Red Cedar Tree Control - Allan Vyhnalek Newscolumn Week of April 21, 2008
I’ve been able to travel to Crete, Fullerton and Greeley in the past two weeks. As I drive by pastures, it is obvious that we need to think about managing the Eastern Red Cedar Trees. The small farm that I own has a pasture, and I’ve been in the pasture controlling these trees for several hours the past couple of years. Be assured that this is hard work, but necessary for the long term productivity of the grasses.
Eastern red cedar is a problem on grasslands primarily because it reduces forage production and livestock handling. Developing trees alter the microclimate, which encourages a shift from desirable warm season native grasses to introduced cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass. On many sites complete coverage by eastern red cedar can be expected, resulting in total loss of grass production. Control measures should be initiated as soon as possible, both to improve effectiveness and reduce control costs.
Integrated management of eastern red cedar incorporates cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical tools to keep this invasive tree under control and protect grassland production and profits. It is recommended that you use tree height to determine which control options will work best. Burning, cutting, digging, mowing, burning, goats and broadcast herbicides are effective on trees up to 2 feet tall. Cutting and individual-tree herbicide treatments work well on 2-10 foot tall red cedar. Trees over 10 feet tall are most effectively and economically controlled by cutting. The bottom line is “control trees while they are small.”
To get more information about the specifics for each of the control measures, contact the office and we’ll provide a handout that outlines all the options.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The Extension Office and the Butler County Courthouse will be closed on Friday, April 25 for the Nebraska State Arbor Day Holiday.
REMINDER: If you are interested in attending either the Podcasting or the Parent Internet Safety workshop on April 28, please contact the Platte County Extension Office to register or to receive more information.
For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Extension in Platte County. Phone: 402-563-4901 or e-mail AVYHNALEK2@unl.edu .
