China fir looks like it's having a bad year - advice pls

[MikoDel]

One of my clients has this tree. He told me that it's worth big bucks. But he loves his flora, that's not Y he wants to save it.

'Picture This' says it's Cunninghamia lanceolata - China fir.

Me, not being a tree surgeon type guy, has to turn to you big guns for stuff like this. I raked and cleared back any nonsense that was right up against the trunks.

He drains his pool on a steep downgrade that is far from this tree. I don't know what kind of lawn care he does. That's me assuming it's not some insects killing it from the inside out.

Thx in advance.

 

[TreeCo]

That could easily be natural leaf drop, especially if it's been dry weather.

Reminds me of a test question.

These firs can pile up huge amount of needles under their canopies and can present a fire hazard. Best left in place if no fire hazard is present.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

I usually see them in full sun- looks like it gets pretty shaded out by the surrounding canopy. While they do usually have some interior brown needles, that seems a bit beyond what I typically see.

 

[RogerM]

I'm now curious to look at the one we have... and to check its buttress situation..

 

[MikoDel]

That could easily be natural leaf drop, especially if it's been dry weather.

Reminds me of a test question.

These firs can pile up huge amount of needles under their canopies and can present a fire hazard. Best left in place if no fire hazard is present.

Earlier in the spring we did have some consecutive weeks with no rain; a legit drought if i recall. but lately we've been doused. Everything's getting plenty and the vines are TOTALLY out of control.

No heat source anywhere near this tree.

 

[southsoundtree]

Is it all older foliage and shades foliage that is dying? Any newer foliage or sunny areas affected?


How's the soil, mulch, heat stress (adjacent to/ root zone under sunny asphalt, abiotic stressors?

 

[MikoDel]

Is it all older foliage and shades foliage that is dying? Any newer foliage or sunny areas affected?


How's the soil, mulch, heat stress (adjacent to/ root zone under sunny asphalt, abiotic stressors?

It looks like there's some 'death' in out-facing needles that should be getting full sun. Some roots, guessing 33%, definitely do run under a hardscaped walking path. I'm sure that heats up pretty well, but it doesn't bake in direct sun all day. No construction has been done or altered near this tree in at least a decade.

As far as heat stress goes, this summer was probably worse than the last. Consecutive days where actual temps were at or >100°.

Thanks for weighing in.

 

[Evo]

Check for girdling roots. Easy with a garden hose and or a backpack blower
Kinda looks like a heavier fall flagging, I’ve noted some years individual cedars have heavier normal fall flagging. Yet it’s also a sign of stress if excessive.
+1 to every thing stumps said

I’d cut one of the two stems out sooner than later, these turn into sizable trees

 

[southsoundtree]

I wonder about girdling roots, too.