Scattered and long-distance establishment of red cedar is primarily due to birds. Establishment of red cedar is slow because seeds are not produced in the first 10 years. However, habitat modification accelerates once seeds are produced and scattered, and culminates in a canopy of red cedar with bare ground underneath. Fortunately, red cedar is very easy to control. The problem is not in the control methods, but in failing to recognize the consequences of doing nothing.
Prevention is always the best control method.
Monitoring red cedar establishment and removing trees when found will prevent the total loss of a natural community later. Prescribed fires are the easiest and most cost-effective control method for red cedar. Small trees are killed if enough fuel surrounds the tree.