How to care for a diseased blue spruce tree?
Planting Blue Spruce – How To Care For Blue Spruce
- Buy only quality plants. ...
- A sunny place is best for planting. ...
- Plant Blue Spruce in spring or autumn. ...
- The soil should be moist and drained. ...
- When planting, try not to damage the root system. ...
- Feed with fertilizer. ...
- Blue Spruce can be damaged by insects. ...
- By pruning, you can form beautiful garden forms. ...
What are the different spruce diseases?
List of Different Types of Spruce Trees
- Sargent’s spruce ( Picea brachytyla)
- Chihuahua spruce ( Picea chihuahuana)
- Burmese spruce ( Picea farreri)
- Likiang spruce ( Picea likiangensis)
- Martinez spruce ( Picea martinezii)
- Maximowicz spruce ( Picea maximowiczii)
- Taiwan spruce ( Picea morrisonicola)
- Veitch’s spruce ( Picea neoveitchii)
- Caucasian or Oriental spruce ( Picea orientalis)
Why are the blue spruce trees dying?
- Vertical cracks on the tree.
- Missing bark on the tree trunk.
- Cankers or areas of dead bark.
- If you scratch the trunk and see the inner layer of bark is brown, your tree is dead.
Why is my Blue Spruce dying?
Additional resources
- Alternative conifers for Michigan landscapes for suggested alternatives to blue spruce trees from MSU Extension
- MSU Extension website for up to date information on spruce decline research
- Gardening in Michigan website for more information on planting and caring for trees in the landscape
See more
How do you treat blue spruce disease?
Currently the only chemical treatment for Cytospora canker on blue spruce in the landscape is an injected fungicide that must be applied by a certified applicator. Yearly fungicide treatments can help with needlecast but appropriate timing and good coverage are essential to reduce needle loss.
How do you save a dying blue spruce?
The following will help you manage needlecast:Prune away dead branches, twigs, and infected areas of the tree.Remove fallen foliage and destroy it (burn it). ... Apply a fungicide to the tree after removing signs of the infection.Deep water the tree once per week to help it recover from the stress.
Can a blue spruce recover from needle cast?
Rhizosphaera and Stigmina, the two most common needle cast diseases of spruce trees, are treatable. You can have your tree looking lush and beautiful again within a few years by following a program of needle cast treatment.
What disease kills blue spruce trees?
Rhizosphaera needle cast, a fungus disease caused by Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, is primarily a disease of blue spruce (Picea pungens) trees in New Mexico, though it can affect other conifers, such as ponderosa pine, Japanese black pine, and Douglas fir.
Can you revive a blue spruce tree?
When you detect some of the symptoms early, you can sometimes save your spruce trees. However, you need professional help to treat some of the diseases that kill spruce trees. On the other hand, if the trees can't be saved, you can replace them with a different kind.
When do you spray a blue spruce with fungicide?
FungicidesMake one application in spring or early summer when the new needles have grown to half their mature length.Make a second application 3 to 4 weeks later.Chlorothalonil based fungicides may discolor spruce needles. As a result some chlorothalonil-based fungicides are listed as phytotoxic to spruce trees.
What does a diseased blue spruce look like?
Symptoms - The disease is usually first evident on lower branches and then works upward gradually. Second-year needles turn a purple or brown color and eventually fall from the tree. After several successive years of needle loss branches may die. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.
What is the best fungicide for needle cast?
Needle cast diseases can be effectively controlled with fungicides containing chlorothalonil. For Rhizosphaera needle cast, two properly-timed applications per year for at least two consecutive years, and sometimes three years, is required for control.
Will blue spruce regrow needles?
Well, the short answer is no, the needles will not grow back. Long answer is, as long as the growing tips of the branches are not damaged, the tree will most likely produce new buds next year as long as the tree has been properly cared for (good water, maybe a bit of fertilizer this past spring, etc.).
How do you treat blue spruce cytospora canker?
Management: There is no known cure for cytospora canker. Fungicide treatments are not recommended. The Davey Institute recommends maintaining the health and vitality of susceptible trees to manage the disease; healthy trees are less susceptible to cytospora canker.
How is Diplodia tip blight treated?
Diplodia tip blight does respond to fungicide treatments, which should start at bud break in the spring for effective control. If these treatments aren't used, then cones should also be removed during pruning because they hold many fungal spores.
Why does my blue spruce have brown needles?
If this is what you're seeing, your blue spruce tree is likely suffering from needle cast disease. Once these needles turn brown, yellow, or red, they will likely begin to shed. Many homeowners that are experiencing needle cast will often describe their blue spruce as looking burned. What is needle cast disease?
Why are the lower branches of my Blue Spruce dying?
The lower branches of Blue Spruce die because of the top of the canopy shading the lower branches. Blue Spruce also dies from the bottom up if it’s suffering from Cytospora canker.
Why do Blue Spruce needles turn brown?
Blue Spruce needles turn brown due to Cytospora canker disease. Blue Spruce needles also turn brown when the tree is infected by Rhizosphaera needle cast. Stigmina needle cast disease also causes the same damage to the victim plant.
Blue Spruce dying from top down
Blue Spruce dies from top-down when the winter winds arrive. Blue Spruce also dies from top-down if there’s an infestation of White Pine Weevils or Bark Beetles
Why is my Blue Spruce yellowing?
Blue Spruce turns yellow when it gets more water than needed. The roots get stressed when the Blue Spruce is overwatered. Blue Spruce also turns yellow in the initial stages of needle cast disease.
How long does it take for a spruce tree to become susceptible to disease?
It seems that at about 25 years something happens and the spruce become highly susceptible. One article speculated it could something to do with the tree's inability to move adequate water to all parts of the tree and a resulting inability to then defend against disease attack.
How tall is a blue spruce tree?
The trees in nature can reach impressive heights; it is not uncommon to find individuals that are over 100' tall, with trunks 5' or so in diameter.
How long does a Picea pungens tree live?
It is a relatively slow-growing tree, as wild trees go, but it is long-lived (many reach 600-800 years). Picea pungens does best in cool climates with regular, short bursts of summer rainfall, conditions that are difficult to duplicate outside its native, mountainous, range.
What is the name of the spruce in Colorado?
Colorado (or Blue) Spruce in Nature. Colorado spruce, also referred to as blue spruce, is botanically styled Picea pungens. Picea is the genus name for spruce, and pungens, its species name, means 'sharp' or 'spiny' in Latin, which refers to the spikiness of the needles.
What is the name of the plant that has a clear, powder blue needle?
In the background, Picea pungens 'Fat Albert' draws the eye and provides soft, elegant contrast to the green foliage around it. In front, the cultivar 'Lucretia', has clear, powder-blue needles and a more random growth habit.
Why are spruces blue?
The blue coloring is due to a waxy substance on the leaf surface that protects the tree from desiccation and harmful UV light.The more wax, the bluer the needles.
Where is St Mary's spruce grown?
Mary's Broom') not only has anecdotal evidence of success in the Northeast, but was actually found on a tree growing in Morristown, NJ.
What is the disease on a blue spruce tree?
Blue spruce trees are susceptible to an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera. The disease, referred to as Rhizosphaera needle cast, is the most common problem seen on blue spruce samples that are submitted to the Plant Disease Clinic. White spruce are classified as intermediate in susceptibility to the disease and Norway spruce are relatively resistant.
What is the most common disease on spruce trees?
Cytospora Canker of Spruce. The most common canker disease observed in the Iowa State University Plant Disease Clinic is Cytospora canker on blue spruce. Cytospora canker is observed most often on older trees, especially those that are planted in poor sites. Trees weakened by environmental stresses, such as drought, freeze injury, ...
What are the black spots on spruce needles?
Small black spots (fruiting structures of the fungus) appear in rows in the infected needles. The fungus is actually emerging from the stomata (natural pore-like openings) that occur in lines on all sides of a spruce needle. Green needles may show these small black fruiting structures.
What is the name of the fungus that attacks a tree?
The Cytospora canker fungus may attack many different species of hardwood trees, conifers, and shrubs. Spruce trees infected with the Cytospora canker fungus typically show scattered branch dieback, often starting on the lower branches. A close look at the dead branches usually reveals the presence of sticky white sap.
Why do trees have sticky white sap?
Infected trees produce this resinous sap in response to the infection by the canker fungus. The Cytospora fungus gains entrance into branches or twigs of trees through wounds or branch stubs.
How to treat Cytospora canker?
Pruning out diseased branches is the primary means of treating trees showing symptoms of Cytospora canker. Scout declining trees closely for cankers. Prune at least 4-6 inches below any visible cankers. Some branches may need to be pruned back to the trunk. To minimize spread of the disease, prune only during dry weather.
How do you know if a tree has a disease?
Symptoms - The disease is usually first evident on lower branches and then works upward gradually. Second-year needles turn a purple or brown color and eventually fall from the tree. After several successive years of needle loss branches may die. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.
Why are my blue spruce trees dying?
Bare or dying branches on a Colorado blue spruce tree are commonly caused by a few different insect pests or one or more diseases. All of these problems can be exacerbated by drought stress, poor soil conditions, mechanical damage, and climatic conditions such as high humidity.
What are the symptoms of a Colorado blue spruce tree dying?
Dying branches (branch dieback) or branches that are shedding needles are common symptoms of Colorado blue spruce trees and often attributed to either of two insect pests: aphids or the Cooley spruce gall adelgid. These two insect pests look similar, so accurate identification requires a close look. The best way to tell if you have an infestation of Cooley spruce gall adelgid is to look for a cotton-like substance on tree branches. These are the insects' egg sacs. Generally, gall infestations will not damage the health of tree, though they may cause more aesthetic damage. 1
How to tell if a Cooley spruce tree has gall adelgid?
The best way to tell if you have an infestation of Cooley spruce gall adelgid is to look for a cotton-like substance on tree branches. These are the insects' egg sacs. Generally, gall infestations will not damage the health of tree, though they may cause more aesthetic damage. 1 .
How big are aphids on a spruce tree?
They are about 1/16 inch long and can be found in great numbers on the needles of the tree. Mature spruce aphids have olive-green bodies (young aphids are a lighter green) and two sets of wings. 2 .
What causes a spruce tree to have brown needles?
Cytospora canker : A fungal disease that affects older spruce trees, most commonly those more than 15 years old. Symptoms include branches with brown needles that fall off or may stay on the branch as well as a white residue that looks like bird droppings. 3 The residue is caused be resin oozing from infected parts of the tree.
Is the spruce a peer reviewed study?
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cooley Spruce Galls. Colorado State University Extension. Spruce: Spruce Aphid.
What diseases do blue spruce trees have?
Common Blue Spruce Diseases. Common pine tree diseases include Rhizosphaera needle cast and Cytospora canker fungus. The former is an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera, while the latter is caused by fungi that infect the branches or the main stem of the trees.
What are the mites on a spruce tree?
Finally, you may spot gall adelgids, aphids or spruce spider mites on your tree; aphids have olive-green bodies and two sets of wings. If you see a cotton-like substance on the tree's branches (these are the insects' egg sacs), the tree is infested by gall adelgids.
How to treat needle cast disease?
To successfully manage needle cast diseases, remove dead branches, fallen needles and cones under the tree to prevent further infection . Diseased trees can also be sprayed with a fungicide (this will help protect fresh growth and prevent new infections), though you'll want to carefully read the product label for specific timing instructions. Fungicides should be applied when the new needles are half-elongated (in late April or early May), and again three to four weeks later.
What is the color of the Colorado blue spruce tree?
Due to its decent growth rate and beautiful, silvery-blue foliage, the Colorado blue spruce tree (Picea pungens) is widely planted throughout the United States.
Why do trees have dead branches?
As you inspect the tree, you may also notice ridges of wound tissue around older canker infections; and, as cankers progress, they can interfere with the tree's ability to transport nutrients, which inevitably results in dead branches.
When to apply fungicide to a tree?
Fungicides should be applied when the new needles are half-elongated (in late April or early May), and again three to four weeks later. There is no known cure for Cytospora canker fungus, so fungicide treatments are not recommended. The most effective approach is to maintain the health and vitality of your trees.
How long does it take for a tree to die from a fungus?
It can take up to 15 months for the needles to show visible symptoms after the initial infection. Young trees may be killed by this disease, but usually branches die off after 3-4 consecutive years of defoliation, causing trees to look disfigured.
What is needle cast on a spruce tree?
Rhizosphaera needle cast (Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii) is a foliar disease of spruce trees. It is most common in trees growing outside of their native range. It starts on the inner and lower growth and progresses upward through the tree.
What diseases do blue spruce trees get?
There are three principle types of diseases that affect blue spruce trees: needlecasts, tip blights and canker diseases. All of these diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and each produce specific symptoms that can be useful in diagnosing the problem. 1. Needlecasts.
Why are blue spruce trees so popular?
Blue spruce trees are widely planted due to their good growth rate, stately form and, of course, their blue foliage. Unfortunately, blue spruce trees are subject to a wide range of insect and disease problems that can impact their growth and aesthetic appeal. The prevalence of diseases on blue spruce trees has intensified in recent years ...
What causes needlecasts on spruce?
The two most common needlecasts we find in spruce are caused by the fungal pathogens Rhizosphaera and Stigmina/Mycosphaerella. 2. Tip blights. Tip blights are fungal diseases that typically cause dieback to new, emerging shoots (Photo 4).
Why are spruce trees declining in Michigan?
The rapid decline of many spruce trees in Michigan and surrounding states appears to be related to an increase of canker diseases coupled with other disease and insect problems that plague the species . Photo 2.
What are the small insects that feed on plant sap?
Gall adelgids . Adelgids are small insects that feed on shoots by sucking plant sap. As they do so, they cause the shoots to deform and produce galls that resemble cones (Photo 6). Damage from gall adelgids is mainly aesthetic.
Why do trees have canker?
Canker diseases are caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. Typical symptoms of cankers are sunken areas along a stem that may ooze resin (Photo 5). Trees may produce ridges of wound tissue around older canker infections as the tree attempts to restrict the fungus’ growth.
How long does it take to get rid of fungus on a tree?
For control to be fully successful, it may take two to three years of yearly fungicide applications. For canker diseases, the effectiveness of fungicides is usually limited. Removing affected branches is usually the best action to improve the tree’s appearance and slow the spread of disease within the tree.
What spruce is most susceptible to rust?
Blue, white, red, black, Engelmann, and Norway spruces are all susceptible to this disease. Needle rust. Year-old needles are cast after turning rust colored in the spring. Blue spruce is very susceptible, as are black, Engelmann, red, Sitka, and white spruces. Chrysomyxa weirii.
Can fungicide be used on Leucostoma kunzei?
Leucostoma kunzei ( Cytospora) Since the fungus readily infects wounded tissue but remains latent in the tree without causing symptoms until the tree is drought stressed, fungicide sprays cannot be effectively timed to prevent this disease. Select the planting site carefully, avoiding drought prone sites.
Is Norway spruce susceptible to blight?
White spruce is somewhat susceptible. Norway spruce is relatively resistant. Stig mina needle blight. Year-old needles turn yellow, brown and then fall in the Spring a year after infection. Brown needles have tiny, black fungal fruiting structures in rows on either side of the midvein on the underside of the needle.
