Cedar—more accurately called juniper—can be a real headache to deal with. It’s not just a scraggly-looking tree; it’s an aggressive woody plant that loves to spread. Around here in Texas, and in many other places too, it’s known for taking over pastures if left alone. It creeps in fast, crowding out the grasses your livestock need. Before you know it, your beautiful open pasture starts to look more like a forest—and not the kind that’s doing you any favors.
What makes cedar even more of a problem is how thirsty it is. These trees can pull a shocking amount of water out of the ground. I’ve even heard stories—like one rancher I know—of someone who saw an old spring in his place start flowing again after he cleared out a bunch of cedars. That tells you just how much water they hog. If you’re in a dry area or dealing with low rainfall, having too much cedar around can worsen your water problems.
The bad news is that getting rid of cedar isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s not like mowing the lawn where you cut it once, and you’re good. Cedar can be stubborn, and it usually takes multiple treatments or removal efforts to really make a dent. But the good news is that it can be controlled—it just takes a little planning, some persistence, and the right tools for the job. Stick with it, and your pastures (and water supply) will thank you.