The "cedar" in the Hill Country is actually the Ashe Juniper tree and it thrives in the area. It is drought tolerant in an area of frequent and prolonged drought and the hungry deer population won't touch the saplings while they obliterate the competing saplings from most other tree species that they are able to get to.
My parents live in the Hill Country and when I go to visit, I end up spending some time in the back of the property, barefoot with a brush hand saw, taking down large bottom branches from the Junipers. I do this for recreation and also to divert the growing energy of the tree upwards as it matures.
The aroma from the cut branches is quite pleasing and the systematic work of turning the branches into posts is satisfying. Usually, the long bottom branches are cut first, so much of the time, the work is in the shade of the upper branches, which can also transpire significantly on a hot day, with a prominent cooling effect. I can understand how getting paid for doing this might be an attractive life.
Oh man that made me cringe. I’ve spent a lot of time on Texas Hill Country land (Kerville etc) and between rattlesnakes and chiggers you are one brave soul.
My parents live in the Hill Country and when I go to visit, I end up spending some time in the back of the property, barefoot with a brush hand saw, taking down large bottom branches from the Junipers. I do this for recreation and also to divert the growing energy of the tree upwards as it matures.
The aroma from the cut branches is quite pleasing and the systematic work of turning the branches into posts is satisfying. Usually, the long bottom branches are cut first, so much of the time, the work is in the shade of the upper branches, which can also transpire significantly on a hot day, with a prominent cooling effect. I can understand how getting paid for doing this might be an attractive life.