Illness
Usually, western purple cedars are wholesome bushes, particularly in case you plant them in the precise location. Nonetheless, there are a number of fungal illnesses that may influence 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.
In reality, western purple cedars are the one residing host. In any other case, these pathogens colonize lifeless wooden.
Because the title 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, nevertheless 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 lifeless wooden.
Normally, by the point you realize something is occurring, the illness can be method too far alongside to do something about it.
As such, prevention is vital. 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, generally referred to 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.
Except you reside in a heat, moist atmosphere, it’s pretty uncommon. It’s extra widespread in coastal, low-elevation areas of the Pacific Northwest.
At any time when the situations are moist and temperatures above 50°F, the spores can be reproducing and spreading.
Signs begin with pale patches on younger leaves, adopted by brown or black spore constructions. Contaminated leaves could flip brown or grey and drop, typically making the tree seem scorched.
Older bushes are typically much less in danger to critical harm, however seedlings may be destroyed.
The cultivars ‘Atrovirens’ and ‘Excelsa’ are most vulnerable. For those who reside in an space the place this illness is a typical drawback, keep away from these cultivars.
To forestall an infection, keep good airflow with correct spacing, water on the base, and hold weeds underneath 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 could possibly unfold by 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 in case you take a look at the roots or lower open the tree. The massive threat is that the illness will weaken the tree.
Whereas it’s hardly ever deadly in residence landscapes, prevention contains correct spacing, immediate removing of contaminated wooden, and avoiding planting inside 200 toes of contaminated bushes.
There is no such thing as a treatment, so concentrate on sustaining total tree well being.
Embrace the Tree of Life
They’re beautiful, sturdy, and long-lived. Western purple cedars are such swish bushes with their lacy leaves and swooping branches.
I’m all the time 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 seems to be 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 beneath!
And for extra details about cultivating conifers in your panorama, take a look at these guides subsequent: