how do I save these trees?

6 years ago

hi all!

I live north of Toronto Canada and have 4 of these trees (see pics) alongside my driveway. They're about 10 years old and I don't know the names of them.

They used to look healthy and full but are looking thinner especially toward the bottom. Also, lots of the ends are yellowing or turning brown.

Our area has experienced a very dry and hot summer. Is the problem just a lack of watering?

I also want to check that there aren't any other issues as well...including:

- being planted too close to the edge of the driveway?

- being too close to cedars from the neighbours? which are planted just behind them, however ours are east facing and have lots of sun for most of the day

- damaged from snow from the previous winter?

If someone can also please let me know the names of these trees that would be very helpful.

Thank you so much!

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Comments (4)

Embothrium
6 years ago
They're likely to be a Juniperus scopulorum cultivar which should be drought resistant when established. So it may actually be a blight problem associated with moist conditions earlier in the year - search "juniper blight" to see if anything described appears to fit your situation.
Jerald Q thanked Embothrium
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
agree ... but also ... they re taking on a more mature appearance ... and frankly.. its all downhill from here .. they just arent going to be the cute little babes you used to have ...

yes on too close to driveway .. and they will start growing feet into the driveway ...

yes to winter damage from sun reflected off the driveway ... thawing tissue which then refreezes at night ....

drought and heat ... sure doesnt help next to the driveway.. whether they should be able to take such in the middle of a field or forest ...

they are stressed .. fert is never really a response to such ...

is road salt used locally????

they are too large to move easily ... and frankly not worth the effort ...

if the serve a purpose.. like a sight block.. you might want to start something else behind them so when you remove these ... the new one will be well on their way ...

btw .. i had about 6 variations on this theme here in MI ... and they all went into decline between 5 and 7 years ... and were quickly removed.. the last 3.. just because i saw the future.. i didnt want to watch them do it ...

ken
Jerald Q thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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Jerald Q
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thank you so much Embothrium and ken_adrian

Upon a quick search, juniper blight seems a possibility. There's some technical info on how to diagnose, but I will have to do more searching for lamen terms.

Yup, lots of road salt as I'm on an arterial road with lots of traffic. Also not a lot of space between driveways, just a few feet, so salt coming from neighbour's driveway as well.

The info you gave is helpful and will help guide me. Thanks again.
whaas_5a
6 years ago
Juniperus scopulorum should not be planted in humid climates. Cut them down and replace with something that is adapted to your climate.