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Can you help ID this tree - and it's problem?

11 years ago

We have a large tree figuring prominently in our yard that I'm not exactly sure the name of. And now that wonderful tree for the first time in 3-years that we've been here seems to show a sign of a problem. At the ends of branches the needles appearing to be dying. Interestingly enough a similar tree across the street in a neighbor's yard is for the first time also showing the same signs.

Are we in trouble? What kind of tree is it? And what might we do to help this tree find its way?

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Comments (8)

treeguy123
11 years ago
Likely a Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'), but I don't know what's wrong with it. Has it flooded there? They don't like wet flooded soil conditions.
hohensee
Original Author
11 years ago
Hey TreeGuy - THANK YOU! For such a quick and helpful reply! Yes, I think it probably is a Blue Atlas Cedar.

But as to it's problem I can't say it has flooded here. It is Oregon and we get rain - but this year seemingly no more than years past, and it is at the top of a hill where there's good drainage. But there is perhaps across 30% of the ends the browning of the needles you see in the picture. Some lesser browning is midway on a branch. Where is is brown the needles are completely (as in dead) brown. As I say, haven't ever seen this before in 3-years. I really don't want to lose this fine tree but don't know what the problem is or what I might do about it.
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Thank you Pugvlr1, I just noticed little buds and a few flowers already, and I've only had for less than a year, so am very excited. Jalilu Arabic is a very different in every country and I was referring to the local name of the tree, Emiratis call it "nabch", and that's the name I know. It also has another name (google it). I don't know what they are like when dried because we eat it fresh. I also believe there's many many varieties, in UAE alone we have a few. You prefer mangoes I prefer raspberries but I can't grow them here, and even if I could it wouldn't be the only thing I'd grow. I already have a mango, though I personally don't like mangoes much, but my everyone in my family does, it's not only personal taste that counts. In addition I don't only grow what I like, I grow what grows well here, as a plus this tree does extremely well. I think it's silly to only grow what you like. For example when your favourite tree is still in bloom or is dormant your less preferred tree could give you some fruit, something is better than nothing.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
a pic of the whole tree.. might help

ken
calliope
11 years ago
I'd be thinking tip blight, or needle blight, of which this cultivar is pretty susceptible.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Calliope is exactly right - blue Atlas cedars, and most particularly the weeping forms - are very prone to this problem, which is highly weather related. I see it every year at this time and as wet as this spring has been, in almost record numbers this season.

As soon as the weather dries up - mid July? - it should disappear. The problem is primarily focused on the new growth and established trees seem to tolerate it without issue. You can prune off the damaged tips if you wish

Here is a link that might be useful: OSU - Cedar tip blight
Embothrium
11 years ago
More severe on the weeping form, which may have whole branch sections go brown in spring.
hohensee
Original Author
11 years ago
Just again wanted to say how much we appreciate the help of folks to share their expertise and knowledge on our tree problem - thank you Ken Adrian, Calliope, GardenGal48 and BBoy! From the description and suggestions, and from what we can observe on the ground - and in the recent wet and cold weather conditions - it probably is the Cedar needle blight! I've uploaded a picture of the full tree.

Thank you again!!
Embothrium
11 years ago
Many others around with same appearance this year.

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