardeners.ca, and scrolling down to the Find It Here Search box. Enter in your search terms and press enter. I’m attaching a link to one of these pages:

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/?s=emerald+cedar

I have included some of the main characteristics of each cedar.
White Cedar– Zone: 2 to 7, Height: 20.00 to 40.00 feet, Spread: 10.00 to 15.00 feet.  Full sun to part shade. Dense, conical to narrow-pyramidal (sometimes maturing to broad-pyramidal), often single-trunked. White cedar is probably more suited to our climate than the emerald which is often grown on the west coast and shipped here.
Emerald Cedar– Zone: 2 to 7, Height: 12.00 to 14.00 feet, Spread: 3.00 to 4.00 feet. Full sun to part shade. Dense, conical to narrow-pyramidal (sometimes maturing to broad-pyramidal), often single-trunked.  I think of this as having denser foliage which is why so many choose them for hedging. However, you will see a great many questions about Emerald cedars drying out on our website.
Below are the links for each from the Missouri Botanical Garden that might be helpful. Be mindful that Missouri is in a completely different zone than Toronto.

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c246

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=254004&isprofile=0&

I hope this helps you. We may have more than you need!