Removing Cedars?

[hully1029]

To dogleg off my other thread about purchasing property, I'm looking specifically in the Hill Country area.. namely for the abundance of animals..

When reading through the threads, I read alot about cedar removal is the first thing people do and some even wont purchase a piece of property due to all the cedars.

Why?

Forgive my ignorance, as I'm generally curious.

[toledo]

A lot of it comes from ranching roots. Where cedars are growing grass isn't. Also cosmetic. Lots of people like open "looking at" property. Similar to looking at pillows that their wives like.

My opinion is don't do anything drastic too fast. Cedars can make great bedding areas. And I've seen a 300 acre cedar thicket hold 90% of the bucks on a 3000 acre property. You just don't want your entire place to be a monoculture of cedar.

[Walker]

Cedar's are hugh water sponges.

[hully1029]

A lot of it comes from ranching roots. Where cedars are growing grass isn't. Also cosmetic. Lots of people like open "looking at" property. Similar to looking at pillows that their wives like.

My opinion is don't do anything drastic too fast. Cedars can make great bedding areas. And I've seen a 300 acre cedar thicket hold 90% of the bucks on a 3000 acre property. You just don't want your entire place to be a monoculture of cedar.

Gotcha. Makes perfect sense. I appreciate the info!

Cedar's are hugh water sponges.

Didnt know that. Probably why north texas is basically nothing but cedars.

[LlanoHunter10]

I have an open war with cedars and mesquite trees on my property. Main reason is the large and deep tap root they have that suck up all the water that is meant for the large oak trees and native mexican persimmon. I would much rather have the large native oaks for deer cover and persimmon trees for native forage.

[flywise]

The department of agriculture or the state issues grants for cedar removal from time to time. My land owner has gotten two in the 30 years I have been going out there.
Like said, if there is an abundance of cedar there is a shortage of grass. That said there is no need to remove all cedars. I watch a range land management video a while back where they advocated for keeping about 25-35%

[Triple 000 Buck]

After youve dozed a few cedars you’ll realize the roots are very shallow, the roots spread out and are typically easily pushed over.
You can take a pick and pry up the dirt around the base/roots, tie on head high and pull out with a pick up truck.