Knowledgebase
Dying Cedar on my property, why and what are my best options for solutions? #878152
Asked July 21, 2024, 5:20 PM EDT
To the OSU Extension Services:
I own a second home on a small parcel of property in Wheeler Oregon.
Over the 4th of July week, I arrived after only a few weeks absence to see that the mature Cedar tree on the property line, with my southern neighbor, was rapidly dying for no apparent reason.
The Cedar tree was growing on a steep hillside in full sun at the base of a line of Hemlock, Doug fir, Sitka Spruce and and increasing invasive understory of laurel, ivy, holly, and blackberry brambles. The Cedar had been “windowed” without apparent trauma before we bought the place in 2016. A contractor speculated that ”the tree is a Port Oxford that doesn’t do as well here.” I’m unable to distinguish what variety it is.
The neighbor wants it removed, but I’m not in a rush to remove it until we know:
What species of Cedar is this tree?
Why did it die ?
Are the roots diseased?
Are the other trees in jeopardy?
If so, can I replant and what species is best?
Does the soil require amendment?
Or
Can it remain as a snag for wildlife?
These trees provide vital erosion control, shade, and buffer our home from southern wind storms.
If the Cedar is removed and replaced, the invasive understory shrubbery should be removed and replaced as well.
Everyone, and I mean everyone in town, is of the opinion it must be cut down. I have been given the names of arborists and tree fallers; it’s a logging community— Stimson Lumber Co owns the mountains above Wheeler.
Can you provide recommendations of the better resource people in the field of erosion control, and urban forest stewardship who can answer my questions above and give thoughtful options.
Sincerely ,
Linda Hamel Logan
Tillamook County Oregon
Expert Response
From the photo it looks like it could be a Port Orford cedar, however I would need to see a sample to be sure. I encourage you to bring a sample to your Tillamook County Extension Office for identification (and bring in the photo of the whole tree as well). They also would have some local resources for you.
If it is a Port Orford cedar, these trees are very susceptible to root rotting pathogens, so it is possible that is what caused it to die. The symptoms can occur suddenly as weather warms up and the root system is no longer healthy and it cannot move water into the canopy when it is needed.
As I mentioned, Port Orford cedars are very susceptible to the pathogen Phytopthora and they often succumb to this disease. This is a soil borne pathogen which can spread, however it is hard to say if the other trees will get infected. They are likely less disease-prone than POC, but this would depend on a number of factors such as tree stress, environmental conditions, etc.
In terms of your decision to leave it up or not, it's hard for me to say with just seeing a photo and not really knowing for sure what is wrong. I recommend you have it looked at by an arborist - The tree may be unstable especially if it does have root rot.
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