The Trouble with Leyland cypress…

The increasing drought in Georgia has turned Leyland Cypress trees from green to branches of brown. What is the cause and what can be done? Below are some points about what we are seeing and some things that can be done:
• Dry soils have led to root damage on Leyland Cypress trees and other conifers
• This damage is manifested in foliage browning and branch dieback, and can also worsen the effects of certain fungal pathogens such as Seiridium and Botryosphaeria cankers, which often show similar symptoms
• Fungicidal chemicals have little effect in either preventing the diseases or curbing their effects or spread.
• Surprisingly, one of the most effective ways to manage these physiological and pathological situations is to restore a balance in soil moisture. Average rainfall in Georgia is 1” per week. Providing 5 gallons of water per inch of trunk per week will approximate the water provided by natural rainfall.
• Downey Trees, Inc. can provide soil fracturing / de-compaction services to increase the pore space in compacted clay soil for better penetration of water and oxygen.
• Better water management and de-compaction will slow the effects of dry soil and fungal pathogens, but will not necessarily curtail the effects of an extended drought.