02/19/2026
Had a long discussion today about cedar trees in Oklahoma. I’m not a fire expert, but in 34 years of chasing wildfires across the state, I’ve seen these trees act as a major accelerant time and time again.
Eastern red cedars grow low and dense, often with limbs that hug the ground. When a fast moving grass fire reaches them, they can explode almost instantly, sending flames 30 to 50 feet into the air, sometimes higher. Once one ignites, it can rapidly spread fire to neighboring trees and structures. And with millions of cedars across Oklahoma, that fuel load adds up quickly during high wind, low humidity days like we’ve been seeing.
I don’t pretend to have the perfect solution. Removal is expensive, labor intensive, and understandably controversial. Not everyone wants them cleared, and in some areas they serve as windbreaks or habitat. But if you have cedars on your property and most of us do, it’s worth thinking about mitigation. Full removal is ideal in high risk zones. If that’s not feasible, limbing them up 4-5 feet off the ground can help reduce ladder fuels and slow the intensity of a grass fire transitioning into the canopy.
It’s a tough topic, especially in our state that deals with wildfires year after year. I myself have been removing them every year off my land but it’s hard and expensive and it takes time.
I’m curious, what are your thoughts on cedar management in Oklahoma?
