How To Make Money From Cedar Tree In South Africa
Overview
Cedars work well as windbreaks, helping to protect other trees and plants from the wind. Windbreaks also block snow. The trees also keep valuable topsoil in place when the trees act as windbreaks along the edges of agricultural land. Cedar trees also protect the soil from being eroded by water.
How To Make Money From Cedar Tree In South Africa
At first glance, growing trees may not seem all that exciting, but it can be a surprisingly lucrative long-term investment. Trees increase in value exponentially as they grow, labor costs are low, and if you have access to land, they require very little start-up capital.
The Cedar tree has many practical and medicinal uses. Cedar is offered to the sacred fire during sweat lodge ceremonies, burned during prayers and, when boiled, can purify indoor air and be used for cedar baths. As a tea, it can help to reduce fevers, rheumatic symptoms and relieve symptoms of chest colds and the flu.
How Much is a Cedar Tree Worth?
A large old-growth cedar can produce 500 or more board feet of dimensional lumber.
Lumber is sold from the mills, and priced in, a thousand board feet, although some markets use board meters.
Boards made of cedar can be priced around $600 – $700 range, which is a good buy if it can be substituted in some places.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the value of red cedar in South Africa?
It typically sells for $5 per board foot. You can earn over $500 a tree in 30 to 40 years growing cedar clear wood.
What good is a cedar tree?
Cedars work well as windbreaks, helping to protect other trees and plants from the wind. Windbreaks also block snow. The trees also keep valuable topsoil in place when the trees act as windbreaks along the edges of agricultural land. Cedar trees also protect the soil from being eroded by water.
What is the average lifespan of a cedar tree?
Cedars are known for their longevity. They take years to reach maturity, which means they will live for centuries. The average lifespan of the true cedar is around 300 years or longer. Some Lebanon cedar trees can live up to 1,000 years.
How do I sell cedar wood in South Africa?
How to Sell a Cedar Tree for Wood
- Contact a forester or arborist in your area, which can be found by contacting your county extension office.
- You’ll want to get at least one appraisal by a forester or arborist about your tree’s worth.
Should I cut down cedar trees?
Periodic burning of pastureland will not only eliminate existing cedars, it will also eliminate the seeds dropped by those trees. If you have country that’s harder to burn, the best way is to handle cedars is to cut them down. As long as you cut them below the very bottom branch, the tree should not grow back.
Why is cedar wood expensive in South Africa?
Whether it’s for support in their house or to make a deck near a pool, the demand for cedar due to its moisture resistance is high. Since supply is often low, the increase in demand makes cedar expensive. Cedar is expensive because it’s moisture resistant.
What do you do with a fallen cedar tree in South Africa?
Here are some ways you can upcycle tree stumps or fallen trees, into things that are useful and to be treasured.
- Tree Stump Flower Planter.
- Make a Mosaic table.
- A small sitting table.
- Candle Holders.
- Make a small bookshelf, or woodshelf.
- A Bird Bath.
- Sitting stool.
- Plant Markers.
Can you drink cedar water?
Usually, cedar water is not harmful. It may smell slightly strange, and it can have a dark appearance which is offputting, but it is not toxic or dangerous. However, it is usually a good idea to avoid drinking it, because it can upset the stomach.
Can you make tea from a cedar tree?
Gather all the amount of cedar you would like to use (usually four sprigs is enough). Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a boil (roughly 6 cups). One-pot can yield upward of 3 cups of tea.
What is special about cedar trees?
People cultivate cedar because of its ornamental morphology and fragrant, durable wood that has application in the construction and furniture industry. Interesting Cedar Facts: Cedar can reach from 98 to 131 feet in height and around 8 feet in diameter (trunk). Cedar has dark-grey or brown bark.
How long does it take for a cedar tree to grow to maturity in South Africa?
Tip. The growth rate of red cedars is moderate to fast and varies slightly based on cedar type. Eastern red cedars grow by 12 to 24 inches in height per year for their first 30 years, while Western red cedars can add 24 to 30 inches of height per year.
How quickly do cedars grow in South Africa?
Cedars, in general, can grow over 25 inches a year for their fastest rate of growth, but usually fall in a range of 12 to 24 inches annually.
How do I calculate the value of a tree?
The formula is: Tree Value = Base Value x Cross-sectional Area x Species Class x Condition Class x Location Class Base Value is the dollar amount assigned to 1 square inch of a tree’s trunk cross-sectional area and is typically based on the cost of the largest available replacement plant of the same species.