Top of established Cedar tree needles bare - Ask Extension
We have a large cedar tree in our sidewalk planting strip that was likely planted when our home was built over 110 years ago. The top of the tree has ...
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Top of established Cedar tree needles bare #874239
Asked June 22, 2024, 9:05 PM EDT
We have a large cedar tree in our sidewalk planting strip that was likely planted when our home was built over 110 years ago. The top of the tree has been losing its foliage (needles) the past few years which coincides with our much hotter and drier summers. We hav been drip irrigating our large street trees for the past 3 years but didn’t start until August when it became obvious the summers were going to be real dry. This year in early June I provided drip irrigation for two days hoping to satiate the soil. I’ve noticed that even during rainy months the soil remains dry due to the foliage cover acting as an umbrella.
Is this dead area atop the tree a sign the tree is doomed or will supplementary watering help save the tree?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Jeffrey and thanks for your question about your cedar tree. Yes, it looks pretty unhealthy and may die no matter what you do now. According to the forestry expert, Glen Ahrens at Extension,
"Serious disease, insect, or abiotic problems in western redcedar usually cause overall discoloration, thinning of the crown, dieback of the top and then the entire tree. Note that we have seen an increase in dieback of western redcedar in our area, mostly related to abiotic stress from drought and heat."
I'm sorry the news is not better, but you can continue to apply drip irrigation at the drip line this summer starting in July if you want to see what happens. Every couple of weeks give it a full day of drip to get the water down deep.
Good luck,
"Serious disease, insect, or abiotic problems in western redcedar usually cause overall discoloration, thinning of the crown, dieback of the top and then the entire tree. Note that we have seen an increase in dieback of western redcedar in our area, mostly related to abiotic stress from drought and heat."
I'm sorry the news is not better, but you can continue to apply drip irrigation at the drip line this summer starting in July if you want to see what happens. Every couple of weeks give it a full day of drip to get the water down deep.
Good luck,
Obvioulsy not good news. Nevertheless, I will persist in providing deep watering in the hope it regains its vigor. Our success in our watering and pruning program for the old big leaf maples in the planting strips gives me hope we can save this tree.
