Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Eastern red cedar is a native species that recently has been able to expand it range due to the lack of fire. It now covers nearly 4 million acres in Oklahoma. Red cedar was once found only where fire did not occur such as on rock bluffs and in deep canyons. In the proper numbers red cedar can be beneficial to livestock and wildlife. Left unchecked, it can and will cause problems. A study conducted by Oklahoma State University (Fact Sheet No. 2868) showed a red cedar with a 6-foot crown diameter can cover an area of 28 square feet. This study showed on shallow prairie soils that are capable of producing 3,000 pounds of forage per acre in a good year can have yields reduced to 50 percent of production if there are 250 red cedars per acre. In addition to reducing available forage, red cedar displaces desirable plants, decreases plant diversity, increases the wildfire potential, increases soil erosion, decreases water infiltration into the soil, and increases pollen levels causing a greater number of allergic reactions.

Controlling Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedars do not resprout if they are cut down or top-killed by fire. If you cut a red cedar down below the lowest branch, you have successfully killed the tree.

Eastern red cedar can be controlled by applying Tordon 22K concentrate (undiluted) directly to the soil within the dripline (base of tree to outer edge of branches) upslope of the tree. Use 3 milliliters to 4 ml of Tordon 22K per 3 feet of plant height. This can be done in spring (April/May) or fall (September/October). Application should be done before periods of expected rainfall. Do not use on trees 15 feet or taller. Use a can of spray paint, to mark the treated trees.

Plant Image Gallery: Eastern Red Cedar

For additional information on Eastern Red Cedar:
pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-357