Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot?

Noel · 26th May 2008, 11:54 PM

I have a Cryptomeria Japonia that is approx 15 ft tall. The lower 4 feet is about 20-25% brown. It appears that the tips are turning brown on new growth. Over time, the brown seems to progress over the entire shoot and there are about 4 or 5 small/medium branches that I have now removed. This tree is in a partial sun location. The soil is somewhat clay like, but I think it drains fairly well.

I have another cryptomeria about 15 feet in another bed and it has a similar issue. However, the area affected is only about 5% or less.

The two additional crypotmerias on the other side of our lot do not show any of these signs. The only difference is the amount of sun. The other two that do not show any signs of browning are in full sun.

I am not sure if I have mites or some kind of fungus. There are no visible signs of insects.

Is this normal die back? If not, what do you think it might be and how should I treat?

Thanks very much,

Noel

Noel · 27th May 2008, 03:17 AM

The tree is located in Northern Virginia.

blair duncanson · 27th May 2008, 03:57 AM

In Scotland these can make fine single conifers or clipped tight and grown as a hedge..
Soil should be ok and they can handle full sun or partial shade. Thing is though they do like their roots to remain moist and any drought, especially when establishing can be very damaging. Good bed of leaf mulch or the like around tree roots should help retain element of moisture. This may be the cause of the browning? Other causes may be pest or disease but would require decent close up photos to help investigate. Other thing is that you do get Cryptomeria japonica, 'elegans', which as a variety blushes browny red at the end of shoots. I have planted such trees and some have reached 15ft in approx 5yrs. How old are your trees? Some photos would help diagnosis and somebody will soon be along with perhaps other ideas.
Hope this helps a bit?

Noel · 27th May 2008, 08:18 AM

Thanks very much for your help. Both trees were planted 2-1/2 years ago. They were about 5 to 6 feet when they were planted. We were in a pretty bad drought the last couple of years. However, we have had more than 13 inches of rain over the last two months. They are lightly mulched.

Eric Frei · 27th May 2008, 09:45 AM

Noel

Have a read through this.

My gut feel is spray with copper based fungicide, that much rain, clay soil, coming warmth all spells fungi.

Diseases of Leyland Cypress in the Landscape

And from another source

Quote:

Cercospora Needle Blight

Cercospora needle blight, caused by the fungus Cercosporidium sequoiae (syn. Asperisporium sequoiae; Cercospora sequoiae), is a relatively new disease on Leyland cypress. However, it a common disease on species of Juniperus, Thuja, Cupressus, Taxodium, Cryptomeria, Sequoia and other genera. The first symptom of Cercospora needle blight is a browning of the needles in the lower crown next to the stem. The disease slowly spreads upward and outward until, in severe cases, only the needles at the tips of the upper branches remain green. In a general way, these symptoms mimic those caused by severe stress where the interior needles turn yellow and fall off. Fruiting bodies of the fungus appear as tiny, greenish pustules on the upper surface of the needles or on small twigs. Spores (conidia) are present throughout the spring and summer and are spread by wind. Infection usually occurs during periods of wet weather.

Cercospora needle blight can be controlled by spraying with copper-containing fungicides. There are no fungicides registered specifically for the disease on Leyland cypress, but Kocide is registered for general use on ornamentals. Spray plants at 10-day intervals from bud break until new growth matures.

Noel · 27th May 2008, 11:20 AM

Thanks so much --- that is very helpful. I am going to purchase some Kocide and treat. Probably will take some close-up pictures as a base-line to determine if the treatment is effective.

treeseer · 28th May 2008, 01:14 PM

my redcedars get cercospora but it is ALWAYS a se3condary problem--excess shade or drought or other problem is always present.

Spraying first and diagnosing second is the reverse of the natural order. The sooner you show pictures and find the true cause the better.

have you sent a branch in to your extension agent?

26th May 2008, 11:54 PM	#1
Noel I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4	Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot? I have a Cryptomeria Japonia that is approx 15 ft tall. The lower 4 feet is about 20-25% brown. It appears that the tips are turning brown on new growth. Over time, the brown seems to progress over the entire shoot and there are about 4 or 5 small/medium branches that I have now removed. This tree is in a partial sun location. The soil is somewhat clay like, but I think it drains fairly well. I have another cryptomeria about 15 feet in another bed and it has a similar issue. However, the area affected is only about 5% or less. The two additional crypotmerias on the other side of our lot do not show any of these signs. The only difference is the amount of sun. The other two that do not show any signs of browning are in full sun. I am not sure if I have mites or some kind of fungus. There are no visible signs of insects. Is this normal die back? If not, what do you think it might be and how should I treat? Thanks very much, Noel

27th May 2008, 03:17 AM	#2
Noel I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4	Re: Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot? The tree is located in Northern Virginia.

27th May 2008, 03:57 AM	#3
blair duncanson Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: argyll Posts: 139	Re: Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot? In Scotland these can make fine single conifers or clipped tight and grown as a hedge.. Soil should be ok and they can handle full sun or partial shade. Thing is though they do like their roots to remain moist and any drought, especially when establishing can be very damaging. Good bed of leaf mulch or the like around tree roots should help retain element of moisture. This may be the cause of the browning? Other causes may be pest or disease but would require decent close up photos to help investigate. Other thing is that you do get Cryptomeria japonica, 'elegans', which as a variety blushes browny red at the end of shoots. I have planted such trees and some have reached 15ft in approx 5yrs. How old are your trees? Some photos would help diagnosis and somebody will soon be along with perhaps other ideas. Hope this helps a bit?

27th May 2008, 08:18 AM	#4
Noel I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4	Re: Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot? Thanks very much for your help. Both trees were planted 2-1/2 years ago. They were about 5 to 6 feet when they were planted. We were in a pretty bad drought the last couple of years. However, we have had more than 13 inches of rain over the last two months. They are lightly mulched.

27th May 2008, 11:20 AM	#6
Noel I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4	Re: Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot? Thanks so much --- that is very helpful. I am going to purchase some Kocide and treat. Probably will take some close-up pictures as a base-line to determine if the treatment is effective.

28th May 2008, 01:14 PM	#7
treeseer Former Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SE USA Posts: 753	Re: Cryptomeria Turning Brown -Troubleshoot? my redcedars get cercospora but it is ALWAYS a se3condary problem--excess shade or drought or other problem is always present. Spraying first and diagnosing second is the reverse of the natural order. The sooner you show pictures and find the true cause the better. have you sent a branch in to your extension agent?

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