I have found that I have a preference for the more open types of cover such as large oak limbs or persimmon trees. The only way I would use cedar would be to find one that is leaning over and void of all needles. These trees are usually 4 to 6 inches across the trunk. Before I use them I think that I would trim all the limbs back until the ends of all the limbs are no smaller than a quarter. This will make all the limbs a little more open and also hold the trunk up off the bottom.

I have a cedar tree such as this located and may try to sink it soon. Tomorrow NIMROD and I are planning on sinking several brushpiles. May have a few pics to post tomorrow.

Whatever type of natural brush you choose to use always try to support it up off the bottom a little by tying it tight to the top of your buckets or have a couple of the stronger limbs on the bottom. This will keep the weights from smashing the bottom limbs down flat. This allows the crappie to use all the structure.