Privacy Conifers and Dead Branches

It is often difficult to decipher why a branch would die on an Arborvitae and Cypress. A one off event should not be a cause for concern.

Common sense suggests that the dead limb at one point failed to receive adequate circulation. Such may be caused by mechanical damage to the limb or insect damage or damage to the bark or root.

Regardless of the cause, the safest course of action is to cut away the dead limb as soon as it is noticed and clear away the dead branch. It is a good idea to monitor the tree to observe if the tree will continue to develop dead branches in the future and if so, a more in depth investigation may be warranted.