In South Dakota there are two types of cedars which create concern, the Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) and the eastern red cedar (J. virginiana). The Rocky Mountain Juniper is believed to be native to the Missouri River breaks region and the Black Hills, while the eastern red cedar is thought to be mostly introduced.
• For those unfamiliar with the difference, Bauman explained that the juniper is more of a bushy-type plant while the cedar takes on more of an upright growth form typical of a pine or spruce tree. Eastern red cedars are the common tree utilized in shelterbelts and wildlife habitat plantings.
Although juniper may be expanding in density and area in several regions of south central South Dakota, it is the eastern red cedar that Bauman said appears to be the species of dominant statewide concern because of its popularity, hardiness in plantings, and appeal to birds which are the primary disperser of its seeds.
• "Escaped or volunteer cedar trees likely occur in every county of the state. Aside from initial plantings, volunteer trees are generally found in fence rows, under power lines, in hardwood shelterbelts, pastures, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and other areas," he said.
• What can be done?
Biologically, cedars are tough. Bauman explained that their waxy coating and relative resilience can make them a formidable foe. Chemical applications are generally not practical, have mixed results and can impact non-target vegetation.
• However, cedars are susceptible to two basic control methods.  The first, Bauman said is the fact that cedars lack the ability to re-sprout. "While cedar saplings might cover a pasture, once they are dead, they are dead," he said.
• Killing a small cedar, he explained can be accomplished easily through mechanical control either via chainsaw, hand-loppers, hand saws, ATV-mounted shears, or larger carbide cutters mounted to skid-steer loaders. When mechanically controlling cedar, it is necessary to remove the tree below the lowest branch, so care should be taken if using rotary mowers.
• The cedar's second weakness is its susceptibility to fire - primarily when young. "Fire can be an effective tool when applied to saplings less than 3 or 4 feet tall.  The key to fire use is to ensure an adequate fuel load to create enough heat to kill the tree," Bauman said.
• This is best accomplished by resting the pasture for a full season prior to the burn," Bauman said.
While larger trees can be killed with fire as well, Bauman said these types of fires generally require implementation during hotter and dryer conditions - usually early

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