Local Tree News - 8/20/19

Due to drought and less winter rain than in the past, increasing numbers of our native western redcedar (Thuja plicata) are reportedly dead or dying in Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C., according to Portland Urban Forestry’s 8/19 edition of its newsletter, Tree Bark. Trees For Life Oregon deeply values western redcedars because of the huge health and environmental services they provide. But without water, these trees can become stressed, leaving them vulnerable to damaging insects. Signs to look for? In younger trees, foliage in poor health; in older trees, browning foliage from the top down. To prevent our western redcedars from dying, Urban Forestry suggests we:

-Plant western redcedars in a shady, wind-protected site with well-draining soil.

-Plant only in the rainy season for healthy root development.

-Water new trees at least 15 gallons a week in summer, and water older trees planted in full sun on hot summer days.

-Mulch young and old trees to keep soil cool and moist

-Don’t prune between May and September, when insects are most active.

Click here for more information about our local conifers dying from drought.