Question From: D. Underwood - Ottawa, Kansas, United States
Q: There are approximately a dozen (more) red cedar trees in my yard; probably 70 to 100 years old. (I have lived here 40 years and they were big and old when I moved here.) They have always dropped some needles, but this year, the needle drop is really excessive, thick enough to kill out ivy planted underneath. I live in Kansas and the summers of 2011 and 2012 were extremely hot and dry. This summer, we have had good rains. Should I be concerned about this excessive needle drop or is this a phenomenon which occurs every few years?
A: Dee, If these were my trees I would have them inspected by a trained tree doctor, a certified tree arborist. Two years of excessive heat can weaken trees and they often don't show the effects until a year or two later. Why take a chance. Don't be a penny wise and thousands of dollars foolish ( that's what it would cost to take them down - replacement - priceless. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy Nancy.
