Sudden death in garden Cedar

[Ian88]

I have noticed over the last few weeks that a tree in a clients garden that I have worked on before has suddenly not been looking to clever at all. I popped in the other day to take a look and see if I could work out what it was. I am not the most knowledge able when it comes to this and there was nothing obvious to me so I am going detective.

 

The tree has always looked in excellent health, its all happened this spring. Never shown any signs of fruiting bodies at base or on the trunk. There was some storm damage in the top about 5+ years ago and then it had a 15-20% reduction 2+ years ago. No sign of disturbance to the ground. There were some mushrooms growing around the tree but I think not directly related but still may be a clue.

 

There are a few points where sap is coming out of the tree at about 1m up on either side, opposite each other, this is apparently new.

 

I have spoken to a friend who is a bit more clued up on tree health than my self and he suggested removing a section of bark near the base to have a look. Also mentioned Phytophthora as a possibility, flooded roots or over fertilization of there lawn.

 

If any one has any more ideas before I get back to them then I am all ears.

 

Thanks

 

Still has some life holding on but not looking good.

 

 

 

 

 

I expect unrelated to the tree but maybe an indication of soil conditions.

 

Underside

[swinny]

Ive seen a few drop off in health due to needle blight i think its called. All needles turned pinky colour and most gave up

[Mull]

Don't know about the tree but I'd say the dog was carrying a tad too much weight! :-)

[Mick Dempsey]

Don't know what it is but they die quickly a lot as young/semi mature trees.

I see a lot of it here.

When they get really old they seem to be impervious.

I quoted the removal of one today, massive tree, 2 Mtrs diameter, enclosed garden, outbuildings underneath, 150 years minimum. Said to the guy "around the 4.5k mark"

He said "I was hoping it was going to be less"

I thought "I bet you were"

We'll see.

I doubt that ones over 55 years old.

[Mick Dempsey]

Anyway, it's never coming back, quote for removal.

[Ian88]

They did say the age of the tree but I cant remember now but that sounds about right to me, I think I may be finding it out for my self soon

 

I haven't gone at it looking to remove it, more curios as to why its died, I liked the tree and it was one of the nicer and more interesting in the village. Dont get me wrong, if its coming down I want it

They haven't asked for a quote yet but it should be a good one. Nice and clear to get down, except for the ABC on one side. I know they will want it logged and the trunk milled Narrow garden access with a few steps. So a nice few days!

[john p]

Persuade them to let you burn the brash, I love a cedar bonfire!

[Ty Korrigan]

Don't know what it is but they die quickly a lot as young/semi mature trees.

I see a lot of it here.

When they get really old they seem to be impervious.

I quoted the removal of one today, massive tree, 2 Mtrs diameter, enclosed garden, outbuildings underneath, 150 years minimum. Said to the guy "around the 4.5k mark"

He said "I was hoping it was going to be less"

I thought "I bet you were"

We'll see.

I doubt that ones over 55 years old.

 

The one we took down last June was also 150 years old (owner thought ot to be 500-1000) and 2m diameter.

We quoted around 5k.

It took a day to drop the crown using a 30m MEWP as it had been dead a while with loose bark (no targets)

2 days to clear the mess up and 5 hours for the stump WHEW!

 

I see dead and young cedars regularly.

Mostly Deodor though.

Lost a return client in town here due to her cedar dying the year after one of my finest pruning efforts.

Guess I should have sterilised my saw and worn a surgical gown...

Ty

[daltontrees]

Ive seen a few drop off in health due to needle blight i think its called. All needles turned pinky colour and most gave up

 

This appears more likely than Phytopthora. It's called Sirococcus tsugae. The best evidence that can be gathered is the distinctive pink dead needles, I read these then turn brown so it'll be important to observe them while still pink.

 

 

 

I'd say Forestry research would be interested in following up a report of a suspected case.

[Taupotreeman]

Had one here in Taupo that browned off over one side. No root damage, no sign of fruiting bodies but we know the area is well irrigated as its on a garden/reserve border next to a lawn bowls club. We left it for a couple of years and it's currently throwing out new growth. We also tend to over spray everything with Escort and Roundup so I don't know if that's had a cumulative effect.