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. ... In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.
Can you save a dying spruce tree?
Prune away dead branches, twigs, and infected areas of the tree . Remove fallen foliage and destroy it (burn it). Do not add to compost piles. Apply a fungicide to the tree after removing signs of the infection.
What kills blue spruce trees?
By far the most common complaint of cultivated blue spruces is needle cast disease, mostly that caused by the fungus Rhizospaera kalkhoffii . It infects young needles and overwinters on living or recently killed foliage. During the growing season, the spores spread to other branches, or other trees, by splashing water.
How do you treat a sick blue spruce?
- Make 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.
What kills blue spruce from the bottom up?
When entire lower branches on a spruce have died, the problem is more likely to be cytospora canker , Yiesla said. This fungus lives under the bark and destroys the vessels that carry water and nutrients, so the whole branch dries out and dies.
Can you save a dying blue spruce?
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.
Are blue spruce trees dying?
In general, blue spruce do better in nutrient-poor and well-drained soil. Poorly drained soils stress the trees and welcome pests and disease. Many of the blue spruce around my house are in sandy soil, they are still dying . The trees are dropping needles fast- this is due to one of several needle-cast diseases.
Can a dying pine tree be saved?
Once the issue progresses to a particular stage, it’s almost impossible to save the pine tree . Pine trees are evergreen, so the leaves do not turn brown until they fall from the tree. Pine needles should fall in late summer. If this is happening at another time of year, you may need to consult a professional.
Can a spruce tree come back to life?
As long as there is a little life left in the tree, it can be green again . Don’t mistake brown needless for a dead tree. Brown needles can appear after a cold, dry winter that was preceded by a dry summer. These two factors combine to cause the evergreen to become dehydrated.
What is the lifespan of a blue spruce tree?
Growth and Yield- Blue spruce is apparently a long-lived tree, surviving up to 600 years or more . Diameter growth is slow; trees 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in) in d.b.h. may be 125 to 135 years old; at 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in), they may be 275 to 350 years of age (84).
What is a good fertilizer for blue spruce?
Sprinkle 10-10-10 slow-release granulated fertilizer over the soil in the root zone, and hen water with about 2 inches of water to prevent fertilizer burn and incorporate the fertilizer into the water.
Why are my blue spruce trees turning brown?
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?
Do blue spruce need a lot of water?
Blue Spruce Care
Although Colorado blue spruce is more drought tolerant than other spruces, it does need consistent water (from rain or irrigation) to thrive. Water regularly during the first season or two while the tree roots are getting established, then as needed during dry periods.
Should you trim the bottom of a blue spruce?
Trimming bottom branches of blue spruce creates a neater appearance , and makes it easier to reach underneath the tree to rake or apply mulch. Create even spacing among branches by eliminating branches in thick sections of the tree to match the spacing in thinner sections.
Why is my globe blue spruce dying?
By far the most common complaint of cultivated blue spruces is needle cast disease , mostly that caused by the fungus Rhizospaera kalkhoffii. It infects young needles and overwinters on living or recently killed foliage. During the growing season, the spores spread to other branches, or other trees, by splashing water.
Will blue spruce branches grow back?
Generally, spruce trees will regrow as long as buds are available , but pine trees pruned past the last set of needles on a branch will not.
