Expert: Jim Hyland - 7/26/2010

Question
Hi Jim,

I have a dozen cupressus macrocarpa, planted a little over a year ago from 24" boxes.  They are now 20-25' feet tall and beautiful.  Recently, however, I have noticed that the needles on the lower branches are turning brown fom the trunk outward, yet the last foot or so on each branch is still green.  I live in Southern California, Ventura County, in a valley.  Any idea what this means, not enough water, too much water, disease?  Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated, I would hate too lose these beautiful trees.  Thanks,  Kevin

Answer
Sounds normal to me. As a tree grows the older needles will die especially the one shaded that are nearer the trunk. There is a disease that can infect cypress but this will kill the limb not just the inner needles. It does not sound like this.  I do not think there is a problem just natural needle drop. They do not need much water so I would not water unless the soil gets dry in the first couple of inches then only wet the soil not drown the soil.