Basically, the tree of life is a fairly robust plant for the hedge. Nevertheless, thujas often turn brown. Responsible for this are diseases that can occur due to care errors or external circumstances. What are the symptoms and how do you fight Thuja diseases?

Fungal diseases are among the most common diseases

What diseases does thuja suffer from?

  • care mistakes
  • fungal diseases
  • pest infestation
  • external influences

Diseases are less common. Mostly the thuja gets sick because it was not properly cared for. Mistakes in care occur, especially when it comes to the supply of moisture. Either the hedge was not watered often enough or there is waterlogging at the location.

Incidentally, discoloration of the needles is also caused by over-fertilization with mineral fertilizers or by road salt in winter.

If the thuja needles turn yellow, it can be a symptom of a magnesium deficiency. This can be combated by fertilizing with Epsom salt.

recognize symptoms

Whenever the tree of life discolours, the gardener should investigate the causes. If the thuja turns brown inside in autumn, this is a natural process. She then sheds old needles.

If only the tips of the shoots turn brown or yellow, white spots appear on the trunk or the whole tree seems to have dried up, either incorrect care or diseases are responsible.

Pest infestation by the leaf miner

Brown shoot tips can be triggered by an infestation of the leaf miner. Symptoms include feeding tunnels in the shoots in addition to the brown tips. There are small black dots on the needles, the heaps of feces of the pests.

Fungal infestation of thuja

Fungal diseases are indicated by discolored needles that become very soft. The infestation begins at the tips of the shoots and progresses quite quickly to the trunk.

If the stem becomes whitish and blotchy underneath, the cause could be root rot. It is caused by the transfer of fungal spores and is favored by locations that are too moist and dense.

Combat diseases of thuja

If the diseases of the thuja have been triggered by incorrect care, the tree of life can often still be saved. Either provide better drainage or water more regularly. Be economical with mineral fertilizers and prefer to use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure.

If the thuja is infested with pests, cut off all infested parts. If you have to cut into the old wood, the thuja will not sprout again there.

In the case of a fungal infestation, it depends on how badly the tree of life is affected. In the case of severe damage and advanced root rot, the only option is to clear the tree of life completely and replace the soil. In the hedge, the adjacent healthy trees must be treated with fungicides. This is the only way to prevent further spread.

tips

If the thuja turns black, it is not a disease, but a manganese deficiency. It is triggered by soil that is too acidic. You can combat this deficiency by liming the floor.

Category:

Trees