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Soil Issues/browning of cedars

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Expert: James L. Crowder - 5/11/2009


Question
My area of the country is renowned for granite outcroppings. Indeed, our cellar floor is bedrock granite, and hunks of granite are used in our landscaping. Our ornamental evergreens [cedars and junipers, but not yews]suffer from "browning" on the branch extremities.They are well nourished with compost and water. I'm surmising that they would benefit from dolomite lime being added to the soil to raise the Ph.My concern is that I read somewhere that cedars actually like an acidic soil. I would appreciate your advise. Gary Cousins

Answer
Hi Gary, Check you pH.  Junipers and true cedars should be fine in the 5.5 to 6.5 range.  Adjust the pH to within that range if necessary.  If you can rule out insect and disease problems and your pH is correct, then it may just be the bronze winter cast that many junipers take on.  That's natural and nothing to be concerned about.  But don't add lime until you know your pH.  Jim

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James L. Crowder

Expertise

I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I can answer questions about insects and diseases, weed control, etc. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants.

Experience

I have 40 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.

Organizations
Garden Writers Association

Publications
Green Thumb Magazine - out of print

Education/Credentials
40 years of learning everday.

Awards and Honors
Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society. Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society. Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award

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