Having a coniferous hedge in a garden is something very, very beautiful, as well as practical. By having a short but dense foliage, they allow us to enjoy the place with more security and privacy; not to mention that they help reduce noise.
However, sometimes everything does not go as it should, and that is when we wonder why conifers turn brown. If you are concerned about your plants, discover what is happening to them and what you can do to try to solve the problem.
Mushrooms
Image - Cartagenabonsai.blogspot.com
Fungi are the main killers of coniferous hedges. More specifically, the phytophthora and the seridium. In the first case, the leaves are drying in areas from the inside out, while in the second, the bark will turn reddish-brown and brittle. The Seridium also produces cankers (cracks or rings) in the wood.
Which is the treatment? There are several things we can do, which are:
- Make treatments with fungicides, with Fosetil-Al being highly recommended, every 20 days, except in winter.
- Use pruning tools previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.
- Water and fertilize whenever necessary, avoiding waterlogging and overdose.
- In case of death of the plant, avoid planting the same species and disinfect the soil with fungicide as mentioned and, if possible, leaving the hole open for at least 1 year.
Lack of magnesium
When a conifer begins to dry out its tips, it is almost certainly lacking in magnesium. The most effective way to prevent and cure it is by using a product that they sell as »Anti-brown conifers», which is a fertilizer that provides magnesium, nitrogen and sulfur.
It is applied by spraying, either in the early morning or at dusk, following the instructions specified on the package.
Irrigation problems
Lack of water
The plant dries up because it is thirsty or because the soil does not retain moisture. It is common in newly transplanted young conifers. To prevent and / or solve it, you have to water whenever necessary, much more often during the hottest season. So that the water is not lost, a tree must be made with the same earth around the plant.
Excess of water
When overwatered, or when the soil has poor drainage, roots can rot in a matter of days. Unfortunately, the only possible treatment is prevention, checking the drainage before planting the plant and improving it. You have more information at this article.
Lack of space
This problem causes the same symptoms as a lack of magnesium and other nutrients. Conifers that are planted close together end up drying out because they simply don't have room to grow.
What to do? It is very important to know what dimensions the species we want to plant will reach, and what is the minimum distance to be left between specimens. If they have already been planted, then some have to be removed.
Cold
Although it is not very frequent, if the conifers are young or have been protected at some point they can end with the tips of the brown leaves. This should not worry us excessively: if the species are resistant, in spring they will recover.
Have you been able to find out what happens to your conifer?