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Check these first
- Check if the soil is dry and needs a deep soak.
- Look for tiny mites or webbing on the yellowing needles.
- Check if the yellowing is only on the older, inner needles.
Likely causes
Moisture stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The needles turn yellow and eventually drop off during periods of drought. The soil feels dry and hard to the touch.
What to do: Water the tree deeply every 7 to 14 days during dry spells. Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain moisture.
Spider mite damage
PossibleHow to tell: The foliage looks yellow or stippled, especially during hot summer months. You might see tiny mites or webbing on the underside of the needles.
What to do: Wash the foliage with a strong spray of water to knock off the mites. If the yellowing continues, apply an insecticidal soap according to the label directions.
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
It is normal for older, interior needles to turn yellow and drop in the fall as the tree prepares for winter. Be concerned if the new growth at the tips is turning yellow.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree hydrated during dry summer months and monitor for pests regularly. A healthy, well-watered tree is much more resistant to yellowing.
Northern white cedar: yellow leaves? 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 some yellow needles?
- Yes, it is perfectly normal for the tree to shed older, interior needles in the autumn. This is just the tree's natural cycle.
- Does full sun cause yellowing?
- Northern white cedars enjoy full sun, but they can get stressed if they are not watered enough in that heat. Ensure they get deep waterings during hot, sunny weeks.
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.