The greenery in my two cedar trees has become very sparce, and I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to help them along. I love them, and don't want to have to give them up, but each year they get worse. I'm not sure how old they are. They were about 25-30 feet high when we moved in 15 years ago, and at that time they were fairly full. They don't get a huge amount of sun, perhaps 3 - 4 hours a day, more in winter and spring before the surrounding trees leaf out. I've tried feeding them evergreen spikes, but they did not seem to make much difference. Is there any help for them? I would hate to lose them. I would be grateful for any advice. Regards, Gayle
can you give us the type of cedar you have? things are different in your area than mine are for common names. I would suggest against the fert spikes, if it is a Thuja species (Thuja occ. 'Smaragd' or pyramidalis) they tend to have dense fibrous root systems and are better served with an application of a granular fertilizer.
Thanks for the reply, Paul. I suspect it is a Thuja, based on pictures and descriptions I have found. So you suggest a granular food? Any specific suggestions? And is this likely to result in fuller greenery? It is sad to see these trees fade out. Thanks again, Gayle
For thuja I will sometimes use a lawn food (high nitrogen, medial amount of phosphorous and some potash for a kick), the time released types have woked well, be careful of the application rate though, I would say that with most of the commercial blends, about a tablespoon per meter of height, spread around the general root zone would be fairly safe. if in doubt, use half the rate and do a second application in late Summer. I prefer however to use a blend of liquid kelp and aerated compost tea, I blend the two together in the sprayer (rate of about 20ml of kelp and 500ml of compost tea to 2 gallon sprayer) and spray monthly. If you add a basic organic multi prpose food at the root zone you have given the plant a good chance. of course you should consider a soil test before you spend money on any fertilizing, after this long some minerals may be depleted.
Thanks for the help, Paul. In your experience, can cedar trees be brought back once they have become really spare? And is it likely that this is more a lack of sun problem than that of soil nutrients? Regards, Gayle
honestly, no, not usually, they dont come back from brown wood often. The reason could be compound but lack of sunlight is a common reason for the thinning and sparseness.
Again, Paul, many thanks. I'll try the feeding, but I guess it is just a question of time. I'll be really sad to see these two wonderful trees go. Gayle
