Question
Greg,

We bought a house with a large saguaro about 20 years ago.  One of the arms swang down about 10 years ago, but we left it in place and it is still green.  It is about 20 feet high now.

Last week two more arms swang down and one completely ripped off.  We also noticed a vertical crack appeared from the base of the cactus to about midway up the cactus.  

Is our saguaro dying?  Should we do anything about the crack?  

Answer
Dear Stan,

Generally a saguaros' arms will swing down like that from cold damage. If they twist off, it was probably because of the shift in weight. As far as the crack goes, that will usually happen to any cactus that takes up too much water too quickly. This will sometimes happen if there has been a lot of rain.

The problem can be worsened in a place that was landscaped many years ago. The reason is that way back when, landscapers put down plastic to control weeds, but the plastic also holds in moisture. Unless you have black ooze coming out of the crack or the whole plant turning yellow and shriveling up, it should be OK. Hopes this helps,

Sincerely,

Greg