Controlling Eastern Redcedar: Mechanical Treatments or Prescribed Fire?

Science has shown that mechanical control of cedar has not performed up to expectations of controlling cedar invasion at desired scales. Mechanical treatments are expensive and target a single invasion stage. While, prescribed fire can target seeds, seedlings, small trees, large trees and stands in a single application. Mechanical methods have greater risks to users, while, prescribed fire has a risk of escape (less than 1% of all fires). Cedar control programs, should evaluate these options with regard to management goals and local conditions.