Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is the best all-around hedge for Northern Ontario, offering dense year-round privacy, excellent cold hardiness to Zone 2, and low maintenance once established. It is the most commonly planted hedge species in the Powassan, North Bay, and Nipissing District area for good reason — it thrives in our climate, grows at a moderate pace, and responds well to shearing. Martin Services installs cedar hedges and other privacy plantings across the region, selecting stock that is suited to each site's specific conditions.
Why Cedar Dominates in Northern Ontario
Eastern White Cedar is native to Northern Ontario, which means it is fully adapted to our freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, cold winters, and relatively short growing season. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay-heavy, though it performs best in moist, well-drained soil. Cedar maintains its foliage year-round, providing privacy even in winter when deciduous hedges are bare. It grows approximately 15 to 30 centimetres per year under good conditions, which is fast enough to establish a functional hedge within three to five years while slow enough that it does not require excessive trimming. Once established, a cedar hedge needs one shearing per year — typically in late June or early July — to maintain a tidy shape.
Other Hedge Options
While cedar is the top choice, other species work well for specific situations. Alpine Currant is a hardy deciduous shrub that forms a dense, compact hedge and tolerates heavy shade — useful for north-facing property lines. Ninebark offers burgundy or golden foliage for ornamental hedges where year-round screening is not critical. Lilac creates a beautiful flowering hedge but requires more space and does not provide winter privacy. For clients who want an evergreen alternative to cedar, Colorado Spruce and White Spruce can be planted as a screen, though they grow into large trees rather than a compact hedge and require more space. Martin Services evaluates each client's goals — privacy level, maintenance preference, sun exposure, and available space — before recommending a species.
Martin Services Hedge Installation
Martin Services sources quality hedge stock from reputable nurseries and installs hedges with proper spacing, soil amendment, and mulching for the best establishment success. We dig a continuous trench rather than individual holes, amend the soil as needed, and set each plant at the correct depth and spacing for the species. Post-planting, we apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds during the critical first two growing seasons. With 35 years of experience planting hedges across Northern Ontario, we know which stock sizes offer the best balance of affordability and fast establishment.
Want a privacy hedge? Call Martin Services at (249) 506-9211 for a free consultation. We will assess your property and recommend the best hedge species, spacing, and size for your goals.