Cedar Decline Near Utility Lines: Herbicide Drift vs. Transplant Decision

Small cedar (2+ years, thriving) now dying bottom-up. Dry but normal drought index. Near telephone pole/power lines. Owner wants to move it.

Initial Diagnosis

Lower-crown browning suggests ground-level herbicide application (utility vegetation management). Tree otherwise healthy—transplant viable.

Transplant Timing

• Fall: ≥6 weeks before ground freeze.
• Spring: ≤4 weeks after deciduous leaf-out.
• Root ball: 9–12″ width per inch trunk caliper; 6″ depth per inch.

Follow-Up: Owner Denies Spraying

Alternatives:

• Dog urine (repeated)
• Utility pole herbicide treatment (common practice)
• Road repaving runoff (but other plants unaffected)

Recommendation

Move the tree regardless. If cause was environmental (not root disease), it will recover in new location. Follow root ball specs. Mulch, water, no fertilizer year one.