Why do spruce trees die

When mites are found, sprays you can use include horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or malathion. Spraying tree branches with a forceful stream of water can also help to dislodge mites, and using chemical sprays may not be necessary. Sometimes individual branches of spruces turn brown and die. Scattered, dead branches are the hallmark of Cytospora canker, another fungal disease. A canker is an area of dead bark, and when that dead area grows all the way around the branch, it girdles and kills it.

When a canker grows all the way around the trunk of a tree, it can kill the whole tree. On spruces, Cytospora canker is most visible as areas on the bark leaking abundant white, sticky resin on dead branches. Branches with resin-leaking cankers should be pruned out to reduce the amount of fungus in the tree. Canker diseases occur on trees that are undergoing other stresses, especially drought, so keeping trees in good vigor such as by watering during dry periods can help to prevent Cytospora canker.

Sometimes needles on spruce trees turn brown and no infectious disease or insect damage is apparent. Such stresses include drought stress, injuries to the trunk, winter injury, damage from misapplied chemicals, or root problems. With a little awareness of the common problems on spruce, homeowners can enjoy the abundant beauty that spruce trees bring.

Two high-resolution photos are available for use with this week's column: RhizoNeedleCast. This problem is easy to fix! Suspect your evergreen is dying? Contact your arborist. Share This Post. Join The Discussion. Prev Page Next Page. Related Blog Posts. When to Trim Evergreens March 4, Do I Have a White Pine? January 28, January 7, Request a consultation How can Davey help?

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