Are these bumps harmful?

Yes, scale insects drain the tree of energy and can cause significant branch dieback. You should treat them as soon as you spot them.

Will the yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf has turned yellow or brown, it will not turn green again. Focus on preventing the yellowing from spreading to new growth.

Hinoki cypress: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the stems for small, raised bumps.
Rub the foliage to see if any insects come off.
Check the soil pH to ensure it is slightly acidic.

Likely causes

Juniper scale
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, round, white or brown bumps attached to the stems. These insects suck sap, causing the foliage to yellow and eventually drop.
What to do: Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the stems during the crawler stage in late spring. Repeat the application every 7 to 10 days as directed on the label.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The foliage looks pale or yellow across the whole plant rather than in patches. This often happens in very sandy or depleted soil.
What to do: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for evergreens in early spring. Follow the package instructions for the size of your tree.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hinoki cypress

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Small amounts of yellowing on the oldest, interior foliage is normal. If the yellowing is spreading to the outer tips or the whole tree, take action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with consistent water and monitor the stems for pests during the spring months.

Hinoki cypress: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hinoki cypress and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these bumps harmful?: Yes, scale insects drain the tree of energy and can cause significant branch dieback. You should treat them as soon as you spot them.
Will the yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf has turned yellow or brown, it will not turn green again. Focus on preventing the yellowing from spreading to new growth.

Guides to these causes

Juniper Scale

Why are my Hinoki cypress leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your hinoki cypress?