Cedars won’t grow in one area of a cedar hedge

Question

For the past 3 years I’ve been trying to establish a cedar hedge. All cedars are thriving except in one area. I’ve replaced 3 cedars –initially they started off great after being planted in early spring, however usually in August “the one” started to turn brown (some parts remained green). I removed each of the “dead” cedars in the following spring and replanted another. I stripped off the dead parts of the “dead” cedar and replanted in other areas of my garden — all three replanted cedars are now doing well replanted. My method of planting is: dig a hole that will accommodate the root ball, after trimming off any broken roots, place the cedar in the hole, not too deep, water until the hole is overflowing, wait until water is absorbed, water again with liquid fertilizer, backfill the hole with a mixture of original soil and purchased garden soil. Water every day until water is absorbed into soil. Check for dryness (top 2″) a couple of times a week during growing season, fertilize once more. Cedar looks healthy until August. Do I forget about planting a cedar in this spot? others planted in the area are going gangbuster! What else could I plant that would fit in with the other cedars. What am I doing wrong? No photo available, just imagine a 5′ gorgeous cedar a russet colour, with one or two stems healthy green.

Answer 1

This appears to be a fungal issue. There are many ways to deal with this. Rosemary oil, garlic oil, lavender oil, cinnamon, wettable sulfur, and neem oil are all very powerful antifungal agents. Treat this fungus, and you will be clear to plant again.