![]() ![]() Occasional deep waterings during the summer could help. Bottom line, the issue is likely due at least in part to moisture and heat stress. Trees growing in more urban situations with compacted soils seems most affected. This has damaged some trees and killed others outright, Incense cedar, which we normally regarding as a drought and heat tolerant tree, appears to be struggling. Summers since 2013 in the Rogue Valley have been significantly hotter than average, which has resulted in very high levels of moisture stress. This is the tree's effort to reduce water loss. This foliage loss may increase if the tree is experiencing moisture or heat stress. This will also happen when trees are growing close together. Foliage lower on the tree is shaded out by upper foliage and will drop off naturally. If the branch tips of the cedar are green, especially higher in the tree, that is a good sign. Also look for holes in the trunk, or loose bark. Do you see holes in the twigs or other evidence of insect activity? Sometimes slicing into a twig or small branch longitudinally can reveal the insect gallery. You might examine branches closely, especially ones that are still alive but look like they are fading. Normally, these insects are not aggressive, but can may attack and damage or even kill trees that are under significant stress. These are typically beetles of the genus Phloesinus (cedar or redwood bark beetles). However, in some cases, I have seen signs of insects in the branches and twigs, and/or in the main truck. In many cases when we look closely we don't see evidence of insect or disease problems. We have seen similar problems with incense cedar throughout the Rogue Valley during the past couple of years. ![]()
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