# An Infestation of a Cedar Tree
Cedars (Cedrus spp.) are coniferous evergreens with a moderately fast growth rate. The tall-growing trees are best suited for larger landscapes, parks and streets. Cedar trees thrive in full sun and require regular irrigation during summer to avoid drought damage. A root-injuring pest is likely to infest cedars.
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Identification
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Cedar trees are prone to infestation from the pinewood nematode. The pests are very small roundworms shaped like eels. Nematodes cannot be seen with the naked eye and start to enter the tree through the roots.
Damage
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Pinewood nematodes damage the vascular or water-conducting tissues in the stems, twigs and trunk. The insects spread by riding on roundheaded borers or longhorned beetles to new trees. Initial symptoms include gradual decline of the tree and branch dieback. Weak-growing trees and those that are already under cultural stress are more prone to infestation.
Control
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No control options exist for pinewood nematodes once trees are infested. Recommended management is to prune all affected branches or the entire tree in case of heavy damage. Use resistant tree species.
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