Question
Greetings!  We planted a row of 6' cedars along the rear of our property line this past May.  They were planted in new triple mix (to 3'), were watered every few days, and we used 5-15-5 root stimulator.  They get at least 6 hours of sun a day.  They seemed to be doing okay, until just recently.  Several are looking very dry & brown in the centre.  Is it possible that concrete dust blowing on them for the past 2 weeks from a neighbours pool/interlock patio project could have affected them?  Do you have suggestions to revive them?

Answer
Hello,

Concrete contains sodium hydroxide. Plants are very sensitive to any salt (sodium) and can be readily killed by it. The alkalinity of the concrete dust would also act to kill plants. The only advice I can give is to hose down the cedar and hope it lives. There is no way to "revive" a plant poisoned by salt. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Mark Harshman


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