Is my tree dying? - Ask Extension
I have these tall trees that close together, and for six months one of the trees is been getting browner and browner. Should I remove tree? Tree next ...
Knowledgebase
Is my tree dying? #876942
Asked July 12, 2024, 10:06 AM EDT
I have these tall trees that close together, and for six months one of the trees is been getting browner and browner. Should I remove tree? Tree next to it looks like it might be starting to turn brown.
Thank you.
Johanna
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Johanna,
Plant identification can be key in determining what conditions cause it stress or damage, though we can't quite tell which evergreen species this is. Based on what we can see of the foliage texture and color, our best guess is a Hinoki Falsecypress (botanical name Chamaecyparis obtusa); does this sound correct?
The dieback pictured could have been caused by a variety of factors and likely began one or more years ago, so unfortunately we can't be very certain from the photos, and a more narrowed-down diagnosis may need to come from a certified arborist who can inspect the tree in person. Causes may include drought stress (including from the drought in 2023), over-saturated roots (perhaps from the excessive rains of 2018 and 2019, especially if a plant was near the outlet of a roof downspout or another source of added water), root injury from digging in the area, opportunistic fungal infection (usually arising after a stress factor like drought), or opportunistic wood-boring insects (also usually arising after a stress factor like drought or roots staying too wet).
For now, all that can be done is to prune out the dead wood. Since the damage looks so localized, we don't think the entire plant's health is at risk and it would not need removal just yet due to only this limited amount of damage. It may be worth getting a second opinion from an arborist, though, especially if you can find one who has experience diagnosing conifers like Hinoki.
If the tree next to this plant that you're referring to is the deciduous tree behind it in the photo, it's unlikely to be suffering from the same issue unless drought or excessive root moisture was stressing both plants. An arborist would be needed to assess the dieback on that tree as well, and dead branches should be pruned off so they don't cause any further injury to the tree (or risk harming people) when they fall.
For the evergreen, the best approach for now to help maintain plant health and minimize stress would be to monitor it for watering needs during our ongoing drought and irrigate the root zone as needed based on feeling the soil moisture several inches deep. The linked web page about watering trees and shrubs provides guidance.
Miri
Plant identification can be key in determining what conditions cause it stress or damage, though we can't quite tell which evergreen species this is. Based on what we can see of the foliage texture and color, our best guess is a Hinoki Falsecypress (botanical name Chamaecyparis obtusa); does this sound correct?
The dieback pictured could have been caused by a variety of factors and likely began one or more years ago, so unfortunately we can't be very certain from the photos, and a more narrowed-down diagnosis may need to come from a certified arborist who can inspect the tree in person. Causes may include drought stress (including from the drought in 2023), over-saturated roots (perhaps from the excessive rains of 2018 and 2019, especially if a plant was near the outlet of a roof downspout or another source of added water), root injury from digging in the area, opportunistic fungal infection (usually arising after a stress factor like drought), or opportunistic wood-boring insects (also usually arising after a stress factor like drought or roots staying too wet).
For now, all that can be done is to prune out the dead wood. Since the damage looks so localized, we don't think the entire plant's health is at risk and it would not need removal just yet due to only this limited amount of damage. It may be worth getting a second opinion from an arborist, though, especially if you can find one who has experience diagnosing conifers like Hinoki.
If the tree next to this plant that you're referring to is the deciduous tree behind it in the photo, it's unlikely to be suffering from the same issue unless drought or excessive root moisture was stressing both plants. An arborist would be needed to assess the dieback on that tree as well, and dead branches should be pruned off so they don't cause any further injury to the tree (or risk harming people) when they fall.
For the evergreen, the best approach for now to help maintain plant health and minimize stress would be to monitor it for watering needs during our ongoing drought and irrigate the root zone as needed based on feeling the soil moisture several inches deep. The linked web page about watering trees and shrubs provides guidance.
Miri
Thanks so much for your detailed response.
You're welcome.
