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The Daily Insight

Why do cedar trees turn brown in the winter?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Jun 03, 2026

Why do cedar trees turn brown in the winter?

Normal Browning and Needle Drop You may also notice some dead needles on the cedar tree. Cedars do this naturally when they’re young and during the second or third growing season. However, if you notice needles turning brown during the summer or winter, your tree could be infected by spider mites.

Do Emerald cedars need lots of water?

After planting, an emerald cedar requires little care other than regular watering. Water the tree at a rate of 2 gallons of water per inch of its trunk width every day for two weeks; then alternate days for two months. After that, water the tree every week until it’s growing strongly.

Is it normal for a cedar tree to turn brown?

Browning during fall and winter is normal. Before decide what to do for a cedar tree turning brown, it’s important to know what’s normal browning and what isn’t. Even the oldest and tallest cedars in the forest do a bit of browning.

Why are the leaves on my cedar tree turning yellow?

Eggs are inserted into the green tips of one and two year-old twigs. Infested twigs turn yellow, then brown in late winter. White, spun cocoons can be found on leaf scales in early June. Western Red Cedar is not affected. Mites: Overall yellowing or browning of foliage with speckling may be due to mite infestation.

Why are the apples on my cedar tree turning orange?

The spores travel to apple trees in the area, appearing in the form of yellow spots on the foliage and fruit that gradually turns orange. The rust-colored horns on galls in cedars give the tree a general orange look. Cedar apple rust spores start to spread with moisture.

What kind of trees turn brown in the fall?

Other trees referred to as cedars are of the genus Thuja (arborvitae), Calocedrus (false cedars), Chamaecyparis (cypress) or Juniperus (junipers). All of these evergreens may experience browning of the interior needles in the fall, which is normal.

What are the treatments for rust on cedar trees?

Sulfur treatment is considered an organically acceptable preventable treatment for cedar rust disease. Apply it three times during the growing season. The most effective periods to spray are when trees form flower buds, 10 days after the first spray and 10 days after the flowers fall from the trees.

What to do for a cedar tree turning brown?

There’s no cure, but removing an affected tree can help prevent the spread of root rot to nearby trees. Other types of fungus cause blights, which kill the foliage, turn it brown and cause it to drop from the branches. Treating your cedar with a fungicide can help control the disease.

Do cedar trees normally turn brown in the fall?

Other trees referred to as cedars are of the genus Thuja (arborvitae), Calocedrus (false cedars), Chamaecyparis (cypress) or Juniperus (junipers). All of these evergreens may experience browning of the interior needles in the fall, which is normal .

What causes cedar trees to turn yellow?

  • Regular Needle Shed. One reason cedar needles turn yellow is due to natural needle shed.
  • which can change the foliage color to yellow or brown.
  • Improper Soil pH.
  • Yellow Cedar Needles From Insects.