cedar tree - Ask Extension
I have an old cedar tree beside my drive way and recently xeriscaped with rock around the base of the tree. I've notice an above average amount of n...
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cedar tree #205270
Asked August 07, 2014, 12:48 PM EDT
I have an old cedar tree beside my drive way and recently xeriscaped with rock around the base of the tree. I've notice an above average amount of needles falling on the driveway and wonder if the rock around the base of the tree may be contributing to the unusual amount of dried needles falling. Or could be something else?
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
Do you have the ability to take a few pictures? I would need a close up of the tree (branch and needles). A broad picture of the entire tree, and a picture of the tree trunk and where it meets the ground.
Do you have the ability to take a few pictures? I would need a close up of the tree (branch and needles). A broad picture of the entire tree, and a picture of the tree trunk and where it meets the ground.
Kerry, I sent 3 photos. If you don't see them, let me know.
Rex
Rex
Hi Rex,
No pictures transmitted.
No pictures transmitted.
Kerry,
here are 3 photos.
here are 3 photos.
Thank you for your pictures. I am still lacking a picture of a branch with needles (close up).
Do you know the variety and genus of this tree, and the age? Evergreen trees lose their old needles sometime in the late summer or fall. Needle age at which drop occurs varies among evergreens and within species.
Although I cannot see your scales, there may be a problem if there is yellowing or dieback on the tips of branches. Consider drought, salts, root damage, spray damage, soil compaction, or conifer aphids.
Your rock mulch should be pushed back at least 6” from the trunk. How deep is the rock?
Did you have bare soil there before the rock was laid? Rock mulch can become a heat sink, creating a significantly warmer afternoon, evening, and nighttime microclimate for your tree. Rock mulch increases temperatures and may increase water requirements.
The broad picture, and the branch-trunk picture appear to be fine and in good health. I would suggest removing the rock from around the trunk at least 6 inches in diameter.
Do you know the variety and genus of this tree, and the age? Evergreen trees lose their old needles sometime in the late summer or fall. Needle age at which drop occurs varies among evergreens and within species.
Although I cannot see your scales, there may be a problem if there is yellowing or dieback on the tips of branches. Consider drought, salts, root damage, spray damage, soil compaction, or conifer aphids.
Your rock mulch should be pushed back at least 6” from the trunk. How deep is the rock?
Did you have bare soil there before the rock was laid? Rock mulch can become a heat sink, creating a significantly warmer afternoon, evening, and nighttime microclimate for your tree. Rock mulch increases temperatures and may increase water requirements.
The broad picture, and the branch-trunk picture appear to be fine and in good health. I would suggest removing the rock from around the trunk at least 6 inches in diameter.
Thank you. I'll move the rocks back and see if that solves the issue.
