Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a native evergreen tree that is causing problems across Texas grasslands and the western United States. Mature Eastern Red Cedar average approximately 30 to 40 feet in height. They are prolific propagators, quick to establish, and drought and extreme temperature resistant. They are a useful tool to stabilize streambanks and establish riparian zones. They are often found in Texas’ wetland forests. 

The same resilient qualities that make Eastern Red Cedar (“ERC”) valuable for wetland forests make it dangerous for grasslands. Without adequate fire control and overstory competition, the Eastern Cedar can quickly overtake grasslands. The encroachment by ERC can reduce forage productivity by 35 to 45 percent in 10 years. The best approach to ERC encroachment is prevention. Prevention by prescribed burning and appropriate grazing practices are much more economical than after-the-fact treatment. Healthy grasslands require fire and grazing to reset themselves and maintain ecological functions. After encroachment, mechanical methods with heavy equipment such as bulldozers or skid steers with mulching attachments can be utilized. Chemical treatment methods such as hack and squirt or cut stump for mature trees or foliar applications for juvenile trees. Effective chemicals include Triclopyr, Imazapyr, Imazamox, or Picoloram.