Redwood Top Dieback: Internal Decay, Monitor for Hazard

40-ft blue aptos redwood: top 4–6 ft brown/dead. Neighbors had blight years ago, trees removed.

Assessment

Top dieback = internal decay (fungal/bacterial). Slow, progressive. Many organisms persist on dead wood indefinitely.

Action

• Water/fertilize to prolong life.
• Have arborist evaluate structural risk.
• Eventually remove before hazard.

Blight organisms can survive decades.