Cedar trees are a genus of coniferous trees of the family Pinaceae. These trees are native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region. They are easy to grow and most species are decay- and insect-resistant. However, cedar trees can still be prone to infections and may end up dying unless prompt attention and treatment are given.
How to save a dying cedar tree
Ensure correct watering techniques.
Dying cedar trees could be attributed to poor watering practices. This could be either overwatering or underwatering. If the weather has been hot in recent days, make sure to water the soil deeply around the trees. Also see to it that the area where the trees are planted has sufficient drainage, because waterlogged soil can be harmful to your trees.
Sprinkler systems are an ideal way of ensuring that moisture reaches all of the roots.
Provide mulch to protect the trees from extreme temperatures and diseases.
Add mulch to your cedar trees to protect them from weeds, pests, diseases and soil erosion. It is also a big help in keeping the trees alive in extreme hot or cold temperatures. However, do not go overboard with the mulch, since too much can suffocate the root system. The layer of mulch at the base of the trees should not be too thick, and should not come into contact with the trees’ trunks.
Use fertilizers appropriately.
Too much of a good thing can be fatal, and this also applies to fertilizers. Excessive fertilizer could be a health hazard for your trees. Contact your local arborist or nursery for the proper instructions on fertilizer application. This will help bring your dying trees back to good health.
Prune the trees properly.
Prune away any dead or damaged branches and twigs. Destroy the clippings to prevent possible diseases from spreading to other plants. Pruning protects the trees from diseases and pests, while also promoting healthy growth.
Possible reasons your cedar tree is turning brown or dying
Fungal diseases
If you notice small, black holes in the foliage, it is probably a fungal disease. Get rid of contaminated branches so the infection does not spread. Spray with a fungicide or contact your local arborist regarding the proper procedures for eradicating fungal diseases.
Pests
Pests like aphids and crawler mites could attack cedar trees by sucking and feeding on the plants’ juices. Examine the foliage to determine the presence of aphids, which are green, blackish, brownish or orange-colored. Crawler mites are red, brown or yellow. Eradicate these with insecticidal soap, neem oil or pesticide.
Drought stress
Cedars are shallow-rooted trees and are thus at risk of drought stress, especially those planted in well-draining, sandy soil. The erratic changes from damp soil during the winter months to dryer soil during the warmer seasons could be stressful for the roots. Mulching could help maintain moisture, but ensure that the soil is not waterlogged to avoid the development of root rot.
Ring-barking, or girdling
Another reason for dying cedar trees is girdling. This can obstruct the transport of nourishment from the leaves to the roots, which is an important function of the layer just below the bark. If nutrition is not transported throughout the trees, they will suffer and may eventually die.
Too much or too little fertilizer
Too much or too little plant food, or fertilizer, could also create an impact on the cedar trees’ health. Applying fertilizer at least three times during the growing period should be sufficient. Follow the directions on fertilizer application to ensure that it reaches the roots. Do not feed during the late summer when the trees are preparing for winter dormancy. Ideally, fertilize with nitrogen and phosphorus to provide a springtime boost.
Root rot
Fungal diseases like root rot could develop if the trees are standing in waterlogged soil. To prevent this, ensure that the area around the trees has good drainage to avoid stagnant water in the soil.
Conclusion
Cedar trees are strong and durable coniferous trees, native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean. They are decay-resistant and pest-repellent, but are still prone to diseases, just like most plants. You may be able to help save your dying cedar tree by adjusting your watering schedule, adding mulch to protect the tree from extreme temperatures, fertilizing appropriately, and pruning affected leaves and branches to encourage new growth.
Image: istockphoto.com / apugach