Eastern Red Cedar Tree

Eastern red cedar tree

If you are looking for a tree to create a windbreak, eastern red cedar is a good choice. It is resistant to extremes of drought, heat and cold. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils – poor dry soil or alkaline soil. It is also tolerant of salt, making it favorable for use near roads, driveways and sidewalks.

How fast do eastern red cedars grow?

Growth Rate This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Is eastern red cedar toxic?

There are actually two type of trees commonly called Redcedars. The Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), also known as aromatic Cedar. Caution- Eastern Red Cedar is actually quite toxic if ingested.

Is the eastern red cedar invasive?

Cedars are native, but have become invasive and, when left unmanaged, have the ability to form dense stands. These stands can be viewed as monocultures - plant communities dominated by one species.

Are cedars low maintenance?

Cedar is a versatile, low-maintenance evergreen that provides year-round color and beauty.

What is the lifespan of a red cedar tree?

The bark is very sturdy and has been crafted into small shelters and also small furniture. Life span: Depending if it is in its natural habitat, the Red Cedar can live between 100 years to about 300 years.

Where is the best place to plant cedars?

Leave plenty of space if you're planting a cedar tree near a building or sidewalk. Avoid locations near water, as cedar trees don't do well in soggy soil or areas prone to flooding. Select a location where the tree receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

What is the best time of year to plant a cedar tree?

Purchase cedar shrubs at a local garden center and plant from spring to early fall in well-drained, fertile soil. Cedar grows best in slightly acidic, moist soil. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the type of cedar.

Do red cedars need a lot of water?

“Redcedar trees can use more water than prairie vegetation because the evergreen redcedar uses water all year and has greater quantities of leaf biomass which releases water to the atmosphere,” said Rod Will, silviculture professor in OSU's Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.

What is Eastern red cedar good for?

Eastern red cedar is a tree. The wood, berries, and leaves are used for medicine. People take Eastern red cedar for cough, bronchitis, joint pain (rheumatism), water retention, and flatulence. They also take it to improve appetite and digestion, and as a treatment for fungal infections and worms.

Can you eat berries from Eastern red cedar?

She recently inquired as to the edibility of Eastern red cedar berries. Yes, they are considered edible, but as with everything, be sure to use in moderation since large amounts can be toxic. And even more importantly, be sure to identify your tree properly as the berries of some juniper species can be poisonous.

Why do farmers cut down cedar trees?

Cedar trees also absorb a great deal of water, which robs the land and water sources of their water supply. In a normal year, this is not as much of a problem. But during dry years it can really hinder grass production, which is ultimately what ranching is all about. Another reason to keep cedars away is cosmetic.

Does Eastern red cedar repel bugs?

It is famously known for its fragrant oil, which is a natural insect repellant.

Do deer eat red cedar?

Whitetails will eat red cedar if nothing else is available, but they can barely sustain themselves on it. If they're eating it at all, it's an indicator of poor habitat.

Can cedar trees be planted close to a house?

For a large tree such as a cedar, about 40 feet from the building is good. For Japanese maples, 'Bradford' pears, and other medium-size trees, about 20 feet away is safe. Trees often look best placed to the side of a building rather than directly in front.

Do cedar trees fall over easily?

There are some tree species that are most likely to fall in wind. Some of these species are the willow white spruce, cedar, and white pine. This is because they live in wetter soils. Taller trees with large canopies are also more susceptible.

Do cedars need to be covered in winter?

To protect trees from damage caused by snow and ice, wrapping cedars in burlap is a good idea for some cedar types. This is especially important on the sides of trees facing the most wind and sun exposure, meaning they'll be hit hardest by winter storms.

What is the hardiest cedar?

If you can't live without cedars, the hardiest variety is the Holmstrap cedar.

Is Eastern red cedar good firewood?

Using it for starting your fires is just fine. But burning it exclusively is not recommended. Pockets of these cedar oils will cause pops and spits of fire sparks and embers, making it quite dangerous for use in an open, inside fireplace.

Are cedar tree roots invasive?

Elm tree roots, cedar specifically, tend to be moderately invasive depending on their location. As we mentioned, this tree species has shallow roots through adolescence, so you won't typically run into problems until your plant's later years.