Finding Balance With Eastern Red Cedar Population, Oklahoma Communities

One species of tree native to Oklahoma has caused many problems for homeowners. This tree has a knack for bursting into flames.

Oklahoma Forester Riley Coy is all too familiar with this tremendous controversy.   

“They can be a problematic fuel source,” Coy said. “That’s one of the things that gives them a really bad name.”  

Many people feel the trees betray them because of the homes lost when red cedars turn a small fire into a major wildfire. However, Coy said the tree means no harm.   

“I think that this tree is a native species that deserves its respect in the right places in the right numbers,” Coy said. 

People have moved into the red cedar’s natural habitat. Natural wildfires used to be the tree’s natural enemy.   

“Fire would keep them at bay and keep them in rocky outcrops or swampy areas,” Coy said. 

Neighborhoods have extinguished those natural fires, allowing these trees to grow wherever they want.   

“I think that it’s a management issue,” Coy said. 

An Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Tree Canopy Assessment in 2019 found red cedars make up 13 percent of the tree species.  

“Anything above ten percent is too much,” Coy said.  

Coy said landowners need to control dense numbers of these trees. Prescribed burns are one way.   

“That’s the cheapest way to do it, that’s the most efficient way to do it,” Coy said. 

The tree itself carries good qualities too.  

“They make great wood products,” Coy said. 

Coy said people can’t disturb the peace and then do nothing to restore the natural order, because when nature is threatened, nature will fight back.