What's up with the Leyland's in the Piedmont North Carolina. Not fond of them anyway - an over and improperly planted species.
They are browning and dying. I know some of the fungal, root rot, and spider mite issues, as well as our record drought.
Just thought one of you mite have more hands-on specifics to offer.
Thanks!
Hey The, I am due south 1 hour in cola. S.C. I see the exact same thing on Cupressocyparis leylandii here in the midlands. It could be seiredium canker, but lets face it. This is an arborist forum. We can not possibly identify causal agents here. Have your local pathological extension agency diagnose the exact causal at the microscopic level.
These gentlemen are rallying behind the most likely fungal issue, but it could also be botryosphaeria or bot canker. For that matter it could be several other casual fungi.
As you well know, we experienced a very late Spring freeze last year followed by an especially warm and super dry summer. We are still something like 20" behind in rainfall. It is important to know that if it is, in fact, seiridium the cankers can enlarge up to three times faster on drought stressed trees. Spring freeze and ice injury often predisposes trees to infection.
As a working pro: know it is considered a waste of your time and a waste of your clients money to apply fungicide to control either of the above mentioned diseases. Once infection has taken hold fungicides are futile. If any one thinks I am 'off' please show me the data. I would love to discover a billable fungicide treatment.
So, what can you do for your clients trees that have begun the "mortality spiral"? Or rather what can you bill for and still do the trees some good??
I recommend:
Ensuring optimum cultural conditions. These trees have reletively shallow root systems. Depending on soil conditions establish the absolute best irrigation, mulch several feet beyond the lowest limbs, practice sanitation, such as removal of cankered material and sanitizing pruning tools before each cut, remove extensively damaged trees, and ensure the soil has a proper potential hydrogen value and fertility through a soil test.
When the analysis is returned you will be armed with enough information to ensure billing for: one or more of the 17, yes thats 17, periodic elements are deficient, the ph needs adjusting, you can sanitation prune and mulch, who knows you may even want to consider adding irrigation$$.
With all that said: Thearborist, look at the transition zone between the necrotic wood and the live wood. See an exit hole?
Do the dectective work. Have Clemson's pathologists @ the plant problem clinic identify issue. PM me for the form.
Good luck
