The boughs of the mature cedar shown in the image below on Bowen Island have started to brown on only one side, not sure exactly when it started. The boughs on the other side of the tree are green and look healthy. In spring/summer of 2016 a large fir tree about 25 feet away from the cedar on the brown side was cut down and the light and wind pattern has changed dramatically for the cedar, more afternoon sun and exposure to strong Howe Sound winds. I'm wondering whether the reason for this browning on one side is due to the light and/or wind change, or if there would be another reason. Thank you!
Something in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), not a cedar (Cedrus). Some close-up foliage pics would help identify it, and perhaps identify the cause of the disease too.
Dear Michael, Thanks for your reply. I hope these pics are more revealing. The 'diesease' is spreading to all parts of the tree. -Paul
Thuja plicata (Western Redcedar). Unfortunately, a lot more than just cladoptosis (which is normal loss of old, 'time-expired' foliage), this is affecting new young growth, and killing whole branches. Likely a fungal disease of some sort, but not sure which. I suspect you'll need to take samples in for laboratory analysis somewhere in person, to get an exact answer.
