Common Cultural: Needle loss
categories: Common Problems Cultural Problems
last review date: 2025-08-16 12:18
Photo by: R. Maleike
Biology
Conifer trees periodically shed older needles. In the early fall following a dry summer, western red cedar often dramatically shed older needles; this is known as cedar flagging.
Broadleaf evergreen plants also show periodic dropping (abscission) of older leaves. This is a natural biological process and not cause for concern in most instances.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
None recommended.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
None recommended.
Additional Images
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Photo by: R.S. Byther
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