Red Cedar: Friend or Foe? Exploring Management and Markets

This video explores the pros and cons of Eastern red cedar trees. Known as an aggressive native, if not managed well, the species can spread and become a nuisance, potentially causing a negative impact on the landscape. Yet, if managed well, red cedars offer many benefits. Research indicates red cedars improve soil quality and play an important role in sequestering carbon. Red cedars are hearty and survive extreme weather conditions, providing valuable shelter and food for wildlife. The rot-resistant wood is used for stream bank stabilization and has timber value. Researchers continue to develop new ways of using red cedar chemical compounds, including uses for medicine.

Extension Agroforestry Education Team:
Diomy S. Zamora and Gary Wyatt

Featuring, in order of appearance:
Tom Sauer, Soil Scientist, United States Department of Agriculture Ag Research Service, Iowa State University
Nicholas Snavely, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Assistant Area Wildlife Manager
Gary Gohmann, Clearview Elementary School Forest Co-Chair
Andrea Kay Coulter, Clearview Elementary School Forest Co-Chair
Ken Ramler, Cedar Wood Carving Artist

Video produced and directed by Audrey Favorito