telling difference between cedars-pics added-

[alex b]

Hi, I have a cedar tree in my yard and a few branches need to be trimmed. I am not sure if it is a red cedar (hopefully) or a white cedar. Is there an obvious way to tell? I will try to get some pictures up if needed.

thanks
alex

[Pat B]

Being that you are from NY I'd say it is white cedar. I don't believe ERC grows that far north. Post a pic of the full tree and a close up of the foliage and that should help with the ID.

[dmikeyj]

I have read that ERC grows all the way up to the Canadian border.  If the tree is over 50 ft. tall, it's not ERC.  Northern white cedar does not have the little light blue berries.  Atlantic white cedar is less likely since it is more coastal, but it does have blue berries.  They are darker and less smoothly round than ERC berries.

This is all from Golden Field Guides "Trees of North America".  Hope it helps.

Mike

[Dmaxshawn]

I use the cedars with the little blue berries.  Being thats the ones that get cut down at the ranch in Nebraska.

Shawn

[wood carver 2]

We have ERC growing in low lying areas here in the Great White North. White cedar also. Some nice big ones too!
Dave.

[alex b]

Thanks for the responses. Can anyone tell what i have from the pictures?

thanks
alex

[Pat B]

Looks like ERC to me.

[dmikeyj]

Yup, sure looks like ERC...

[wood carver 2]

Looks like ERC. Gnarly bugger ain't it?
Dave.

[LittleBen]

Definately ERC. Purple-red heartwood is a dead giveaway.