Some Douglas-firs and other conifers in northwestern Oregon look noticeably haggard this year and concerned residents are asking why.  As with most events in the long life of trees, the cause goes back a ways - in this instance to last summer and fall when a lack of water stressed the trees, but the effects did not show up until now.  Dead tree-tops and flared-out branches are a classic sign of drought stress, which can also lower trees' resistence to disease and pests.

More information on drought-stressed conifers