evergreen tree
Eastern Red Cedar: pruning, storm risk and removal
Juniperus virginiana. Also called Red cedar, Eastern juniper, Aromatic cedar.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Eastern Red Cedar at a glance
| Height | 30-65 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 8-25 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 2-9 |
| Lifespan | 150-300 years, typically |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Most of the eastern and central U.S., from the Atlantic coast west to the Great Plains. It has spread into many open fields and pastures. |
| Roots | A fibrous, branching root system that reaches deep on dry sites. It handles drought and poor soil well, but does not like wet feet for long. |
| Wood | Light, aromatic, and very rot-resistant. It is used for fence posts, chests, and closet lining. It is easy to cut but has a strong smell and a lot of fine sawdust. |
| Storm risk | lowThe wood is strong and the tree is typically wind-firm. Heavy snow or ice can bend or split multi-stem trees, and shallow soil can let old trees tip. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a eastern red cedar
Best time to prune
Late winter to early spring, or light shaping in early summer. Remove dead wood and rubbing branches, and cut back to a side branch.
Avoid pruning
Do not cut back into bare, brown, needleless wood, since it typically will not regrow. Avoid heavy shearing and avoid topping.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Eastern red cedar is not a true cedar. It is a juniper, with scale-like leaves and blue berry-like cones on female trees.
- It is a host for cedar-apple rust, which can harm nearby apples and crabapples. Keep that in mind if you grow fruit trees.
- Check the branch tips for small cone-shaped bags in summer. These are bagworms, and they can strip a tree.
- Keep red cedars away from house walls and roofs. They are very flammable in dry, hot conditions.
- In open fields, young cedars spread fast. Pulling or cutting small ones early is far easier than removing big ones later.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on eastern red cedar
- 1Expect dense, sharp, dead lower branches. Wear eye protection and long sleeves.
- 2Fine sawdust and resin can irritate. Use a mask in tight work.
- 3Multi-stem trees may have hidden included bark and split unions. Check before loading ropes.
- 4For large clearing jobs, ask about burn rules, chipping, or hauling. Slash piles are very flammable.
- 5Stumps are rot-resistant. Grinding is usually the cleanest way to deal with them.
Removal notes
Dense, low-branching trees can be hard to climb and make a lot of brush. Dead lower branches are sharp and brittle. In wildfire-prone areas, the foliage and oils are very flammable, which is a reason many owners remove trees close to buildings.
Wood
Light, aromatic, and very rot-resistant. It is used for fence posts, chests, and closet lining. It is easy to cut but has a strong smell and a lot of fine sawdust.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for eastern red cedar
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where eastern red cedar grows
Native range: Most of the eastern and central U.S., from the Atlantic coast west to the Great Plains. It has spread into many open fields and pastures.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
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Eastern Red Cedar: common questions
Is eastern red cedar really a cedar?
No. It is a juniper. The common name comes from the reddish, aromatic wood, which smells like true cedar.
Does eastern red cedar spread into fields?
Yes. Birds eat the blue cones and spread the seeds. In prairies and pastures it can take over where fire or grazing no longer holds it back.
Is red cedar bad for apple trees?
It can be. Cedar-apple rust needs both a juniper and an apple or crabapple to complete its life cycle. Keeping them apart or choosing resistant varieties helps.
Why are the branches on my red cedar turning brown?
Possible causes include bagworms, rust, root rot from wet soil, drought, or winter injury. A certified arborist or your local extension office can help figure out which.
Is red cedar a fire risk?
Yes. The foliage holds oils and burns hot, and dead lower branches add fuel. Keep trees away from structures in wildfire-prone areas.
Can I prune a red cedar into a hedge?
You can lightly trim it, but do not cut into old brown wood without green needles, because it typically will not regrow. For tight hedges, arborvitae or other plants may work better.
More trees in the same regions
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