Italian Cypress Canker fungus

[jbeditor1]

I have what appears to be a canker fungus that has affected the top of one of my Italian Cypress trees. The top of this tree is totally brown and dried out looking and it has had this appearance for over 2 years. Until now, I had no idea why it looked like it does, but it appears that it may have the "canker" fungus. The tree is in direct sun and get's quite a bit of a sea breeze as I live near the beach. I have included some supporting literature from Franklin Laemmlen, Ph.D. (Coastal Gardner) below that suggests that I may be able to prune the branches in this area to be rid of the fungus:

"The problem of branch death and whole tree death is caused by a fungus, and the disease is called cypress canker. The causal fungus is most active during the rains of late winter and spring. Fungus spores are dispersed and infect the living bark and cambium, progressively killing tissue. This results in the death of branches, and sometimes the top of a tree, and in time the whole tree as the fungus invades new tissues. Usually, the first symptoms are pale green, then yellowing of affected portions of the tree, followed by death. Where the fungus has invaded the wood, a canker develops, followed by moderate to heavy resin flow around the canker. Diseased limbs can be pruned out. The whole limb should be removed and burned, chipped, or buried as branches left in a brush pile will liberate fungus spores for several years. Dead trees should be removed and destroyed (burned, buried, or chipped, and the wood composted). The principal hosts for cypress canker are Monterey cypress, Italian cypress, and several cypress hybrids — Leyland, Lusitania and Arizona cypress, plus Cupressocyparis bethamii, and C. macnabiana. Juniperus virginiana is also moderately susceptible. It is best not to replant new cypress immediately following the removal of diseased trees."

My question is, if the top of my tree is dead (the entire top is brown), will pruning the branches in this area do any good? If not, what recourse do I have? Dare I cut the trunk at the bottom of the dead area (about 1/5 of the top of the tree?)?. If the fungus is in the trunk of the tree (is that possible?), than is it doomed? Thanks for any advise.

[jbeditor1]

Will there be no reply? Surprising that no one has any remarks or advise on this site. Too bad.

[Tiffane]

Hi,
I was wondering if you were ever able to find any additional information on the Italian Cypress tree problem?
I have purchased a home that has one side of the back yard lined with Italian Cypress trees.
And we are loosing them one by one. There are about 40 of them approximately 40 to 50 feet tall and we have had to cut down 6 so far and a few more are on their way out.
Please let me know if you have any idea on what to do about this cypress canker disease.

Thanks, Tiffany

[backyardgardener]

I'm not an expert, but you can do a search on google and look the posted links.

Search phrase
cypress canker disease pruning
also
italian cypress canker disease pruning

Here is a great video to watch about pruning Italian Cypress
Italian Cypress Video ? 5min.com

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