Deodara Cedar Fire Damage: Survival Assessment and Spring Watch

Three 8-ft deodara cedars (planted 2 years ago) scorched by a neighbor’s lawn fire. Trunks unburned; branches yellowed from heat. Owner asks survival odds and how to check.

Survival Rule

Evergreens survive if <50% of the crown is killed. Lower branches often die back even if the tree lives.

Live/Dead Test

Scrape bark on scorched branches:

• Green cambium: limb alive—wait for spring growth.
• Brown cambium: limb dead—prune it off.

No treatment accelerates recovery. Photograph the trees. Wait for spring budbreak; only then can true survival be assessed. Prognosis is guarded.