Illness
Usually, western purple cedars are wholesome bushes, particularly for those who plant them in the suitable location. Nonetheless, there are a number of fungal illnesses that may impression confused vegetation.
The primary is pretty unusual however extremely damaging.
Butt and Pocket Rot
Attributable to Oligoporus sericeomollis (syn. Poria sericeomollis) and Phellinus pini, butt or pocket rot is a type of coronary heart rot that impacts many conifers however is especially damaging in western purple cedar.
Actually, western purple cedars are the one residing host. In any other case, these pathogens colonize useless wooden.
Because the identify suggests, it causes pocket-like rot within the “butt,” or the a part of the tree simply above the roots.
It’s one of many main illnesses of western purple cedar, however it’s most prevalent in western North America, although it may be present in Europe and Asia.
The pathogens can thrive in each reside and decaying wooden, however they solely breed on useless wooden.
Often, by the point you recognize something is happening, the illness shall be method too far alongside to do something about it.
As such, prevention is essential. Keep away from wounding your tree, management pests, and take away close by decaying conifer wooden that may harbor spores.
Leaf Blight
Wherever western purple cedars develop, leaf blight, typically known as Keithia blight, can develop.
That’s as a result of the fungus that causes it, Didymascella thujina, is endemic to all the identical areas.
Until you reside in a heat, moist surroundings, it’s pretty uncommon. It’s extra frequent in coastal, low-elevation areas of the Pacific Northwest.
Every time the circumstances are moist and temperatures above 50°F, the spores shall be reproducing and spreading.
Signs begin with pale patches on younger leaves, adopted by brown or black spore constructions. Contaminated leaves might flip brown or grey and drop, usually making the tree seem scorched.
Older bushes are usually much less in danger to critical injury, however seedlings may be destroyed.
The cultivars ‘Atrovirens’ and ‘Excelsa’ are most prone. In the event you reside in an space the place this illness is a standard drawback, keep away from these cultivars.
To forestall an infection, preserve good airflow with correct spacing, water on the base, and maintain weeds beneath management.
If wanted, deal with with copper- or mancozeb-based fungicides throughout spring and fall, following label instructions.
Yellow Ring Rot
Attributable to Coniferiporia sulphurascens (previously Phellinus weirii), yellow ring rot is extra extreme in firs, Douglas firs, and western hemlock, however may have an effect on western purple cedar.
The pathogen spreads on wooden, each residing and decaying, so it might probably unfold by means of roots or wherever wooden chips, fallen branches, tree stumps, or closely-spaced bushes exist.
As soon as a tree is contaminated, it should slowly decline, however you’ll solely see the rot for those who have a look at the roots or reduce open the tree. The massive danger is that the illness will weaken the tree.
Whereas it’s not often deadly in dwelling landscapes, prevention consists of correct spacing, immediate removing of contaminated wooden, and avoiding planting inside 200 ft of contaminated bushes.
There isn’t any remedy, so deal with sustaining total tree well being.
Embrace the Tree of Life
They’re attractive, sturdy, and long-lived. Western purple cedars are such swish bushes with their lacy leaves and swooping branches.
I’m at all times in awe of them, whether or not I encounter one whereas on a stroll in my neighborhood or whereas climbing within the forests close to my home.
I’ve a towering tree in my yard that I really like to look at throughout breezy days as a result of it appears prefer it’s dancing.
How do you intend to get pleasure from your tree? Is it going to be a focus of the backyard or will you plant a couple of as a visible barrier between you and a neighbor? Tell us within the feedback part under!
And for extra details about cultivating conifers in your panorama, try these guides subsequent:
Pictures by Kristine Lofgren © Ask the Specialists, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for extra particulars. Product picture by way of Arbico Organics. Uncredited pictures: Shutterstock.
