Brandon Cedars make amazing vertical accents, breathtaking hedges, and stunning privacy screens in any landscape. With its soft and dense green foliage year-round, it is easy to see what sets these evergreens apart from other foliage options. But sometimes browning can happen.

Are your Brandon cedars turning brown? Our cedar pros share why some of your evergreens aren’t living up to their name.

Water needs

Sometimes the right solution is the easiest one. The Lower Mainland is notorious for its rainy days. But ask anyone who lives here, the summers can get hot and arid for weeks at a time. If browning is cropping up on your Brandon cedars, check the soil underneath. The area needs to be moist about an inch below the surface. If it is dry, you will have to increase the frequency of your watering routine.

Flagging

Flagging is a normal process during the growth cycle. So, if you notice some browning, there’s no need to panic. Around late summer or early autumn, some Brandon cedar leaves will start to brown and eventually fall off the branches. To reduce flagging, additional watering will help mitigate excess foliage loss.

Insects

Insects are no friends to foliage, including the Brandon cedar. Spider mites can wreak havoc on your evergreens. These destructive pests feed on leaves and spin webs on branches, leading to browning. Burrowing into bark to lay eggs and feasting on foliage, weevils are also a serious browning threat to your cedars. Get rid of insects with specialized sprays or insecticidal soap to treat the problem.

Disease

Fungal disease, like root rot, is a common problem for cedars. Fungus can take hold of your evergreens when the soil is excessively damp, turning leaves brown. Left untreated, root rot can spread and kill the entire plant. To help control the disease, use a fungicide, or remove the affected areas.

Dog urine

If you are a pet owner, your dog could be harming your Brandon cedars. Canine urine can jeopardize foliage, causing browning and irreparable damage. To fend off unwelcome visits from your dog or other neighbourhood pets, fence off your cedars or use dog repellents to protect your hedges.

Brandon cedar browning happens. When it does, taking a proactive approach will help stop the problem in its tracks. Cedar hedges turning brown and don’t know where to turn? No matter the cause, Fraser Valley Cedars has you covered. If your fantastic foliage is losing its luster and browning, reach out to us for the best advice in the business.

For healthy and vibrant Brandon cedars across the Lower Mainland, contact Fraser Valley Cedars.