Question
2 of 22 Cedar trees that line my driveway have started to die from the top down.  If I was to cut off the tree below the dying section, is it possible splice/graft a good branch from one of the other healthy cedar trees onto the trunk to create a new center?  

Back ground on the trees:
Planted 18 years ago
Climate Northern California foothills north east of Sacramento.
Summer temps morning 50's- low 60's, highs 95-102
Winter temps 20's for lows and 50's for highs
Average rainfall is 45 inches

I know it would probably be better to just cut out the two trees, remove the stump and plant new, but if it is possible to graft splice I would like to give it a try.

Thank you for any help or advice you can give,
Steve,


Answer
Grafting would not work well in this situation. IF the lower branches are green and look healthy you might try cutting the dead and dying top off and let one of the lower branches grow as the new top. You will have a bushy type tree for a few years but over time it should grow almost straight (will always have a slight crook the tree trunk). You can replace the dying trees but the new ones will be a long time catching up with the growth (height) of the original cedars. I think I would replace the dying trees since they are along the driveway and noticeable.