I have planted this tree at summer througt fall and water well,the needles are turning brown.why and what to do / steve |
If the older, innermost needles are turning brown, it is normal for evergreens. To keep your cypress thick and full (and to hide the bare inner branches), prune each spring to promote lots of new growth. There are several concerns, though, if the brown needles are just in areas or are beginning with the lower branches and moving upward. The tree could have a spider mite or other insect infestation, or the symptoms could indicate soggy soils. For a positive diagnosis, take a branch with both healthy and brown foliage into your local cooperative extension office. Helpful staff can look at the foliage under a microscope and either confirm or eliminate an insect infestation. They can also suggest controls for the problems they find. Contact Clemson University, Kershaw County Cooperative Extension, 632 W. DeKalb Street, Camden, SC 29020 (Phone: 803-432-9071). Best wishes with your Leyland Cypress. |