Altered fire regimes, logging, and draining of wetlands outside of the few protected areas have all contributed to the general decrease in the size and occurrences of Atlantic white cedar stands.

The soils in these regions have a thick organic layer, often classified as a histic surface horizon, with sandy material at greater depths and poor drainage.

Atlantic white cedar wetlands are acidic and there is little oxygen stored in the soil because water has displaced the air.

Red maple and black gum trees are often found in the canopy along with Atlantic white cedar throughout its range.

The tree benefits from periodic low-intensity fires which expose seedlings to sunlight and limit competition with other canopy flora, particularly red maple.

Too frequent or intense fires or flooding can damage seedlings stored in the top layer of soil and full-grown trees.

[5][12] Chamaecyparis thyoides is of some importance in horticulture, with several cultivars of varying crown shape, growth rates and foliage color having been selected for garden planting.

The most common use of white cedar wood is lumber, for which stands usually require 70 years of growth from germination to harvest.

The lumber may be used in house construction, though scarcity of Atlantic white cedar makes it difficult to use as the primary material.

Other uses include fencing, telephone and electric poles, woodenware, duck decoys, lawn furniture, and as Christmas trees.

[14][15] Prior to European colonization of the Americas, there were an estimated 500,000 acres (200,000 ha) of swamps and bogs dominated by stands of Atlantic white cedars.