Cedar Biology & Management Read Your Land

Cedar is Native There are 7 species of Juniper native to Texas, but only 3 native to the Texas woodlands. Commonly called Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and red-berry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii), cedar was described as forming ‘thick screens’ by travelers as early as 1857.

The Beginning of the Cedar War Before the mid-1800’s, huge herds of buffalo periodically migrated through the Texas woodlands. This occasional heavy grazing shaped the landscape for thousands of years. Cattle, sheep, and fences quickly changed the land.

The Beginning of the Cedar War Before European settlement, cedar was also kept under control by fire. Once limited to fire- resistant draws and steep hillsides, cedar was able to quickly spread. Cedar’s drought tolerance makes it a great competitor.

Controlling Cedar Take your time. Get to know your land while keeping a written record of observations and conversations. There is no ‘key’. Just come up with a plan, and follow a few general rules. Focus on clearing regrowth cedar where the benefits are greatest and expenses are the least. Avoid clearing ‘old growth’ cedar and cedar on steep slopes.

Controlling Cedar Remember that you don’t have to clear it all to be successful. You may have different goals for different parts of your property. Don’t be afraid to clear in phases.

Methods of Control There are many methods to controlling cedar. Choose one or more methods based on your land. Chemical Generally used on smaller cedar, follow label directions to avoid harming yourself or desirable plants. Contact experts such as Brush Busters

Methods of Control Fire/Prescribed Burn Can be very effective and cost efficient on cedar under 5 feet tall. Develop a burn plan and contact the experts. Goats It is possible to control small cedar with goats. However, goats eat everything else first and should be used December – February.

Methods of Control Tree shears, chain saws, and loppers can be used on small trees when labor is available. Bulldozers, hydo- axes, and shears can be bought or contracted out for large diameter trees.

Methods of Control Bulldozers are used on large ranches or when making a wide path through a cedar thicket. Chaining involves a massive chain dragged between two bulldozers. The hydro-axe is a machine that grinds a cedar tree down to the ground creating mulch. Hydraulic shears are usually mounted on the front of a bobcat. Back hoe implements are often used in “grubbing” red-berry juniper

Leftover Cedar Debris No matter what tools are used, you will end up with mountains of slash. Some slash can be left on slopes to prevent erosion. Other slash can be disposed of carefully and creatively.

Leftover Cedar Debris Cedar can often be left in place. After a year or so of grass establishment, follow up with a winter-prescribed burn. Keep in mind, this can be risky for you and your neighbor. Cedar can be raked into piles or windrows for reptile habitat or future burning. Burning large piles can ‘sterilize’ the soil under them. Use a rake blade to leave the soil on the soil. Disk chippers can be rented to grind piles into mulch. Thick mulch can prevent grass growth for several years.

Leftover Cedar Debris Smaller cedar and cedar piles can be arranged for wildlife cover. Smaller debris and limbs can be arranged to prevent erosion and create terraces. Cedar can even be set as exclosures to prevent deer browse of hardwoods.

Protecting Hardwoods Clearing all the cedar around a hardwood can harm or kill the hardwood by shocking it or heating the soil around it. Keeping a cedar or two on the south or west side of a hardwood can help it survive the change.

Wildlife Impacts Cedar can be important cover for birds and other wildlife. Many birds eat cedar berries (and spread them). Some birds, including the Golden-cheeked Warbler, feed on insects living among the cedar. However, a cedar thicket has low biodiversity and prevents other trees, shrubs, and grasses from growing.

Wildlife Management Thinning thick cedar can increase biodiversity. Clear wide strips for an edge effect. Protect young hardwoods from deer and livestock. Use carefully planned burns.

Wildlife Impacts What about Golden- cheeked Warblers? They typically use shaded slopes or canyons with cedar and hardwood diversity. Avoid management during nesting period of September-February. Possibly thin small young cedar while maintaining good canopy cover. Contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Endangered Species Department at ext. 7011

Wildlife Impacts What about Black-capped Vireo? They typically use patchy hardwood shrubland with few cedar. Cool-season prescribed burns every 4-7 years is beneficial. Possibly thin cedar and other trees or shrubs to create patchy grassland.

Prescribed Fire Impacts Burning every 4-7 years can keep cedar under control indefinitely (under moderate to no grazing). Burning can increase plant diversity and suppress non- native plants. Young trees may need to be protected from fire. Most trees will need to be protected from very hot summer fires. Contact the NRCS, Extension Service, or HC Prescribed Fire Association for planning assistance.

Wildfire Impacts Protect buildings from wildfire by removing trees closer than 15 feet. Create some open space or strips to slow fire spread. Possibly raise the canopy and remove lower dead branches of trees to prevent crown fires. Contact the Texas Forest Service UWI Team for firewise planning at (512)

The Hill Country Land Stewards Special thanks to the Hill Country Land Stewards. A group of landowners promoting and practicing land stewardship and wildlife habitat enhancement. Thanks also to Jan Wrede and the Cibolo Nature Center for their efforts and expertise.

For More Information Texas Forest Service Clay Bales (512) Texas Forest Service Website: