weeping blue atlas cedar
Posted by jules D on April 3, 2006
Q: I have a beautiful Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar tree in my garden. The problem is, I don't know if I lost it. It lost all of its needles. It is now early April and I do not see any new buds appearing. Does that mean it's dead? The bark looks wonderful and other than the fact that it lost all of it's needles, it doesn't look dead.
A: Although some "evergreens" do lose their needles (larch is a good example) in the fall, the Atlas Cedar does not. I'm afraid you've lost your tree. You didn't mention where you live so I can't comment on whether your area is appropriate for this species or not. Some of the cultivars of trees (such as your weeping variety) are not as hardy as the orginal stock so your tree may have been in a border-line location or geographic area. Your local nursery should have info on whether this species and variety are appropriate for your area. I know it's quite upsetting to lose a tree that you enjoy so I hope you can replace it with something that will thrive in that location. Do keep in mind too that all kinds of things can affect a tree so disease may also have been a factor too. Hope I've helped a wee bit.
John Wiessinger ( April 3, 2006)