What is killing blue spruce trees in Ohio?

Needle cast disease is caused by two different types of fungi: Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii or Stigmina lautii. These fungi affect the needles of spruce trees, most commonly on Blue Spruce and White Spruce, but all spruce trees are susceptible to needle cast disease. Needle cast can eventually kill the tree.

What is wrong with my 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. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.

What disease is killing 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.

How do you treat blue spruce disease?

Fungicides with the active ingredient chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide or mancozeb will protect new spruce needles from infection by Rhizosphaera.

1. Make one application in spring or early summer when the new needles have grown to half their mature length.
2. Make a second application 3 to 4 weeks later.

Why is my blue spruce dying from the bottom up?

If the upper branches provide too much shade, the lower branches naturally die off. Cytospora canker is a fungus that attacks spruces and causes branch death. Look for white oozing sap on the dead branches—usually back near the trunk.

Is blue spruce dying?

Colorado Blue Spruce is, to no surprise, native to Colorado and much of the west mountainous region of the U.S. It likes dry weather and sandy soil. 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.

What is the life expectancy of a blue spruce tree?

The tree has a mature height of around 70 to 80 feet. While blue spruce grows relatively slowly, it is long-lived and may reach ages of 600-800 years.

Are blue spruces 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.

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.

Why is my evergreen dying from the bottom up?

1) Lack of Water In drought environments, evergreen trees can have issues getting enough water to all their needles. Because of this, bottom needles will die and turn brown in order to help hydrate the rest of the tree. Solution: If the tree’s soil is dry to the touch, give it extra water.

What causes a blue spruce to lose its needles?

Spruce and pine trees can be prone to several fungal infections that can lead to needle discoloration and early drop. One of these fungal infections is known as cytospora canker, which primarily affects Colorado blue spruces. Cytospora canker also causes resin-covered cankers on affected branches.

Why do blue spruce trees lose their needles?

Spruce and pine trees can be prone to several fungal infections that can lead to needle discoloration and early drop. One of these fungal infections is known as cytospora canker, which primarily affects Colorado blue spruces.

Why is my Blue Spruce 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 is Fat Albert spruce?

A cultivar of Colorado Blue spruce, Fat Albert (Picea pungens cv. “Fat Albert”) is a low-growing, semi-dwarf evergreen conifer. Fat Albert features a handsome, pyramidal shape and distinctive bluish-green, sharp needles. The tree grows slowly, ultimately reaching about 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide by the time it is 10 years old.

What is spruce tree disease?

Two of the most common spruce tree diseases are rust disease and canker disease. Parasitic fungi cause both of these diseases, and both result in browning of the needles on the tree.