The rapid expansion of western juniper into neighboring plant communities during the past 130 years has caused considerable concern because of increased soil erosion, reduced stream
flows; reduced forage production; altered wildlife habitat; changes in plant community composition, structure, and biodiversity; and the replacement of mesic and semi-arid plant communities...
The heartwood of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora var. velutina) and of Utah juniper (Juniperus utahensis) is generally considered to have outstanding decay resistance. Quantitative evidence of the juniper superiority appears in a study of old fence lines by Meagher. Nearly three fourths of the juniper posts averaging 3.6 inches in diameter...