Thuja Smaragd is a particularly popular variety of the tree of life. It's popular as a hedge, although it doesn't do quite as well as other Thuja cultivars. Diseases occur mainly due to mistakes in care and an unfavorable location. What diseases are there?

Brown needles can be an indication of a disease

What diseases occur in Thuja Smaragd?

Basically, Thuja Smaragd is a very robust tree of life. Diseases are relatively rare. Problems are more likely to be caused by improper care or an unfavorable location.

The following diseases can occur:

  • root rot
  • dieback
  • fungus
  • pest infestation

A big problem is humidity. The soil must never dry out completely, but waterlogging is even more harmful and encourages the occurrence of fungal infestation.

recognize symptoms

Not all discoloration of the needles must indicate a disease of the Thuja Smaragd. Some varieties change color in autumn. It's natural then.

However, some discoloration of the needles and shoots can be a symptom of disease. This is especially true for brown needles.

They are often a sign of a fungal infestation. There are several types of fungal spores that cause problems for Thuja. For the hobby gardener, the different species hardly play a role in combating them.

detect pest infestation

You can recognize a pest infestation by the fact that there are small feeding passages in the shoots of the Thuja Smaragd. Small heaps of faeces also stick to the needles.

Fight diseases of Thuja Smaragd

Root rot is due to soil that is too wet. Whether the tree of life can still be saved is not always certain. If the Thuja Smaragd has to be cleared, replace part of the soil right away to prevent renewed fungal infestation.

You can combat lighter fungal infestations with a broad spectrum fungicide. These sprays must be used as directed. The temperatures must not be lower than 6 degrees.

The same applies to a pest infestation. Only in the case of very badly infested thujas is it necessary to tackle the pests with sprays. An otherwise healthy Thuja Smaragd will handle a light infestation on its own.

tips

Thuja Smaragd is not quite as robust as, for example, Thuja Brabant. This tree of life variety does not tolerate too close a planting distance. The Brabant variety is therefore more suitable for an opaque hedge.

Category:

Trees