Why is western juniper considered a sustainable green product?
Instead of creating air pollution by burning, and other detrimental effects to the environment; western juniper is now being used for a variety of needed products. “Considered a ‘water hog’, the overgrowth of juniper especially in the Western states has been linked to the disappearance of critical water springs in high desert regions, as a single tree can consume 30 to 50 gallons of water per day. Since invasive juniper outcompetes several native plant species, this leads to a loss of forests and wildlife habitat. So much so, state and local governments have offered programs to help support juniper removal in areas where it is quite literally a growing problem. In addition, junipers have created a major obstacle for farmers and ranchers whose livelihood requires arable land and pastures. Now this “throwaway” wood, which might otherwise be burned down to clear land, can be put to productive use. Historically, juniper control projects tend to be mechanically based. Bulldozing or chaining
