Eastern Red Cedar Tree Removal

Machinery removal of cedar trees only sets the plant age time scale back; so the period following removal is the most imperative phase for long-term control of invasive trees like the Eastern Red Cedar. Without the use of prescribed fire, the years of seed stock will develop into a higher-density population of cedar than before removal. 

The following is a brief list of methods used to control re-sprouts. Herbicides should be applied between April-October, but all other methods may be used year-round. 

Minor Infestation 

Prescribed Fire: Eliminates seed and re-sprouts

Mechanical (Hand-tools): Does not eliminate seed 

• Loppers, tree-shears, chainsaw etc. can be used on small diameter re-sprouts.
• Trees need to be cut below the bottom most branch for a complete kill. 

Herbicide (liquid, follow all label directions/precautions): Does not eliminate seed 

• Pre-emergent/Post-emergent: Hexazinone
• Post-emergent: Picloram (RUP) or Triclopyr 

Herbicide (pellet/granular, follow all label directions/precautions): Does not eliminate seed 

• Pre-emergent/Post-emergent: Hexazinone
• Post-emergent: Tebuthiuron 

Haying: Does not eliminate seed 

• Only used for plant height control o Follow-up by other management options 

Moderate Infestation 

Haying/Mowing: Used only for plant height control, does not eliminate seed o Follow-up by other management options

Reference: UNL EC130 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska 

Why Remove Trees?  

Once considered optimal choices for shelter belts, non-native trees have long been proven to do more harm than good in grassland ecosystems. They tend to escape shelterbelts, invading pastures, CRP, and grasslands at an alarming rate. When woody plants encroach and take over a grassland, soil dynamics change, biodiversity decreases, and water flow, especially in nearby riparian systems, decreases. Woody encroachment is a problem in many grassland habitats throughout the U.S. and numerous studies have shown how restoration can be thwarted when woody plants are left unmanaged in grasslands. Often, one particularly invasive woody species will take over a grassland patch, dramatically reducing plant diversity and making it inhospitable for animals that rely on those grassland patches.