Fallen Saguaro: Rot from Cold or Irrigation

Diagnosis

Saguaro fell, black interior at break, gray mush at base. Two causes:

• Hard freeze (recent cold snap <20°F) – damage shows weeks later.
• Chronic overwatering – irrigation, lawn runoff, low spot.

Replanted Saguaros Are Vulnerable

Nursery saguaros planted deeper than wild (for stability) → roots in permanent moist zone → rot. Wild saguaros have shallow, horizontal roots.

For Remaining Saguaros

• Cut all irrigation.
• Rainfall only.
• Check for graying base, oozing.

This One Is Gone

Black interior = dead. Remove professionally if near targets.