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Sick conifers what could it be ?

G'day,

           I live near the boarder of Victoria and South Australia, I have 20 Castlewellan Gold conifers which are dying.   Brown bits start on a few limbs and spreads, sometimes the tree just turns brown and dies. The trees are 2 to 4 years old.  Please could you give me any idea of what this is and how to treat this problem.  Thanks heaps, Cathy.

Hi Cathy,

                 Sounds like you have a pathogen called "Cypress Canker".  The conifer plants can die in a matter of weeks sometimes.  Usually the ones that die are under water stress to start with  (need water) , so they are weak.   There is a spray and injection that will help the trees overcome this problem.  Probably best to contact your local Ag dept they would know the right spray for your area.   Also try any local Arborculturist (tree doctor)  However,  generally once the conifers get this pest they die so quickly any treatment can be a waste of money.   Best to try and keep them healthy,  as soon as they start getting the odd brown branch, treat the soil with a wetting agent and water the root zone very well,  I say this because the trees tend to die in the middle of summer.  

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