Xmas Tree Not Well Make It Smile Again

[SLOPPY]

Hi all, this is my first time to the forum so many thanks for having me.

 

What's brought me here is that I've noticed my tree at the front of my house doesn't look very happy (pictures below). I know nothing about trees but this I can only best describe as a xmas tree though I'm guessing it's probably got some proper name in gardening terms.

 

The tree is about 15 years old and lives in Manchester, early last year I decided to lop the top of it since it was growing far to high however, I think in doing this the tree has since caught some fungi of some description because on one side all the branches have started to go brown and the needles are dropping off leaving a carpet of them on my lawn.

 

I have also notice the bark on the tree has cracks appearing although I'm not sure if this has always been the case.

 

I love my tree and would very much like to do all I can to bring it's smile back and I dearly hope that you folks on here can offer me some of your expert advice.

 

Many thanks in advance:001_tongue:

 

 

[Steve Bullman]

The tree is a Cedar, probably atlas or deodar. Looks like you took quite a lump out of the top which could well be the problem. Or it could be as simple as drought. Has your area been particularly dry? Might be worth leaving a hosepipe under it once a week for a few weeks

[Graham]

Blue Atlas...C. atlantica glauca. May be dry. Worth mulching around the base. Could also be phytophora. Is there any weeping from the trunk?

Edited July 14, 2014 by Graham

[SLOPPY]

Yeh did take perhaps a little to much off the top, made the mistake of listening to my Dad lol.

 

Just had another look at the trunk, appears ok, few cracks here and there, bark feels dry no weeping. It's weird because it's mostly one side that is affected.

 

Should I just put plenty of water down for now and see how it goes as since its summer perhaps it has been dryer than I thought.

 

Also mulching, what does that involve being as the tree is surrounded by lawn, sorry for my ignorance.

 

Thanks for your replies.

[Steve Bullman]

cut a border around the dripline(where the branches extend to) then fill with woodchippings or other suitable mulch

[SLOPPY]

Ok sounds like a job for my next day off. Thanks and I'll keep you up to date.

[kernowstu]

Yeh did take perhaps a little to much off the top, made the mistake of listening to my Dad lol.

 

Just had another look at the trunk, appears ok, few cracks here and there, bark feels dry no weeping. It's weird because it's mostly one side that is affected.

 

Should I just put plenty of water down for now and see how it goes as since its summer perhaps it has been dryer than I thought.

 

Also mulching, what does that involve being as the tree is surrounded by lawn, sorry for my ignorance.

 

Thanks for your replies.

 

wind damage

[Fredward]

Has there been any construction around the base of the tree? i.e driveway or footpath etc.

[Fredward]

 

The tree is about 15 years old and lives in Manchester

 

 

Sorry, I now realise the problem.

 

Only kidding - by the way the cracks look normal, just appears to be growth marks from the photo you provided.

[TGB]

...

The tree is about 15 years old and lives in Manchester...

... holidays in Cypress California and has a timeshare in Scotland.

 

Good luck with your tree.