When to Clear Cedar in TexasBeat Allergy Season & Restore Your Land

The best time to clear cedar (Ashe juniper) in Texas is October through early November. This timing offers ideal weather conditions AND removes cedar trees before they release pollen in December-February. Clearing before allergy season means you eliminate the pollen source before it causes 'cedar fever' symptoms. This is especially important if you or family members suffer from cedar allergies.

Cedar (Ashe juniper) pollen season in Texas runs from December through March, with peak pollen counts typically in January and early February. Male cedar trees release massive amounts of pollen - sometimes visible as yellow clouds - during this period. This causes 'cedar fever' (actually allergic rhinitis) affecting millions of Central Texas residents.

Yes, clearing cedar on YOUR property reduces the immediate pollen source around your home, which can significantly reduce symptoms. However, cedar pollen can travel 100+ miles, so regional pollen will still be present. Many allergy sufferers report noticeable improvement after clearing cedar from their property, especially for reducing the intensity of symptoms at home.

Yes, you can clear cedar during pollen season (December-March), and it's still beneficial - you're removing trees that would produce pollen in future years. However, the process may temporarily disturb settled pollen. Forestry mulching is preferable to burning during pollen season as it doesn't create smoke that spreads pollen. Operators wear protection and work is still effective.

That depends on your goals. For maximum allergy relief and water recovery, clearing all cedar is most effective. However, some landowners leave scattered mature cedars for wildlife habitat (birds use them for shelter), windbreaks, or aesthetics. Female cedar trees don't produce pollen, so you could theoretically keep them - but identifying gender requires expertise. Most opt for complete clearing.

The good news: cedar (Ashe juniper) does NOT regrow from roots when properly cut. Unlike mesquite, once you remove cedar it's gone permanently. You only need to watch for new seedlings from bird-dispersed berries. Monitoring for and removing small seedlings every few years prevents re-infestation. A properly cleared cedar area stays clear with minimal maintenance.

Often yes. Cedar is notorious for consuming groundwater - a mature tree uses 35+ gallons daily and its shallow roots intercept rainfall before it can recharge aquifers. Many Hill Country landowners report springs returning, creek flows increasing, and water well levels improving after clearing cedar. The Edwards Aquifer region sees documented benefits from cedar management.

No, timing doesn't significantly affect regrowth because cedar doesn't regrow from roots regardless of when you cut it. What timing does affect: your comfort during clearing (weather), the pollen situation (clearing before December is better for allergies), and ground conditions (dry seasons are easier). Any season works for permanent removal; the timing considerations are about convenience and allergies.