Browning Tree

[ChrisR]

Does anyone know why our beautiful backyard tree is browning? This is our second autumn season at our house and I don't remember this occurring last year. I would like to find out whether this is normal seasonal activity, or whether there is a disease or other condition present. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[JD3000]

Do you have a better picture of the very top?

Rest looks like seasonal shedding.

 

[ChrisR]

Do you have a better picture of the very top?

Rest looks like seasonal shedding.

Thanks, I don't have a clearer pic of the top as the tree is pretty tall. Hopefully it is just seasonal. I will keep an eye on it.

 

[Roger_Barnett]

That's a western redcedar, which is flagging--shedding older foliage. Normal this time of year, but many trees, cedars included, are looking very stressed or worse, thanks to the recent droughts here in the PNW. Key will be how the tree does the next couple years.

 

[evo]

That's a western redcedar, which is flagging--shedding older foliage. Normal this time of year, but many trees, cedars included, are looking very stressed or worse, thanks to the recent droughts here in the PNW. Key will be how the tree does the next couple years.

X2 but I recently learned of a few bark Beatles which are affecting cedar. They are becoming more of a issue due to our droughts. Climbing inspection and a water rx maybe needed

 

[southsoundtree]

Seasonal "cedar flagging" is normal.



Might just be that the picture is washed out at the top...
Drought stress/ root zone possibly make the crown/foliage thin and tree stressed.

Been 4 hard summers in a row.

That's a big tree competing against lawn and lawn care.



I have to remove a 5' diameter Western redcedars that started dying top-downwarn, mainly from drought stress and harsh root zone environment.

Any construction/ irrigation) trenching/ septic work that you know of?

A stitch in time saves 9. Might want to find a reputable, preservation-minded arborist (consider an I.S.A.- certified arborist, or a registered consulting arborist, ASCA, I think) for a paid consultation and care plan for your property.

Large tree removal is expensive.
Tree care is way cheaper or sweat-equity, frequently.

1203 Edison St NE

https://goo.gl/maps/jbMvvtUCBwP2
To the right of 1138 Edison St ne, is the aforementioned large WRC, in a couple 2-3 years, it went brown, except the very bottom, on the side of the roots where watered(too little, too late) by the owners, on their side of the fence.





Go farther back and take more pictures of the top.

Look for wounds, hollows, animal excavation spots on the trunk and roots.

Avoid mower damage to surface roots, if present, by extending a mulch bed outward to the dripline. Keep low branches for shading roots.

Add soil a bit to build up over any surface roots that are being damaged by foot traffic, lawn care, etc.