We extend our deepest sympathies to the Ray Morantz family (OU professor who gave us a tour of his place last year)..... the link to his gofundme campaign is:
https://gofund.me/baacb6e8 |
And please remember our friends and family who got hit by the LA fires. Click for details:
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Now, let's talk about what each of us can do, to help prevent these fires.
Looks like the main culprit is Eastern Red Cedars.
News story about these trees:
Excerpt:
“Q: What efforts exist to mitigate cedar trees?
A: State conversation efforts aim to reduce the tree’s population. House Bill 2162 is a proposed law making its way through the Oklahoma state legislature. Its goal is to reduce the growing threat of wildfires by tackling the overpopulation of red cedar trees. The responsibility also rests on homeowners.
“Prescribed fire is one of the best ways to control Eastern Red Cedar,” Weir said. “My total recommendation is - get rid of all of them.”
https://www.news9.com/story/67da3790929be9a8770a3e77/q-a-advice-for-homeowners-as-eastern-red-cedar-helps-fuel-oklahoma-fires
Looks like the main culprit is Eastern Red Cedars.
News story about these trees:
Excerpt:
“Q: What efforts exist to mitigate cedar trees?
A: State conversation efforts aim to reduce the tree’s population. House Bill 2162 is a proposed law making its way through the Oklahoma state legislature. Its goal is to reduce the growing threat of wildfires by tackling the overpopulation of red cedar trees. The responsibility also rests on homeowners.
“Prescribed fire is one of the best ways to control Eastern Red Cedar,” Weir said. “My total recommendation is - get rid of all of them.”
https://www.news9.com/story/67da3790929be9a8770a3e77/q-a-advice-for-homeowners-as-eastern-red-cedar-helps-fuel-oklahoma-fires
Meanwhile, here's a question, for ChatGpt. Is there any value to these trees, that we could be overlooking?
Preview, bottom line: not much.
ChatGpt session:
Me: Question about the Eastern Red Cedar and fire risk. Is there any upside to these trees, or should they be eradicated?
ChatGPT said: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one of those trees that people either love or loathe, and for good reason.
Downsides:
Would you like recommendations on managing them effectively?
Preview, bottom line: not much.
ChatGpt session:
Me: Question about the Eastern Red Cedar and fire risk. Is there any upside to these trees, or should they be eradicated?
ChatGPT said: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one of those trees that people either love or loathe, and for good reason.
Downsides:
- Extreme Fire Hazard – This is the big one. Eastern Red Cedar is packed with volatile oils, making it highly flammable. In regions prone to wildfires (like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas), these trees can turn small grass fires into raging infernos.
- Invasive Behavior – They are native to the U.S., but in many areas, they behave invasively, rapidly taking over grasslands and prairies. Without fire or active removal, they outcompete native grasses and disrupt ecosystems.
- Water Hogs – In drier climates, they consume a ton of water, lowering the water table and drying out soils. This is particularly problematic in places where water conservation is a concern.
- Allergen Nightmare – If you hate "cedar fever" (caused by the pollen of related Juniperus ashei), Eastern Red Cedar won’t do you any favors either.
- Wildlife Value – The berries are an important winter food source for birds, especially cedar waxwings. The dense foliage also provides excellent cover for birds and small mammals.
- Windbreaks & Erosion Control – In open landscapes, they can serve as effective windbreaks, helping to reduce soil erosion and protect crops.
- Lumber & Aromatic Qualities – The wood is naturally rot-resistant, making it a good choice for fence posts, furniture, and cedar chests.
- Carbon Sequestration – Like all trees, they absorb CO₂, though their fire risk arguably cancels out this benefit.
Would you like recommendations on managing them effectively?