Collected Thuja plicata

[pnwnovice]

I recently brought home this Western Redcedar. Sadly I don't expect it to make it as it had been ripped out of the ground already when I showed up to inspect a septic system installation. But I figured if it did survive it would make it worth the stares from the excavator operator.

If it survives it'll be the largest in my meager and young collection. Standing at roughly 3.5' tall currently, and almost 4" diameter at base. Not sure if I should prune back some of the less desirable foliage now to avoid it drying the plant out (there where not many fine roots left), or if I should leave it all to try and help provide enough energy to form more roots.

The background of the first picture is a little busy so I used AI to have only the subject tree stand out. As you can see, there is a lot of work to do ahead, but I'm excited for the journey.

 

[pnwnovice]

Also, I didn't have any pots large enough to put it in when I got home so I just plopped it in the ground to try and keep it alive. Should I build a grow box ASAP and get it in there or leave it in the ground and avoid disturbing it again until it's recovered some? It's been in the ground for about two days now, my main concern is leaving it hear leaves it vulnerable to the heard of deer that enjoy nibbling new growth off of every plant I try to grow in the yard, in a grow box I would at least be able to offer it a little more protection in a different area.

 

[Cruiser]

Make sure to keep it in shade. Dappled light is good. WRC are very shade tolerant and if it has as few roots as you say, less sun will give it a better chance at recovery.
They are strong root growers and can layer, but are susceptible to drought and high temps if not kept moist enough. Keep the tree in mostly shade. If soil is well-draining, water frequently. Don’t let it go completely dry.
It might not grow much this year, but if it stays alive, then you know it is on a path to recovery.

You’re right to be weary of deer. They especially love eating WRC. So much so that it can be difficult to establish in forestry applications without using nets to cover foliage. Whether in a pot or ground try wrapping the tree in some kind of chicken wire or mesh to discourage the deer. Dogs are helpful at keeping them away.

 

[Cruiser]

Nice deadwood btw. Do you have any pictures of the roots you obtained?

 

[pnwnovice]

I didn't take any of the roots. May still move it into a grow box once I can get one built so I can move it closer to the dog fence so the deer will be more likely to leave it alone. Where I want to move it will be onto the south side of my house so it should get plenty of shade.

 

[JRidge]

I have had success putting these in poly (root ball wrapped in plastic) with roots surrounded by fresh sphagnum moss and then directly on the ground but not in the ground.
I randomly poke holes in the plastic after it’s secured with wire. This is how I set up all of my plicata post collection and have had great success even with few roots.
As cruiser says above - shade with dappled sun is very good for these post collection.