Brown areas on Cedar shrubs.

[Middydd]

We planted three 5 foot Emerald Pyramid Cedars last spring.

After the winter each of them has developed the same 1 foot by 1 foot (approximately) brown area. The brown patch is about half way up the height of the tree and, on each shrub, is on the east facing side of the tree.

They get good sun all winter, in the summer shaded a bit by 2 maples.

Any idea what causes this browning? Think it'll come back?

I googled but found no answers. We had a pretty harsh winter but good snow cover which usually helps protect shrubs.

[Varaile]

From your description, it sounds like either winter burn or salt/chemical burn. Conifer trees such as cedars can be susceptible to sun damage as well during the winter.

You didn't mention if the damage was facing a sidewalk or driveway which was why I included salt/chemical damage. It's not uncommon for trees to be burned by the stuff we keep our paths clear with. While some of the stuff "melts" when we pitch the new layer of snow up out of our way, it has the residue from the chemicals and then ends up burning our plants.

Are there any dogs around that prefer those trees? That might account for it as well.

Hard to say if it will fill in - it might with some new growth, but you may have some bare spots for a while.

I hope this helps. Hard to say what exactly with out seeing a pic of the trees and area. :)

[Middydd]

From your description, it sounds like either winter burn or salt/chemical burn. Conifer trees such as cedars can be susceptible to sun damage as well during the winter.



Thanks for your reply, it's very helpful and got me thinking about winter/sun burn.

I'm thinking winter burn, they aren't in an area where any dogs could go near them in winter (too much snow) and they're away from any salt.

It seems like the sun, at it's strongest point in the day, may be reflecting off the snow and causing the damage. Think that could be it?

[Varaile]

That sounds like the culprit! :rolleyes:

A tip for next year - you can wrap your trees in burlap to protect them from sunburn.

Good luck!

[Middydd]

That sounds like the culprit! :rolleyes:

A tip for next year - you can wrap your trees in burlap to protect them from sunburn.

Good luck!

We'll have to do the wrapping thing. I've never had cedars before so didn't even think of it.

Thanks.