Estblished Cedar trees dying - Ask Extension
Over the past few years western red cedars have been dying beginning with needles dead on top and progressing down. It appears to start at one area a...
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Estblished Cedar trees dying #871237
Asked June 03, 2024, 8:29 AM EDT
Over the past few years western red cedars have been dying beginning with needles dead on top and progressing down. It appears to start at one area and move to adjacent trees, trees are about 35 yrs old. I have cut them down as they die but worried they will continue to spread. I don't see any root rots or other signs other than canopy needle loss.
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello, western redcedar has been suffering over the past 5 - 10 years, and there has been a lot of research to determine what is happening. It appears there is no fungus or insect causing the issues, but that it is environmental.... long term drought and increased summer heat seem to be the key factors. The mortality we are seeing is at the lowest elevations that western redcedar grows. I don't think you have to worry about insects or fungi spreading from the dead trees.
