Dead branches on Incense Cedar
My Incense Cedar has random branches turning brown. I am concerned the tree is under attack from something. Is this normal growth pattern or a symptom of a bigger problem?
Multnomah County Oregon forestry trees and shrubs urban forestry
1 Response
The pattern of damage resembles that from incense-cedar branch canker, a fungus that affects individual branches. To diagnose, one needs to look at an affected branch for the canker on the stem. It is not deadly to the tree but makes it unsightly. Please read more about incense-cedar branch canker and what to do about it at this link: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cedar-incense-branch-canker
If the branch canker signs are not present, then it could simply be a sign of stress from root disturbance, poor soil, drought, or a combination of these factors.
