Cedar: The Texas Tree That Just Won't Quit
Let’s talk about cedar trees. Or, as they should probably be called, those trees. You know the ones. The ones that cover half the state and seem to be plotting world domination through pollen. Yes, we’re talking about the Texas cedar. Or, to be more accurate, the Ashe juniper. But let’s stick with cedar for now, because it’s simpler and it rhymes with ‘fed-up-er’.
Cedar: The Green Menace
Now, don’t get me wrong, cedars can be pretty. In small doses. Like, one or two in a carefully manicured garden. But when they decide to take over entire counties, things get a little out of hand. They’re like the kudzu of trees, but with better PR (probably).
Cedar Fever: Nature’s Cruel Joke
We all know the drill. Every winter, Texas becomes a giant sneeze factory. Thanks to cedar pollen, our eyes water, our noses run, and we start questioning our life choices. It’s like the tree is personally attacking us. And it’s winning.
Types of Cedar Trees in Texas
Okay, so we’ve established that cedars are basically the villains of the Texas landscape. But there are actually a few different types. Let’s break it down:
- Ashe Juniper (aka Mountain Cedar): This is the main culprit behind cedar fever. It’s also the one that seems to have a vendetta against humanity.
- Redberry Juniper: This one is a little less aggressive, but still, it’s a cedar.
- Juniperus Mexicana: This is a fancier name for a cedar that likes to hang out in the western part of the state.
How to Deal with Cedar Trees
So, what can we do about these pesky trees? Well, short of nuking the entire state (which is probably not an option), here are a few ideas:
- Embrace the Allergy Meds: This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Stock up on tissues and Claritin.
- Become a Lumberjack: Okay, maybe not a full-time job, but chopping down a few cedars can feel pretty satisfying.
- Start a Cedar-Based Craft Business: Turn those pesky trees into something useful, like cedar-plank salmon or cedar-scented candles.
How-To Questions and Quick Answers
- How to identify different types of cedar trees? Look for differences in berry color (red or blue), leaf shape, and geographic location.
- How to reduce cedar allergies? Over-the-counter allergy medications, air purifiers, and staying indoors during peak pollen times can help.
- How to control cedar growth? Professional tree removal, controlled burns, and herbicide application can be effective.
- How to use cedar wood? Cedar wood is great for outdoor furniture, fencing, and aromatic products like cedar chips for smoking meat.
- How to appreciate the beauty of cedar trees? Look at them from afar, admire their resilience, and remember that they provide habitat for wildlife.