Knowledgebase

Decay in Calocedrus decurrens #922979

Asked December 18, 2025, 8:51 PM EST

Hello, I'm in West Linn, Clackamas County. During the high winds on Tuesday night, Dec 16, my 45' CA Incense Cedar unexpectedly blew over into my next door neighbor's yard. It broke off just above the root ball. Prior to its demise, the tree appeared to be in good health and had been inspected by a certified arborist 2 years before. The arborist came out today and said it appeared that the tree was actually decaying in the center, but you would never have known from its outward appearance. There are 2 other trees in the group with this one. My guess is that all of the trees were planted in 1999-2000 when the house was built. I am concerned that the other 2 could be in danger of toppling over as well and they are in positions to fall on houses if that happened. The arborist suggested that we might think about taking them down, but I wanted another opinion. I will include photos. Thank you.

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Hello Margo and thanks for your sad story and very good pictures. It does look like a root rot, and this can be a problem that spreads through the soil. I would definitely get a second (or even third) arborist opinion and maybe they have some way to do a core boring to see if any rot appears at the base of the tree.

To be on the safe side, you could take down the trees if at least one other arborist agrees with the first one. It's a sad thing to take down these beautiful trees, but you can't really risk them doing damage to houses. Make sure the arborist is ISA certified and let them decide your best plan.

Sorry it's not better news,
Rhonda Frick-Wright Replied December 22, 2025, 7:23 PM EST

Loading ...