If the thuja needles are discolored and the tree of life looks generally ill, you should investigate the causes. Root rot is often responsible for the diseases. How do you recognize root rot, how does it develop and what can you do about it?

Signs of desiccation can be the result of root rot

Why does root rot occur in thuja?

The cause of root rot in thuja is a fungus that affects the roots of the tree of life.

One reason for the infestation could be that the hedge was planted in a waterlogged location. Too much water promotes the spread of fungal spores. The tree of life can absorb neither food nor moisture through the roots if it is too wet.

Another possibility of occurrence is that the hedge or tree was planted in a place where there were many fungal spores in the soil.

Signs of root rot

  • spots on the bark
  • Bark at the base turns brown
  • Shoot tips turn brown
  • Bark bursts and falls off
  • Tree of life looks dried up

Treatment after the appearance of root rot

You shouldn't wait long if you have a root rot infestation. Usually it is already so strong that you can no longer save the tree of life.

Dig it up with its roots. Dispose of it in the household waste - not in the compost in the garden!

Exchange the soil and replace it with humus-rich, slightly acidic substrate. If only a few thujas in the hedge are infested, treat the surrounding trees with a fungicide from the garden trade.

Preventing root rot on the tree of life

Ensure good soil conditions so that isolated occurrences of fungal spores, which lead to root rot, do not immediately kill off the entire tree of life.

Loosen up the site deeply before planting. Lay drainage for very dense soil. Then the rainwater can run off and there is no waterlogging.

tips

Thuja Smaragd is a variety of the tree of life that reacts particularly strongly to compacted soil and too close planting distances. You shouldn't tend this tree of life as a hedge, but as a single tree with a lot of distance to other plants.

Category:

Trees