Eastern Red Cedar to raise soil pH

[BenA]

Saw this earlier and found it interesting:

“The high calcium content of its foliage (over 2 percent) tends to change soils from acid to alkaline in a comparatively short time, perhaps less than 15 years (Broadfoot, 1951a; Broadfoot, 1951b).” (Ferguson et al. 1968)

Most of my ERCs are on north facing slopes, or that's where they seem to take on the quickest because of the moisture levels being higher there I suppose. I have a love-hate relationship with them. I like them in certain spots, but want to get rid of some in those north facing slope areas where they've gotten out of hand. But, I could definitely use some pH raising. Maybe kill two birds with one stone by using the foliage to raise plot pH levels. Just thinking out loud.

 

[swat1018]

First I've heard of that. I've dozed off several cedar patches for plots, and I can't get enough lime on them.

 

[j-bird]

I have never heard of cedars having this ability.....and I would think it may take longer than many of us are willing to wait, but I would think lime would be a far faster way to raise soil pH. If you want the cedars gone or thinned...I would thin them and pile them for other critters and leave well enough alone. Cedars work great for brushing blinds, and fish habitat as well.

 

[Telemark]

I have never heard that cedars raise pH.

 

[SwampCat]

I know cedars are one if the few trees that will grow in high pH soils.

 

[White Birch Farm]

Redcedars Transform Soil

Eastern redcedars have an interesting relationship with soil. Although the species is often associated with alkaline soils, it can and sometimes does establish itself on acidic soils. When this happens, the accumulation of fallen needles beneath the tree eventually alters the soil pH to a more neutral or alkaline level. In addition, soil under young redcedar trees has been found to have as much as three times the volume of open pores and 20 times the permeability to water compared with adjacent soil in the open.

 

[OakSeeds]

Following Swamp Cats observation I'll give you a challenge. Plant 2 ERCs in the woods - 12-15 feet apart - and place a 4' X 4' piece of landscape fabric under each to reduce competition.. Place pea gravel on top of the fabric under one cedar and limestone chips (white rock / crushesd limestone rock used in driveways) on top of the fabric of the other. 3-5 years later, you will be amazed at the difference in growth. Anyone planting ERC should be sure to throw some inexpensive crushed limestone under it/them.

 

[Tree Spud]

Following Swamp Cats observation I'll give you a challenge. Plant 2 ERCs in the woods - 12-15 feet apart - and place a 4' X 4' piece of landscape fabric under each to reduce competition.. Place pea gravel on top of the fabric under one cedar and limestone chips (white rock / crushesd limestone rock used in driveways) on top of the fabric of the other. 3-5 years later, you will be amazed at the difference in growth. Anyone planting ERC should be sure to throw some inexpensive crushed limestone under it/them.

I am assuming any form or lime, crushed or pelletized would work?

 

[goatman]

You want to jump start a red cedar. After the first year spread some urea around it. Not a lot. Hand spreader. I do this till they're over head high.

 

[Bassattackr]

I am assuming any form or lime, crushed or pelletized would work?

Ag lime is best for long term soil ph adjustment. Pelletized lime works but just not for long.

 

[BenA]

Ag lime is best for long term soil ph adjustment. Pelletized lime works but just not for long.

Or, we're right back around to using the foliage to increase the pH of the soil.