Eastern Red Cedar Question

[RyanR]

When is the best time to cut eastern red cedar that makes it easy to remove the bark? I have found a small one I am thinking about cutting one trunk out of. Also, is this considered juniper?

[Pat B]

With all woody plants, trees and shrubs, the bark slips during the growing season and holds tight while the plant is dormant so during the growing season is when you harvest wood so the bark removes easily. ERC has pretty thin bark so it shouldn't be much of a problem removing the bark now.

[okie64]

Erc bark is pretty easy to remove any time of year. If the tree is clear of knots I would go ahead and cut it, if its knotty I would wait till spring so the the bark will peel right up and over the knots.

[loefflerchuck]

In a dryer place the back will develop drying cracks at small nots if the bark is removed right away. I have had to use shellac on the back to keep this from happening.