Invasive Species Alert: Why Cedar Removal Matters More Than Ever

Ashe juniper—commonly called cedar—is spreading rapidly across Texas, especially in overgrazed or unmanaged pastures. While some landowners like the look, the reality is cedar can severely damage land value and ecology.

Cedar chokes out native grasses, consumes massive amounts of groundwater, and poses a serious fire hazard when left unchecked. Studies show that a single mature cedar tree can consume up to 30 gallons of water per day—robbing nearby plants and reducing available groundwater recharge.

The 2025 drought conditions make this even more urgent. Removing cedar opens up pastures, improves forage quality, and helps native wildlife thrive. Plus, large cedar stands are increasingly flagged by county appraisers as a sign of non-use, which could put your ag or wildlife exemption at risk.

At HLM, we use forestry mulching and selective clearing to remove cedar while preserving desirable trees and topsoil. This isn't just land cleanup—it's long-term value protection. Our crews can clear strategic lanes, reclaim overgrown fields, or implement full-scale brush management plans.

If your place is overgrown with cedar, we’ll give you a clear plan and a fair quote. And if you’re trying to qualify for an ag or wildlife exemption, cedar removal may even help with that too.