Natural Cone Production on Thuja (Arborvitae) Trees

~30 Thuja trees developed pulpy growths; owner previously dealt with bagworms but these lack insects.

Identification

These are natural seed cones—signs of a healthy, reproductively mature tree. They appear annually, fall off, and return next season. The linked Arizona Extension page shows Platycladus orientalis cones for reference.

Management

No treatment needed. Cones can be pruned off if unsightly, but this is labor-intensive on 30 trees. They're a normal, healthy part of the tree's life cycle.