Aromatic cedar is one of the most maligned and misunderstood of the Texas trees. People will refer to the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and the Hill Country Cedar (Juniperus ashei) both as "Aromatic" Cedar. San Antonio knows the syndrome called "Cedar Fever" well. In the fall, cold fronts from the North come through and carry large amounts of the pollen from the Hill Country into the city. The resulting allergy attacks bring misery to many. In the Hill Country, the trees use up large amounts of surface water and restrict creek flows. Most ranchers would like to see the species obliterated. The lumber that is produced, however, is one of the most useful in the State. The naturally occurring oil that remains in the wood is distasteful to insects and fungus alike. Many thousands of older homes in town are built simply upon a foundation of these posts sunk straight into the ground. The wood will often last 70-80 years before needing replacement, if at all. Most fence-posts of old in the area were made of this material.The oil that is extracted from the wood can be used as a preservative, or to ward off fire ants. The perfume industry relies on natural extracts from this tree as well.
Eastern Red Cedar Logs with bark
Eastern Red Cedar Slab, Rough
Cedar Window Shutters, Mission San Jose National Historic Site
Mission San Jose National Park
Modern Fence at Taco Garage, Broadway
#1 Fredericksburg Road at “Five Points” | P.O. Box 5398 | San Antonio, TX 78201 | T 210-736-3137 | F 210-736-3136
