Cedars are often hated around here because of the allergy thing. A lot of land owners are eager to cut them to the ground, burn the brush, and make fence posts out of them.
But, these trees took a really long time to grow, in often borderline desert conditions. Here are some ideas on a better way.
1. The low hanging branches that are preventing one from accessing the property are also preventing erosion. So, when you cut, consider using those branches in place to build erosion control berms that follow your elevation contours.
2. There is always a plant nursery under all those prickly cedar branches. Pay attention to what is there and dont step on or cut valuable plants.
3. Shade is priceless in dry climates. So, consider leaving the main trunk. The dappled shade will help seedlings of more valuable trees grow. You can cut the main trunk after a better tree has grown to the same height.
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Clearing just the low branches makes the space useable
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Exposed rock outside the original drip line
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Topsoil is preserved behind the berm
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Native oak ...already there, with agarita and many other native species
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Close up of topsoil inside the protected area under the cedar
row row row your boat, gently down the stream
merrily merrily merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
I have a lot of cedars and live oaks and another oak I have heard folks call some Spanish Oaks though I don't feel I have those.
I love all my trees and would only consider removing them if damage/dead.
Folks around here remove Cedars because they says the Cedars drink lots of water.
I will keep mine.
Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner
i don't buy that "they drink water" thing either. by direct observation i can confirm that there is more biodiversity under the arms of the cedars that outside
row row row your boat, gently down the stream
merrily merrily merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
Most of the stigma comes from the fact that humans have made conditions for them to become more invasive now days. back when diverserty was fine and the wild fires helped control them they were not a problem. But clearing forest out for cattle ranches and farming then allowing land to go back to nature they have really grown and taken over on their own. until we can get the conditions with the oaks to live harmonous again they just need to be thinned out how the natural balace will continue how it once was.
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