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Check these first
- Check the soil pH to ensure it is not too alkaline.
- Look for signs of pests like spider mites on the underside of needles.
- Observe if the yellowing is uniform or patchy across the tree.
Likely causes
Nutrient deficiency
Most likelyHow to tell: The needles lose their deep green color and turn a pale yellow or lime green. This often happens in soil that lacks sufficient nitrogen.
What to do: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring. Follow the package instructions for the size of your specific tree.
Sun scorch
PossibleHow to tell: Yellowing occurs on the side of the tree receiving the most intense afternoon sun. The needles may look bleached or washed out.
What to do: Provide temporary shade with a burlap screen during the hottest part of the summer. Ensure the tree is well-watered to help it handle the heat.
Find out what's wrong with your western red 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
Worry if the yellowing is accompanied by needle drop or branch dieback. Minor yellowing on older needles is often just part of the natural aging process.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and annual fertilization. Mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
Western Red Cedar: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western red 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Should I fertilize a yellowing cedar immediately?
- Only fertilize if you are sure it is a nutrient issue. If the tree is suffering from root rot, fertilizer can actually make the stress worse.
- Is yellowing the same as cedar flagging?
- No, flagging is the browning of interior needles in late summer. Yellowing is usually a sign of stress or a nutrient deficiency.
More problems with Western Red Cedar
- Why are my Western Red Cedar tips turning brown?
- Why is my Western Red Cedar losing needles?
- How do I get rid of bugs on my Western Red Cedar?
- How do I know if my Western Red Cedar has root rot?
- Why is my Western Red Cedar drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Western Red Cedar?
- Why is my Western Red Cedar looking leggy?
Back to the Western Red 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.