conifers-dying

Novice23

I have several large conifer trees, some up to 45ft tall.  They have always been bushy, but now the branches on a couple of then are turning brown and they seem to be dying. They are at the bottom of the garden, but don't normally get much rain on the soil, as the canopy is very full.   Has anyone any ideas why this might be happening?

 

waterbutts

Phytophthora is an organism that destroys trees and other plants. See the Defra video on www.fera.defra.gov.uk to see if this resembles your problem and what, if anything, you can do about it.

Novice23

Thanks waterbutts.  Watched videos and although I am not in the areas they talked about, it seems it could be this disease.  It is causing the die back they talk about and leaves on a nearby haxel tree are also looking sad, rather as if autumn has come early.   I will cut out the main affected areas but the DEFRA website recommends using a  herbicide Spot burn, can anyone tell me what exactly this is and where I find it.   I don't want to lose all the other trees, shrubs and bushes to this so want to act soon.

Any other advice would be welcome. 

 

Novice23

Had visit from the Forestry Commission who thankfully told me thcis is not Phytothora but because the conifers are planted too close together and get insufficient light.  So relieved it is not going to kill everything, but now need to work out how to remove some of the trees! 

 

 

 

Fairygirl

Good news Novice. It's a common sight  when you go into a forest to see bare trunks and all the greenery a long way above your head. Quite pleasant in fact! Not so good when it's in your garden though. I don't envy your task.  It'll leave a big gap in the garden so might take a bit of getting used to. Perhaps just get one or two removed and see what happens?

Novice23

Last weekends storm helped a lot!!!  The fence is now at half mast and need repairing so we are using this as a chance to get the trees out as we back onto a nature walk, albeit with a 20ft drop, but at least they can get to the end of the garden from there.  The trees have conttributed to the damage to the fence, so will probably take out about six, this will still leave quite a number, but give some space to introduce something else. I shall probably be asking for ideas soon.  

Novice23

Last weekends storm helped a lot!!!  The fence is now at half mast and need repairing so we are using this as a chance to get the trees out as we back onto a nature walk, albeit with a 20ft drop, but at least they can get to the end of the garden from there.  The trees have conttributed to the damage to the fence, so will probably take out about six, this will still leave quite a number, but give some space to introduce something else. I shall probably be asking for ideas soon.