Cedar Hedge

(Question)

We have just moved in to a house that has an old cedar hedge which is dying at various places. It has holes in it. The branches where it is dyeing has a speckle of white on it. How do I treat it?
secondly, in one section the old owners planted new cedar trees to probably fill up some section. So there are cedar trees growing in sections of the hedge. If I cut the trees down will they blend into the hedge? The hedge is about 5 ft tall. Is a cedar tree plant different from a cedar hedge plant? we really like the hedge it gives our front yard a lot of privacy. I would really appreciate some advice. I am not a very experienced gardener.
I can only attach one image but would like to share an other where they have planted cedar trees between the hedge.

I look forward to hearing from someone. Thank you so much. Munira

(Answer)

With regards to the white speckles, take a closer look to determine what these are – they could be mites, scale, aphids or leaf miners.  Once you have determined which it is, visit your local nursery for the appropriate treatment if it is required.  Mites & aphids can be controlled by a good spray of water from the hose along with a dormant oil spray.  Scale can be handpicked off or sprayed with a horticultural oil (life cycle timing is important).  Cedars can tolerate some Leaf miners but if the infestation is heavy, then pruning out and destroying infestation may be the only option.

Cedars can be pruned but if done too severely, it can be detrimental to the life of the tree or it may not regrow in the way you would like it to.  There are two cedar tree types which are native to Ontario – the Eastern White Cedar and the Eastern Red Cedar (the white being a true cedar with the red being a juniper).  That being said, there are more types than these two which have been used for fencing in the landscape, so finding out what the previous owners used to “fill in” would be important before you do damage by extensive pruning.

I would recommend contacting a certified arborist who is familiar with your area to help you with this problem. If you need help finding such a person, contact Landscape Ontario or the International Association of Arboriculture (Ontario division) – see links below.

https://landscapeontario.com/

https://isaontario.com/

Good luck.