Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Look closely for fine webbing on the branches.
- Inspect the tree for small, hanging silk bags.
- Check if the interior needles are yellowing and falling off.
Likely causes
Spider mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny webbing between the needles and the foliage will look dusty or bronze. These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions.
What to do: Spray the foliage thoroughly with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.
Bagworms
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by caterpillars building silk bags covered in bits of foliage. You will see small, cone shaped bags hanging from the branches.
What to do: Pick the bags off by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Do this in late winter or early spring before the eggs hatch.
Find out what's wrong with your northern white cedar
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.
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When to worry
If the tree is losing foliage rapidly from the outside in, it is a serious issue. It is perfectly normal for cedars to shed some interior needles in the fall.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and inspect it regularly for early signs of pest activity.
Northern white cedar: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your northern white cedar 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.
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Questions people ask
- Is it normal for my cedar to lose needles in autumn?
- Yes, cedars naturally shed older, interior needles every year. This is a normal part of the tree's life cycle.
- Do I need to spray chemicals for pests?
- Only use chemicals if physical removal or water sprays fail. Always choose products that are safe for conifers.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Northern white cedar
Back to the Northern white cedar guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.