Cedar Needle Drop and Cedar-Quince Rust: Normal vs. Action Needed

Brandon Cedar: Natural Needle Drop vs. Disease

Inner needle browning and drop in late summer/fall is normal for cedars. They shed oldest needles annually.

Raking Needles: Personal Choice

• Raking doesn't rob nutrients.
• Leaving needles creates natural mulch.
• Either is fine.

Hard Brown Spots = Cedar-Quince Rust

• Caused by Gymnosporangium claviceps.
• Alternates between junipers/cedars and rosaceous hosts (hawthorn, quince).
• On cedars: elongated galls, orange "goop" in spring. Minor impact.
• No control needed on cedars. The disease is cosmetic only.

Summary

Normal needle drop = no action. Rust spots = no treatment needed. Tree is healthy.