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Gardening In Western Washington
Presented by WSU Cooperative Extension



Cedar Flagging

Flagging--the browning of older leaves and twigs--is a common occurrence on western red-cedar and related trees, such as arborvitae. It usually develops in late summer to early fall. Often, very hot, dry weather, followed by rain, will stimulate the sudden dropping of this older foliage.

See the WSU Hort Sense page on Cedar Flagging for more information.

It is normal for evergreen trees to shed their older leaves (needles or scales) continuously and replace them with new growth. As long as the new growth is not affected, flagging should not cause too much concern, although it may indicate that the plant needs more water. If given good cultural care, the tree will remain healthy.

For further information, contact your local WSU Extension Office

From The Gardener, Vol 7 No. 2, Summer 1996.

Carrie Foss, diagnostic plant pathologist, WSU Puyallup




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