Cedar Tree Is Producing Lots Of Ball Shaped Cones

Question From: j. mattingly - Marine, Illinois, United States
Q: I have a cedar tree that has green balls about the size of a golf ball on most all the branches. I took one off and smells like cedar when it is crushed. The tree is drooping badly because of the weight of the balls. I am not sure what type of a cedar it is but it loses all its needles every fall then they come back in the spring

A: I believe the "balls" are actually cones. When trees are stress they produce lots of cones. I would make sure your tree is well watered during this period of heat and possibly drought. I always recommend an onsite inspection from a certified arborist for trees that have suffered stress. There are often other issues that are missed by the untrained eye. To find and professional in your area go to www.tcia.org. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy