Question
I live in Wake Forest, NC, outside of Raleigh, Zone 7.  Three years ago we planted a Deodar Cedar in front of our house, western exposure, full sun.  It had done wonderfully and is a beautiful specimen.  However, the other day I noticed the tips of the needles are turning brown and it appears to look more wilted than usual.  We have had severe drought conditions until just recently, but have a sprinkler system which we use sparingly.  The nurseryman who planted it suggested it might be too wet, so we pulled back the mulch immediately around the trunk and removed the very bottom branches which touched the ground to allow more air circulation. Some branches seem unaffected but it is severe on others and the top. I have examined it closely and there do not appear to be any insects on it.  Can you help me?  I'd hate to lose this tree.  Thanks.

Answer
Paddy,
The fact that the leaf tips are turning brown point to a root problem.
Was the soil moist when you pulled away the mulch? You said that there were severe drought conditions and that you use the spriklers sparingly. Drought stress on any plant is not a sudden occurance, but is cumulative over time. It is possible that the cedar is starting to show the effects form this drought.
I would make sure that the soil is soaked regularly, but be careful not to overwater.
Prune back slightly on the branches to help reduce transpiration or spray them with an Anti-dessicant to seal up the pores which will also help the plant minimize water loss.
Good luck
Ed Gulliksen