"Cedars" in this case being certain species of junipers, not "white cedars" (arborvitaes) or true cedars, Cedrus species. And while the disease is unsightly and can disfigure fruit and cause some early leaf drop, it tends to be more of a cosmetic issue than seriously harmful.

The good news is that there are a number of crabapple cultivars that have been bred specifically for disease resistance. And not just rust - also scab, fireblight and mildew resistance.

Adirondack, Firebird, Pink Princess, PrairieFire, Prof. Sprenger and Sargentii are all very highly disease resistant cultivars but several others are rated very highly for rust resistance in particular.

So you dont think it will be a bad idea for me to plant one?!

Not at all!! If you feel it becomes an issue or you insist on pristine looking trees and fruit, you can always use a fungicidal spray recommended for this problem.

I love crabs. They are tough as heck in my neck of the prairie.

I had an apple tree about 40 ft. from 2 J. virginiana's for >40 yrs. :^)