How to revive browning Cedar trees?

[PlantWhisperer]

Hi team 

I have a question in regards to the browning of my thuja fastigiata. I bought them late last year (Dec) and needed to get them in the ground fast as the winds were horrendous and the potted plants kept toppling over every 5 mins. I got them in the ground in peak summer. It was good for about 2-3 months and then I started to notice some browning. When I had checked the ground, it was moist nearing to wet. And the soil I used was fresh compost mixed good soil (or so I was told by the soil company who delivered it). I’ve scraped the bottom to see if it’s alive and it’s still showing lime green (though not as vibrant). I did water it quite often in summer and have stopped at the end of autumn. The question I have is do I count my losses and remove them or do I try and salvage it by trimming off all the brown parts and hope for some growth. It would require me having to cut them down hard to the main stem for most of them. It’s just a bit hard on the wallet (and my heart) having to remove them since they did cost a bit trying to get them at that height. 😕

Thanks heaps for any suggestions

[JacobZ]

Hi @PlantWhisperer,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

The browning of your Thujas is likely due to overwatering or poor drainage, especially since you planted them in summer and noted the soil was wet when checked. Thujas are sensitive to "wet feet," and prolonged moisture can damage roots, leading to delayed browning. Transplant stress and heat exposure during establishment may have added to the problem.

The fact that the tissue under the bark is still showing lime green is promising. It indicates that the internal vascular system of the plants is still alive, even if the outer growth is struggling. However, the lack of vibrancy in that green could suggest the plants are under stress and not operating at full capacity. That said, this does not necessarily mean the trees are beyond saving. Thujas can be slow to show signs of recovery, and patience is often key.

Looking ahead, the best course of action is to wait and observe as the growing season progresses. If the trees are going to recover, you’ll likely start to see new green tips in spring. If they remain unchanged or deteriorate further by early summer, then it might be time to consider replacement. In the meantime, be cautious about watering during the winter months, as cold and wet conditions can exacerbate root problems. If you haven’t already, assess whether the area they’re planted in drains well after rain and consider ways to improve that if necessary.
 

I don't think removal is necessary just yet. With time and care, recovery could still be possible.

Allow me to tag @Noelle and @mich1972 to see what advice they have.

Jacob

[PlantWhisperer]

Thank you heaps for the reply. I will try and prune off the dead bits and hope for some growth come spring. The photo attached initially was from 6 weeks back. It’s kinda looking worse now. Fingers crossed