Thuja (Western Red Cedar): The Best Leylandii Alternative?

Leylandii has a reputation for racing away and becoming unmanageable if it’s not cut regularly. Thuja (Western Red Cedar) offers a similar look and quick results, but is generally more forgiving and easier to live with – which is why many Cheshire gardeners now see it as the smarter alternative.

In this guide we’ll look at what makes Thuja different from Leylandii, when it works well, and how to plant and maintain it so you get a tall, green screen without future headaches.

What Is Thuja & How Does It Differ from Leylandii?

Thuja is a group of conifers (often Western Red Cedar and its varieties) that clip into dense, attractive hedges. At a glance it can look similar to Leylandii, but there are key differences:

• Softer, feathery foliage that many people find more attractive up close.
• Good growth rate, but usually a little more measured than the very fastest Leylandii.
• Responds better to clipping and is less likely to look “burnt” if trimmed sensibly.
• Often has a pleasant, resinous scent when cut.

Where Thuja Works Well in Cheshire Gardens

Thuja is a strong choice anywhere you want an evergreen screen that feels lush rather than harsh.

• Along boundaries where you’d like privacy and wind shelter without an oppressive wall of green.
• Beside driveways and parking areas to soften hard surfaces and screen cars.
• In larger suburban gardens where you have room for a hedge that will eventually reach 3–5m if allowed.
• As a Leylandii replacement when old hedges have become bare or too big to keep under control.

Choosing the Right Size & Spacing

Getting spacing right at planting makes a big difference to how your Thuja hedge fills out and how easy it is to maintain later.

• For a typical boundary hedge, plant at around 60–75cm apart in a single row.
• On very exposed sites, consider a staggered double row to thicken the screen.
• Allow space behind the hedge for access with long-reach trimmers or platforms.
• Aim for a final maintained height that you can realistically reach – it’s easier to plan for 3m than to manage 6m.

Planting Thuja in Cheshire Soils

Much of Cheshire sits on heavier clay, which holds water in winter but can crack and dry out in summer. Thuja will cope well if the ground is prepared properly.

• Dig a continuous trench rather than separate holes so roots can spread easily.
• Improve drainage by working in organic matter such as composted bark or garden compost.
• Avoid planting into waterlogged ground; if necessary, raise the planting line slightly on a low bank.
• Water thoroughly in the first couple of summers, especially in dry spells, until roots are well established.

Ongoing Maintenance & Trimming

Thuja is generally easier to live with than Leylandii, but it still needs regular trimming to look its best.

• Plan on one main trim a year, with a light touch-up if needed for very formal shapes.
• Keep the hedge slightly wider at the base than the top so light reaches lower foliage.
• Avoid cutting back into completely brown, bare wood – stay within the green where possible.
• Trim little and often rather than letting growth get out of hand for several years.

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Most issues with Thuja hedges come down to poor initial planning or neglect, rather than the plant itself.

• Brown patches: Often linked to drought stress, waterlogging, or heavy pruning into old wood.
• Leaning hedges: Caused by excessive height without enough width or root support – keep height realistic.
• Patchy bases: Usually from lack of light; maintain the tapered shape and avoid shading the bottom with other plants or fences.

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