Dying conifer hedge, any ideas?

[TArrryan]

Hello again everyone, I have been asked by my client to investigate why thier conifer hedge is dying. as the pictures below show it has developed spreading brown patches all along one section of hedging leaving the opposite side (bottom pic) virtually untouched, although there appears to be some yellowing to the left of the ancient dead patch (I believe the previous gardener got overly enthusiastic with the hedge cutter)

 

the first and second pictures were taken about four weeks apart, the spread is quite dramatic! the side shown in the pictures is quite sheltered, the neighbours side shows exactly the same level of die back but is more exposed and on a mild slope. the ground isn't perfectly drained but its by no means wet or soggy, the soil is quite fertile and mildly alkaline. however the hedge had survived on it for many years to date!

 

I can see no signs of fungal infection on the surface and no signs of pests, there's approximately one conifer every two or three feet.

 

I'm expecting to have to recommend its removal, I don't see any way it can be saved, and unless I discover its cause of die back I cant suggest a new hedge or fence yet.

 

Don't think I missed out any details!!

 

Thanks for your help

[Tree Man Tom]

If anything, maybe to dry? Or poorly trimmed in previous years?

[armchairarborist]

i'd probably recommend clipping it an inch or two less, looks too closely trimmed to me.. give it a bit of growing space to thicken back up and maintain at new size, Ed.

[Johny Walker]

afides ,not sure how its spellt ,air born probaly any pics of other side

[Lloyd Jerrey]

Looks too hard cut mate, see it a far bit, an old lady we work for had the same kinda thing and we came back year later and it was all fine, and we asked if she did anything to it and she said she jet washed all the dead stuff out and sounds funny but did grow faster than others we had seen that had just been left lol Just a thought, not promoting it or anything hahahaha

[TArrryan]

soil has been moist all year here. there is a second length of conifer hedge on the other side of the garden that's in perfect health. if its a disease I have to try and protect it too.

 

 

Edit: The only area that's been poorly trimmed is shown, other than that I can only pick flaws in a few uncut shoots. It looks close but there's a good 1-2 inches of healthy growth in it... where its not dying of course

Edited October 8, 2010 by TArrryan

[Mesterh]

Conifer aphid maybe?

 

Well looks like to me.

 

Are there swarms of the little fellas when you prune the hedge?

[Johny Walker]

soil has been moist all year here. there is a second length of conifer hedge on the other side of the garden that's in perfect health. if its a disease I have to try and protect it too.

 

the only area that's been poorly trimmed is shown, other than that I can only pick flaws in a few uncut shoots. there's a good 1-2 inches of healthy growth... where its not dying of course

 

is it the 1,st time you have trimmed the hedge

[TArrryan]

I haven't trimmed this hedge yet, the previous worker did. no aphids as far as I can see.

 

ohhhhhh I just remembered something important, the neighbour cuts his own side as far as i know, two different people cutting but the same symptoms on each side!!

[Johny Walker]

I haven't trimmed this hedge yet, the previous worker did. no aphids as far as I can see.

 

ohhhhhh I just remembered something important, the neighbour cuts his own side as far as i know, two different people cutting but the same symptoms on each side!!

 

not been funny but do you know what to look for ?? ie,ayfids p/s is ther a lot off lady birds about the hedge