Eastern red cedar berries are edible and were used by Native Americans to flavor food, including game meat. The berries, when chewed, are said to relieve mouth sores and are used as a mild antiseptic, while oil made from the berries was used to treat dysentery.

Native to the Pacific Northwest and the original Cedar wood used in traditional Native American cooking. Western Red Cedar is delicious and non-toxic. This is the safest and most recommended for Cedar plank cooking.

Cedar mulch is not toxic to dogs. The main benefit of using cedar mulch is its reputation as an insect repellent. However, if you have a dog that likes to dig and chew – ANY mulch may cause vomiting and diarrhea if too much is ingested.

Also called Chinaberry Tree, Indian Lilac or White Cedar, this unique tree with star-shaped lavender blooms and yellow globe fruit can be very harmful to pets if ingested, especially in large quantities. The highest concentration of the toxin is in the fruit.

Based on the studies that have shown concern with the compounds in the cedar chips that may cause changes within the body, it seems it is best to avoid using cedar as bedding or litter for our pets, especially since alternatives are readily available. With pine shavings, the problem isn’t as clear cut though.

Sap or needles on branches of the California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) can cause skin rashes. Exposure to branches of common red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), often used in landscaping, can cause rashes in some individuals.

As long as firewood is left to sit in the right conditions and free from moisture it won’t go bad for many years. Once firewood has been seasoned for the right amount of time it should be stored off the ground, under a form of cover and open to the atmosphere to ensure that it doesn’t rot.

First off, it’s important to understand why cedar wood smells good. Surprisingly, the smell itself actually isn’t the major payoff with cedar wood. Moreover, the reason the wood smells good is because it contains the compound thujaplicin.

Fading. If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color.

15 to 20 years

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you’re using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

Cleaning and general maintenance is necessary to preserve cedar wood fences. If cared for properly, a cedar fence will remain attractive and structurally sound for many years to come. Apply a waterproofing sealer to the cedar fence to protect the wood from splintering, cracking and warping due to the weather elements.