Leaf Blight (Keithia Blight)

Western red cedar develops small bleached spots on young leaves, turning brown with apothecia visible; leaves drop by fall. Didymascella thujina requires wet conditions during summer spore discharge. Plant resistant cultivars (Atrovirens and Excelsa are susceptible), space for air drying, and avoid downwind planting near infected hedges.

Remove blighted tissue promptly, cutting well below visible symptoms. Improve air circulation by thinning dense growth. Avoid overhead watering, especially during bloom and new growth periods when tissues are most susceptible. For recurring problems, preventive fungicide applications timed to protect new growth can reduce infection, but cultural controls should be your first approach.