In This Guide
The Cedar & Mesquite Invasion: Why It Matters
If you own land in Texas, you're likely battling one or both of these invasive species. Cedar (primarily Eastern Red Cedar) and mesquite have transformed millions of acres of productive Texas grassland into dense brush that supports almost no grazing.
Cedar Removal Transformation
What You're Losing
- ✗Grazing capacity: Each cedar acre removes 80-100% of grass production
- ✗Water resources: Cedar and mesquite deplete groundwater and springs
- ✗Property value: Brush-infested land sells for 30-50% less
- ✗Fire risk: Dense cedar creates extreme wildfire fuel loads
- ✗Wildlife habitat: Monoculture brush reduces biodiversity
What You'll Gain
- ✓Restored grazing: Support 1 cow per 5-10 acres vs 1 per 50+
- ✓Water recovery: Springs often return within 1-2 years
- ✓Higher land value: Cleared pasture worth 2-3x brush land
- ✓Fire safety: Reduced fuel load protects structures
- ✓Diverse habitat: Native grasses support more wildlife
Cedar (Juniper) Removal
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is Texas's #1 invasive brush problem. Originally limited to rocky outcrops, cedar has invaded over 15 million Texas acres since ranchers stopped routine burning in the mid-1900s.
Cedar Quick Facts
Why Cedar Is Easier to Remove
Good news: cedar is one of the easiest invasive species to permanently remove. Unlike mesquite, cedar cannot regenerate from its root system. Once you cut a cedar below its lowest green branch, it's dead—permanently.
This makes forestry mulching the ideal removal method. A single pass grinds the cedar to ground level, killing the tree instantly while leaving beneficial mulch that suppresses the next generation of seedlings.
Cedar Removal Costs by Density
Scattered cedars, grass still visible
Dense patches, limited grass
Solid cedar stand, no grass
Mesquite Removal
Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) presents a different challenge than cedar. While not as widespread in Central Texas, mesquite dominates much of West Texas and is steadily expanding eastward. Its deep taproot and aggressive resprouting make it more difficult to permanently control.
Mesquite Quick Facts
Mesquite Control Strategies
Option 1: Mulching + Herbicide Follow-Up
Cost: $2,000-$4,000/acre + $100-200/acre herbicide
Forestry mulching provides immediate clearing. Return in 6-12 months to spot-treat resprouts with herbicide. Most cost-effective for large acreages.
Option 2: Grubbing (Root Removal)
Cost: $3,500-$6,000/acre
Excavator pulls entire trees with roots intact. Permanent control with no resprouts. Higher cost and more soil disturbance. Best for smaller areas.
Option 3: Aerial Herbicide Application
Cost: $25-75/acre
Cheapest option for large ranches. Kills mesquite but leaves standing dead trees. Often combined with burning or follow-up mulching.
Costs & Return on Investment
Cedar and mesquite removal is an investment, not just an expense. Understanding the financial returns helps justify the upfront cost.
Investment vs Return Analysis
| Factor | Before Clearing | After Clearing | Value Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Capacity (cattle) | 1 head/50 acres | 1 head/8 acres | +525% |
| Land Value (per acre) | $2,000-3,000 | $4,000-6,000 | +100% |
| Hunting Lease Value | $5-8/acre | $10-15/acre | +100% |
| Fire Insurance | High risk rate | Standard rate | -30-50% |
Example: 100-Acre Ranch ROI
Investment:
- • Cedar removal: $200,000-$300,000
- • Overseeding: $3,000-$5,000
- • Total: ~$225,000
Returns:
- • Land value increase: $150,000-$300,000
- • Additional cattle income: $8,000-12,000/year
- • Hunting lease increase: $500-700/year
Removal Methods Compared
| Method | Cost/Acre | Cedar | Mesquite | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry Mulching | $1,500-$4,500 | Excellent | Good* | Most situations |
| Grubbing | $3,500-$6,000 | Excellent | Excellent | Permanent mesquite control |
| Bulldozing | $2,500-$5,000 | Good | Good* | Heavy vegetation + grading |
| Prescribed Burn | $25-75 | Excellent** | Poor | Maintenance, young cedar |
| Aerial Herbicide | $25-75 | Poor | Excellent | Large-scale mesquite |
* Mesquite may resprout; follow-up treatment recommended
** Only effective on cedar under 6 feet tall
Pasture Restoration After Clearing
Clearing brush is just the first step. Proper restoration ensures your investment produces maximum returns for years to come.
Wait for Natural Recovery (2-4 months)
Native grass seeds already in the soil will germinate once shade is removed. Give them time before deciding on additional seeding.
Consider Overseeding (Optional)
If native recovery is slow, overseed with Texas native grass mix: Sideoats Grama, Buffalo Grass, Little Bluestem, Blue Grama. Cost: $50-150/acre.
Delay Grazing (6-12 months)
Allow grass to fully establish before introducing cattle. One season of rest dramatically improves long-term grass density and vigor.
Monitor for Resprouts (Mesquite)
Check cleared areas 6-12 months after mulching. Spot-treat any mesquite resprouts with herbicide before they re-establish.
Long-Term Brush Management
Brush control is ongoing, not one-time. Plan for maintenance to protect your investment.
Maintenance Schedule
- Year 1-2:Monitor for resprouts, spot-treat as needed
- Year 3-5:Consider prescribed burn if conditions allow
- Year 5-10:Follow-up mulching on regrowth areas (~10-20% of original cost)
- Ongoing:Proper grazing management prevents brush from returning
Ready to Reclaim Your Ranch?
Get a free consultation and quote for cedar/mesquite removal on your Texas property. We'll assess your land and provide honest recommendations.